Chapter: 319

Caden took the document, rubbing his thumb across its surface.

With a smirk, he then tucked the document away.

Randolph, knowing this was a done deal, exhaled deeply, a weight finally lifting off his chest.

For the first time in days, he could eat with ease, savoring each bite as though it were the first proper meal he'd had in an eternity.

His eyes drifted across the table and landed on Caden, who sat there motionless, barely touching his plate. A flicker of curiosity crossed Randolph's mind. "Mr. Ward," he asked, his brow furrowing slightly, "Do you not like the food?"

Caden chuckled softly, his lips curling into a mischievous grin.

“I'm saving my appetite for something a bit more... special later."

Meanwhile, Rachel was growing increasingly frustrated as she repeatedly dialed Alicia's number, only for her calls to go ignored.

Determined, she set her jaw and took a cab straight to the Yates Mansion.

With the Yates family involved, she was certain Alicia wouldn't ignore her in person.

As luck would have it, Joshua was home that day.

Rachel's presence in high society had always preceded her, so Shelia greeted her with the usual formality. But Rachel brushed off the offered tea, her eyes betraying her impatience. She wanted to speak privately with Joshua-there was no time for idle chatter.

They moved out to the terrace, away from prying ears.

Inside, Shelia watched them from behind the large, soundproof windows, unease curling in her stomach. Something felt off.

What could they possibly be discussing that she, as Joshua's mother, wasn't privy to?

Georgia, another onlooker, sidled up beside her, eyes alight with curiosity. "What could she want with Mr. Yates?" she whispered.

Shelia, worried, replied, "I don't know, but it can't be good."

Georgia's gaze narrowed in on Rachel, noticing the telltale signs of distress. "Her eyes are all red and puffy from crying. Do you think ~ she and Mr. Yates..?"

Georgia's voice trailed off, her face scrunching in disbelief. “But she's married-and not exactly young anymore. Is she really Mr. Yates's type?"

Shelia shot her a sharp look. "Don't be ridiculous!" she snapped.

“Enough with the nonsense."

Outside on the terrace, the tension was palpable. Rachel stood across from Joshua, her expression tight with resentment.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't muster even a hint of a smile in the presence of the man who caused her so much pain and suffering. Taking a deep breath, she said tersely, "I want to see Alicia and apologize to her."

Joshua's lips twisted into a sneer, a coldness flashing in his eyes.

"Apologize?" he echoed, his tone mocking. "Funny. Did it never cross your mind that this might happen when you were busy tormenting her?"

"She was the one who started all this. She brought it on herself!"

Rachel exclaimed.

Joshua showed no interest in her words. “Leave. Alicia can't see you right now."

Determined not to waste her visit, Rachel pressed on. "Mr. Yates, I had no idea you still had feelings for Alicia; otherwise, I wouldn't have treated her that way. Don't we deserve a chance to make things right?"

Joshua leaned back with his legs crossed as he lit a cigarette.