Chapter: 790

Vince's eyes widened in shock. Unsure of what had happened between them, he quickly covered Kasumi's mouth, casting a worried glance at Caden.

Not wanting Caden to make a scene, Alicia gently tugged him away from the situation.

Shortly afterward, Kasumi learned that Alicia had partnered with another brand without hesitation.

Her first attempt at crossing Alicia had backfired, and her family had scolded her for jeopardizing the partnership. Frustrated and with no one else to turn to, she called Yolanda, who was in Devarlton, and tearfully recounted the events to her.

Since her last mistake, Yolanda had been more cautious, occasionally trying to keep tabs on Caden's personal life. However, he was so discreet that she rarely learned anything significant.

Now, hearing from Kasumi that Caden had openly supported Alicia - introducing her to the tech industry - was a blow. It was an unprecedented display of affection on his part.

“He actually stood by Alicia, helping her select products to invest in," Kasumi complained. "But that's not all. Can you believe he's even cut ties with my dad because of her? My dad is highly sought after! What does Alicia have that's so special?"

As she listened, Yolanda's expression grew colder with each word.

Kasumi was criticizing Alicia — but Yolanda found her words also made her quite uncomfortable.

ALL these months, with no news, and suddenly, Caden and Alicia had reached this level of intimacy.

A pang of sorrow hit Yolanda deeply. “What else has he done?"

Kasumi raised an eyebrow. “Isn't that enough? What's next — proposing to her on the spot?"

“Enough! Just stop talking," Yolanda snapped, her voice sharp.

Kasumi looked hurt by the outburst. "Honestly, Yolanda, you've known Caden for ages. Why didn't you ever make a move? If you were in Alicia's place, I wouldn't be feeling so humiliated right now."

Yolanda replied sharply, "Caden's business isn't a gamble. Even if I were with him, he wouldn't collaborate with you unless it made sense."

“Why say things to upset me? You're not even with him." Kasumi retorted.

The words stung, and Yolanda angrily ended the call.

Despite trying to stay calm, the surge of frustration made her chest tighten, leaving her dizzy and breathless.

She sank into a chair, closing her eyes as she fought to calm down.

When she finally opened them, she realized her cheeks were wet with tears.

She couldn't understand why fate was so cruel.

She had been frail since childhood, yet she'd worked hard, built herself up, and made her family proud.

But none of that had been enough to capture Caden's heart.

ALL she wanted was him - nothing more.

As her thoughts spiraled, a wave of longing and frustration overtook her. Acting on impulse, she picked up her phone and dialed Caden's number.

He answered almost immediately.

Hearing his voice, Yolanda felt the ache deepen. "Caden.you're really with Alicia now, aren't you?"

His tone was calm and steady. "Yes, she's my girlfriend."

Those words pierced her like a knife.

Her voice wavered, vulnerable and pleading. “Why don't you ever Look back at me, Caden? Is there something about me really that bad?"