Chapter 252:

Alicia couldn't comprehend Caden's recent erratic behavior. He had recently been determined to exclude her, yet today he'd personally requested she meet Lina. She'd only agreed after confirming Yolanda's absence.

The moment she saw Lina, Alicia gasped. Lina's flawless appearance was unsettling, almost unnervingly human.

“Did you make this?” Alicia asked, her voice trembling as a shiver ran down her spine. “Is this… real fur?”

Caden, noticing her unease, smiled coldly. “If I could wear real leather in business, I would have conquered the world by now.”

Alicia swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “But it seems so real.”

Without warning, Caden commanded, “Give her your hand.”

As Lina stepped forward, hand outstretched, Alicia’s fear overwhelmed her. She cried out and fled, her eyes wide with terror. Caden instantly grabbed her arm and calmly returned her to her original position. Lina, still smiling, offered her hand again.

“Hello,” Lina said, her voice eerily human, yet subtly mechanical.

Alicia forced herself to look, her pulse racing. Then, something shifted within her. She froze. The more she studied Lina's face, the more familiar it seemed, as if she’d known her forever. Fragments of memories surfaced, containing Lina's face. Her fear vanished.

Alicia cautiously took Lina's outstretched hand. Unexpectedly, Lina's fingers were stiff.

Caden raised an eyebrow. “What happened to being terrified? Weren’t you convinced I’d eat you alive?”

Alicia withdrew her hand, turning to him. “Caden, you’re so intent on perfecting her; it means something, doesn’t it?”

His smile was faint, yet meaningful. “Of course. She’s beautiful.”

“You care about her, don't you?”

“I love her,” Caden corrected, his gaze softening as he looked at Lina. “More than anything or anyone in this world.”

Alicia felt a tightness in her chest; tears welled in her eyes. He leaned closer, whispering, “I know who she is.”

Caden’s hand stilled. His voice deepened. “Do you know?”