Chapter 261
"What did you say to him?"
Caden gave him a piercing look. “You seem pretty worried. Why don’t you become my stepfather once Jerald is gone?”
Hank quickly waved his hands in protest. “Mr. Ward, that’s not what I meant. I’m just worried that keeping secrets from each other might lead to misunderstandings.”
Caden replied disdainfully, "There will be no misunderstanding. Alicia knows about Yolanda."
Hank considered the situation objectively. "Isn't Mrs. Bennett jealous?"
"Yolanda is my partner, not my girlfriend. What reason would she have to be jealous?"
Hank was speechless. Caden's point was valid, however, a romantic involvement could still create complications. He couldn't resist asking, "Mr. Ward, do you mind that Miss Moss has feelings for you?"
Caden replied, “Countless women feel that way about me. Should I avoid all women? Alicia is not as narrow-minded as you think.”
Frustrated, he ended the conversation. “Stop packing.” He picked up his suitcase and left. Hank hurried after him. “Mr. Ward, let me help you with that.”
Averibon proved even colder than Warrington. However, the snowy scenery was stunning, and the town was more bustling. Alice spent several days attending to business before exploring the sights, remaining perpetually busy even then. Her Averibon visit was tightly scheduled, juggling Lina's optimization plan with her gallery work. After numerous calls, she put on her headphones to listen to a recording she'd meticulously crafted. It mimicked Caden's mother's voice and tone with near-perfect accuracy, even including a children's song with a hidden, self-sung surprise. As she listened, her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep. The observation room was cramped, resulting in restless sleep in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Delicate snowflakes fell outside. His vision blurred. The vibrant city bustled with life and noise. In prosperous Averibon, real estate was incredibly valuable; each imposing structure shone like a dazzling gem. Caden stepped from the car, bundled against the cold. Yolanda's treatment was showing promising progress, so he decided to take some time to look for a pink gem—a rare and prized find.