Chapter: 147
His eyes carried a deep, chilling coldness that seemed almost impenetrable. But in a heartbeat, that icy exterior softened, settling into a calm and composed demeanor.
“What's wrong?" he asked, his voice a low, magnetic rumble.
She watched as his hands gradually relaxed, his clenched fists loosening.
"You were doing so well abroad," she began, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Why did you come back?"
Caden's response was nonchalant, almost dismissive. "For the inheritance."
Alicia's brow arched slightly. "But you don't seem to be fighting for it." Such an obvious thing hadn't escaped her notice.
The dark glint in Caden's eyes dissipated, replaced by a wanton smile.
“Why the sudden interest?" he asked, his tone dripping with playful suspicion. "Are you gathering intel for Joshua, or are you planning to team up with me against him?"
Alicia's lips curved into a small, amused smile.
“Just asking," she replied casually, but her true motive lingered beneath the surface.
She only wanted to divert his attention, keep him occupied, and shield him from the storm raging outside.
“I could ask you the same question." Not one to let things go easily, Caden pressed, “What're you doing here with the Yates family?"
She brushed off his question with a shrug. “I don't want to struggle anymore. I'm here to enjoy life under Joshua's protection."
Caden's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “What if I beat him? The Yates family will be mine. and so will you?"
Alicia's mouth twitched.
He was being roguish again, and for a moment, she allowed herself to forget the scared child she saw in him just a moment earlier.
She quickly pushed aside the fleeting sympathy and capped the ointment bottle in her hands, setting it aside with a soft thud.
“I'm leaving," she announced, the decision firm in her tone.
She moved toward the door, pausing briefly to check the hallway.
Satisfied that no one was lurking nearby, she hobbled out, leaning against the wall for balance.
But as she rounded the corner, her heart jumped into her throat.
Standing directly in her path was Shelia. That insincere smile painted across the older woman's lips was as sharp as the daggers her eyes threw at Alicia.
Shelia had clearly been waiting there for a while already. "Alicia," she purred, her tone dripping with false concern. "What were you doing alone in a room with Caden for so long?"
Shelia hadn't initially noticed Alicia slipping into that guest room.
It wasn't until Caden went downstairs to get medicine for bruises that Shelia grew suspicious. She stepped out of the master bedroom and saw Caden passing by with the medicine. It puzzled her—Caden wasn't hurt, so why would he need medicine?
Then it clicked. She remembered Alicia limping earlier when the latter returned.
It seemed Alicia had injured her knee.
Alicia and Caden were known for their mutual dislike.
Why were they suddenly so close?
Shelia, intimidated by Caden, didn't dare knock on the door or try to listen in. Instead, she chose to wait, hoping to catch them in the act.