Chapter: 865

Yolanda deflected, her voice cool and dismissive. "Why does it matter to you?"

Alicia smiled gently and replied, "What do you think? Naturally, it's..."

Alicia spoke with a calm resolve. "I won't harm innocent people without cause. Whoever is responsible will be held accountable."

Corey's frown deepened.

Yolanda wasn't a weakling; in fact, her thoughts were malicious.

Yet Alicia had deliberately sent Gerry to rattle her, knowing that someone as sheltered as Yolanda wouldn't handle discomfort well and might even try to deflect the blame.

Yolanda glanced at Corey, and her intent was clear as day.

Corey's gaze was as cold as steel, his message unmistakable. The mistake was hers, and she would have to deal with the fallout alone.

Just as Yolanda opened her mouth to speak, Alicia's attention shifted back to Corey. "Mr. Hampton, who do you think is responsible?"

Corey's reply was laced with irony. "Why ask when you already know the answer, Ms. Bennett?"

"It's good to be cautious."

Corey sidestepped her question. “Have you considered what's going to happen after today? After today, whether it's me or Yolanda, your impulsiveness will only stir up more trouble for Caden. You are playing with fire."

Alicia let out a low chuckle. "Corey, if Caden were handling this personally, do you think you would still be standing here, having this conversation?"

Corey was stunned.

Caden clearly hadn't caught wind of the affair with the mannequins, and Alicia's swift retaliation had been her desperate attempt to keep it that way.

She was brave, no question about it.

Corey had never known a woman so fearless, and while a part of him envied Caden, another part had to admit his growing respect for Alicia.

She wasn't just some pretty face clawing her way up the social ladder.

But today wasn't his day to play the hero, especially to Yolanda.

She wasn't worth it.

With a calm, unshaken voice, he said, “If you want to know who is responsible, ask Yolanda."

A tremor ran through Yolanda.

All eyes turned on her, filled with questions.

Jaw clenched, she lashed out, dragging Corey right into the fray.

"When I made this call, you agreed. You provided the funds and materials, and once it was set in motion, you told me to go ahead with promoting it. Now that the situation has blown up, you expect me to take the fall alone?"

Corey had anticipated her double-crossing, but it didn't stop him from scowling. “Yolanda, tread carefully. Words have weight, and they come with consequences."

Unfazed, Yolanda threw his warning back at him. "We are both in this mess, Corey. If I'm going down, you are coming with me."

After speaking, she flashed Alicia a defiant, provocative smile.

“Let's see who dares lay a hand on me today."

As soon as she said that, Alicia gave Gerry a subtle nod.