Chapter: 127

Caden smirked. "This drug is illegal here and is only available through private transactions. Instruct them to fast-track the investigation. I need to know who's responsible as soon as possible."

Hank nodded in agreement.

The traffic was heavy, and it was clear it would take time to dissipate.

Hank switched off the engine and expressed his confusion to Caden.

"Mr. Ward, I don't quite understand. You have such disdain for your father. If he passes, he passes. You could simply gather evidence and confront Joshua later. Why bother with all this effort now?"

"I need Jerald alive for now," Caden stated calmly.

Hank was taken aback by this revelation.

Understanding the deep-seated secrets Caden held, he refrained from probing further.

Caden gazed out the window, observing the pleasant weather, yet his expression remained icy.

The warmth of the sun did nothing to thaw his cold demeanor.

As the car crept forward, Caden was about to divert his attention when he spotted a familiar figure exiting a bookstore.

There was Alicia, dressed in a light green spaghetti strap dress, complemented by a sheer shawl that almost seemed transparent, resting on her slender shoulders.

She carried two books and was approaching their direction.

The intense sunlight highlighted her striking features.

As Alicia moved, the breeze caught her skirt, accentuating her pure and innocent appearance.

Her outfit was modest yet captivating, attracting admiring looks.

Alicia's beauty was evident.

She was not known for being ostentatious, nor was she one to shy away from attention.

However, today's ensemble was unlike anything Caden had previously seen her wear.

This stirred inappropriate thoughts in him, darkening his expression.

Hank noticed Alicia too and hesitated before suggesting, "Mr. Ward, should we offer Miss Bennett a lift?"

Caden averted his eyes and firmly declined. "No."

Hank held the steering wheel tightly, observing Alicia as she waited by the roadside for a ride.

Nearby, a few pedestrians covertly snapped pictures of her, whispering among themselves.

Surprised, Hank turned to Caden, “Mr. Ward, it looks like they're secretly taking pictures of Miss Bennett.”

A wave of discomfort washed over Caden.

His initial thought was the possibility of an inappropriate photo of Alicia circulating.

He glanced upward.

Alicia, already apart from the group, stood alone and aloof.

Her expression soured as she contemplated retreating into the adjacent greenery, evidently disturbed and intimidated by the crowd.