Chapter: 872

It was Caden.

She struggled to keep her voice steady as she answered, conscious that he hadn't learned of the recent developments.

He only called to check on her.

"I'll be back the day after tomorrow," he said, his usual warmth evident. "I land around eight. Will you come to pick me up?"

Alicia felt a wave of sorrow.

"I'll be there," she murmured.

His tone shifted, detecting something. “Have you been crying?”

She drew in a breath. “I just woke up. I had a nightmare. I dreamed that my dad. he hit me."

Caden grew more alert, realizing something was off.

It wasn't like her to sleep so late, much less to confide in him her nightmares.

Alicia had always hidden her troubles, sharing only her joys with him.

Caden softened his voice. "I should get back to work."

"But didn't you just finish?" Alicia asked, wanting him to stay on the line a little Longer.

He could hear the plea in her voice and indulged her, chatting over small things.

Gradually, Alicia's voice brightened. Satisfied, Caden finally ended the call, though his mind remained uneasy.

For the past week abroad, he'd felt out of place, bombarded by an overwhelming flood of information daily.

After a lon shower, he called Hank directly. "Has something happened with Alicia?"

Hank, under strict orders to keep quiet, trod carefully. “She's fine, Mr. Ward. She's been busy with the companies. You'll have to make it up to her when you're back."

"Tell me the truth, Hank," Caden pressed.

Hank hesitated. "There's really nothing, Mr. Ward."

Unconvinced, Caden let it go for now. He'd find out everything once he was back.

“Send some security here. I have unfinished business to do. I need people who can handle it."

Hank's voice sharpened. "Understood."

That night, Alicia felt restless and headed downstairs to grab a quick bite.

She didn't expect to find Corey's car blocking her path.

It looked as though he'd been waiting for her.

Corey stepped out, his face pale but otherwise composed, unfazed by everything that had happened.

Alicia paused, the night breeze lifting her hair, framing her tear- streaked face.

Her eyes, though weary, held a spark of defiance.

Corey gave her a faint smile. “Were you crying because Caden was powerless or because Dorian and I were merciless?"