Chapter: 573

Meanwhile, Caden spent the night at the hospital.

Yolanda's condition was complex; her health had been fragile since birth. With a weak immune system, illness loomed over her constantly, becoming her parents' greatest source of anxiety.

Regina and Dorian had always cared for Yolanda with meticulous attention, shielding her from every imaginable threat. Even a slight cold breeze was not allowed to touch her.

Yet, since Dorian had entrusted her care to Caden, Yolanda had already suffered two frightening bouts of coughing up blood.

By morning, her condition had stabilized, and Dorian finally stepped out of the hospital room.

He kept his usual composure, but his face was hard and serious.

“Caden, you need to explain this to me."

Caden, who held deep respect for Dorian, responded with calm politeness. “Yolanda's sudden decline was completely unexpected. This is on me. Once she is ready for discharge, I will personally escort her back to Averibon. She won't need to worry about any more business responsibilities."

Dorian's gaze darkened, his expression thoughtful and conflicted.

He admired Caden-his sharp mind, his strength-but he was also painfully aware of Yolanda's deep, unspoken affection for him.

“caden," Dorian began slowly, his voice steady but carrying weight, “I need you to be honest. What exactly do you feel for Yolanda?"

Caden, his tone calm and measured, replied, "She is a close friend and my business partner."

Dorian's eyes narrowed slightly. "No possibility for anything more? No deeper relationship at all?"

"I am sorry, Dorian," Caden said, his voice unwavering, “but Yolanda and I are not meant for each other."

The words hit Dorian harder than he expected, and his heart sank.

Caden's bluntness hung in the air.

But Dorian saw it in a different light. Perhaps honesty like that was not a bad thing. Men should be straightforward.

"I will talk to Yolanda about going back," Dorian said with a sigh.

"You just focus on your work. I overreacted earlier on the phone and spoke too harshly. Don't let it bother you."

Caden lowered his gaze slightly. "I won't."

Later, Dorian relayed Caden's exact words to Yolanda.

She listened in silence, but her heart shattered, tears slipping down her face without a sound.

Dorian felt the pain right along with her. He handed her tissues, his voice soft yet firm. "Come on, enough crying. There are countless men out there. Why does it have to be him?"

Yolanda pulled away, her voice sharp with pain. "Do not touch me!"

Yolanda shoved Dorian back, her voice laced with bitterness. “I was born with this illness, and it is because of your genes! I have suffered for years, and now I cannot even be with the man I love. What kind of parents are you?"

Dorian's face darkened instantly.

He had been a figure of respect for decades, and only Yolanda had ever dared speak to him like that.

But it was his own doing-he had spoiled her for so long, and now he had no choice but to endure it. “Caden is not like other men. Once he makes a decision, he rarely changes it. Even if you were with him, you would not find happiness. Can you not see that, Yolanda?"

Without hesitation, Yolanda shot back, "Who has he set his mind on, then? Did he mention anything about Alicia?"

"Alicia? Who is Alicia?"