Chapter: 855

Yolanda collapsed into her father's embrace, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. "Dad, I really love Caden. I've loved him since I was a child. I love him so much. Please help me..."

Despite being a prideful man, Dorian was not immune to his daughter's sorrow. He couldn't bring himself to scold her for her foolishness, so he settled for tightening his arms around her.

"Caden," Dorian spoke at last, turning his cold gaze on the young man. "I have indulged my daughter for most of her life, so I am to blame for her behavior. But nobody is perfect. I will give Yolanda a few months to come to her senses. If that fails, I assure you that I will do whatever it takes to make you hers."

With that ominous promise, Dorian guided the weeping Yolanda out of the room.

Caden smirked. "If you can drive the Blizzard Group to the ground," he called after Dorian in a defiant voice, "then I'll be happy to do as you say."

Alicia whipped her head around to look at him.

Caden's profile was the same one she always knew, but different at the same time. There was an arrogant, almost savage edge to his features tonight, something not unlike the recklessness of hotheaded youths.

Alicia felt her heart quicken its pace. She was inexplicably drawn to the current him.

Then Alicia directed her gaze over to Regina. The latter remained seated, her brows slightly furrowed. Regina's mouth was set in a grim line, and through the look of pity in her expression, Alicia thought she saw a flicker of amusement.

She couldn't tell whether Regina was laughing at herself or at Yolanda.

But she could tell that Regina had given her all to her daughter, which made her disappointment all the more justified.

Feeling a pang of sympathy for Regina, Alicia waved the waiter over.

Her plan was to order a few additional dishes.

Regina startled out of reverie. “The table is full of untouched food. Why would you order more?"

"They've been here for a while," Alicia replied calmly. "They don't taste the same as they would if they were freshly served. Please enjoy the new dishes I ordered."

“Why are you always trying to please everyone?" Caden suddenly interjected.

Alicia made a face at him and playfully elbowed his side.

Regina couldn't help but smile. This kind of affection was something that was earned and nurtured, not forced upon another.

When the other dishes arrived, Regina found that they were all to her liking. “Are you familiar with my tastes, Ms. Bennett?" she asked Alicia in surprise.

"I suppose I got lucky with my guesses. Devarlton's cuisine is generally sweet and mild in taste, so I took a chance and ordered a few local delicacies."

Regina nodded, visibly pleased. "You sure have a keen sense, Ms. Bennett."

The food that had been served earlier all catered to Caden's preferences. They were no doubt chosen by Yolanda.

As prideful as he was, Dorian couldn't seem to stop himself from indulging Yolanda's whims. Unfortunately, all his doting had turned her into an entitled brat who did not hesitate to overstep in other people's lives. His father's affections would ultimately become Yolanda's greatest weapon.

Alicia had been unsettled by Dorian's threat, and the sense of unease lingered until they went home.

She was distracted even when Caden pulled her in for a passionate kiss.

It wasn't until she felt him between her legs that she came back to her senses. “What are you doing?" she cried out.

It was late into the night, and her dress had slipped off her shoulders, thanks to Caden's ministrations.

“What are you thinking about?" he grumbled. "I'm right in front of you, and you're not even paying attention to me."

Alicia shook her head, thinking that her worries were silly. "Caden, did Dorian ever do you a favor in the past?"

“Are you really in the mood to talk about elders while we're in this state?" he teased.