Chapter 264:

Yolanda straightened, acutely aware of her dislike for Caden. Tempting fate, she knew, would only distance him further. She wrapped her arms around herself, feigning a shiver.

Caden spoke evenly. "If you're cold, we should go back."

Yolanda smiled. "Let's stay a little longer; the fireworks will start soon."

The mention of fireworks sparked something in Caden. He'd considered inviting Alice, who enjoyed them, but fireworks were visible from many places; missing this display wasn't a significant loss.

Noticing Yolanda shivering, Caden removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders. She whispered, "Thank you, Caden."

"If you really want to thank me, come back soon," he said, his voice level. "Keep the coat and throw it away when you get to the hospital."

Caden opened his phone to Alicia's chat. He sensed, though Alice hadn't explicitly stated it, that she liked the gem. He typed, "I've already placed the order. It will arrive next month."

Alice's phone rang. He stared at the screen, dazed. With trembling fingers, she messaged, "Where are you?"

Caden replied, "I'm in Averibon. Do you miss me?"

A sharp pain pierced Alice's heart, a feeling like someone had punched a hole in her chest. She trembled with anguish. How could he toy with her emotions while Yolanda was present? She recoiled, leaning weakly against a wall. "Are you alone in Averibon?"

Caden's vague response, "What's wrong?", suggested he didn't want to reveal the truth. Alicia glanced at her message and smiled sarcastically.

Noticing Caden's prolonged phone use, Yolanda feared Alicia was contacting him. Gathering her courage, she bit her tongue. Pain shot through her as blood filled her mouth. A soft moan escaped her lips as they lost color.

Caden looked at her. "What's wrong?"

She forced a smile. "It's nothing, Caden…" she murmured, wiping her lips. A trail of blood appeared on his hand.

Caden frowned. "Blood again?"

Yolanda coughed, visibly nervous, then collapsed weakly into his arms.