Chapter 234

Caden was unhappy. Yolanda's quiet words, "I just found out about your relationship with Miss Bennett. Now that you're back because of me, I'm worried he might get the wrong idea about us," unsettled him.

He replied nonchalantly, "You're overthinking it." Yolanda remained silent. He’d assured her there was nothing between him and Alicia; her relationship with Alicia seemed to be the issue. But then, he added, "There is nothing between you and me, so there will be no misunderstanding." Still, Yolanda remained silent.

The doctors' arrival broke the silence. Yolanda refused to go to the hospital, choosing to rest. "Going to the hospital won't change anything," she said. "If there's a problem with the chip, you can consult me." Caden didn't argue, simply saying, "Get some rest. Don't worry about work now."

After she left her bedroom, Yolanda clutched the blanket, feeling frustrated and listless.

Later, Ciara asked Caden, "I'm aware of Yolanda's condition. I'm asking how you are."

"I'm fine," he answered.

"And she?" Ciara pressed.

Caden hesitated. "Gossip isn't your thing," he said, realizing she was trying to trap him. Ciara was disappointed by his quick perception.

"You spent a week with that girl at the foot of the mountain and missed Thanksgiving dinner with me," Ciara pointed out. "It's clear you have feelings for her. So why not bring her home? You're worried about Yolanda."

Caden appeared indifferent. "How should I introduce her to you?"

"You're in love, and everything fits," Ciara insisted. "What do you think?"

"You're giving it too much importance," Caden responded. "I hadn't thought that far ahead. When the time comes, I'll introduce her to you."

He'll never introduce me to her, Ciara thought, her frustration growing. "I think you're just having fun and avoiding responsibility. You don't care about the consequences. You take care of the Yates family's affairs just to please that girl, right? If you wanted to confront Joshua, you could have done it the day you came back. You've been dragging this out for months just to win her over and make her happy, right?"

Caden simply stated, "You're pretty well-informed."

Ciara scoffed. "You plan to take on the Yates family head-on this time."

Caden donned his coat and gloves. "Yes."

Ciara walked him to the door. "You're either getting revenge for yourself or for her."

Caden chuckled, his expression meaningful. "Both."

He left, Ciara watching him go.

Due to the Yates family's influence, Joshua faced minimal consequences after his arrest. Caden's inaction and Alicia's failure to report the incident allowed Joshua to return to work within days. The company's IPO proceeded without interruption, the atmosphere remaining one of harmony, ambition, and diligence. This pretense lulled Joshua into a false sense of security; he assumed Alicia had moved on.

However, at the press conference, during his moment of triumph, Jeffery made a dramatic entrance. Before the media, he exposed Joshua's crimes and filed a legal notice. The atmosphere shifted dramatically; those who had praised Joshua now swarmed him with questions. The camera flashes distorted his features. He tried to regain control, ordering security to restore order, then somberly told Jeffery, "I'll talk to Caden after the press conference. Waiting a little longer won't kill you."

Jeffery remained calm. "The next steps are not for you to decide, Mr. Yates. Mr. Ward wants to see you now. Please, this way."

Frustrated, Joshua grabbed Jeffery by the neck. "Do you realize how much I've invested in today? Do you know how much I've given up? You've ruined everything!"

The cameras zoomed in as Joshua raised his voice. Jeffery remained composed, saying simply, "Mr. Yates, try to preserve some dignity."

The event was destined to go viral. If Joshua continued, his actions would damage the Yates family's reputation for years. Prioritizing his reputation, he calmed himself and left to meet Caden.

In the car, he prepared for the confrontation. He knew his hopes were foolish; Caden was determined to destroy their world completely. Joshua laughed bitterly. "What does he think? Make Caden send me to jail?" he asked Jeffery.

"That will depend on the court's decision," Jeffery replied.

Joshua scoffed. "With my family and the Green family behind me, it's going to be a challenge for him to lock me up."