Chapter 312:

Dorian was about to speak when Ciara entered. A senior member of the Ward family, she held a position of considerable authority over Dorian. Pausing, Dorian decided to leave. Despite her age, Ciara's dignified presence commanded respect.

"Let the young ones handle their issues, Dorian," she said. "You should know better."

Clearly at fault, Dorian hung his head. From a corner, Yolanda watched the Ward family rally around Alicia, a mixture of anger and fear churning within her. She dreaded the consequences, but the thought of Caden targeting her terrified her more. She clenched her jaw, resolving to confront Alicia directly.

At the hospital room entrance, Yolanda leaned against the doorframe, her lips pale, tears welling in her eyes. She asked Caden, "If I apologize to Ms. Bennett, do you think she will forgive me?"

Caden's smile was unconvincing. "If apologies solved everything, what need would there be for men?"

Yolanda felt a sharp pang of hurt. How could he so openly defend Alicia? "But she slapped me," she retorted. "Should I just ignore that?"

Seated on the couch, Caden remained impassive. "Why don't you slap Alicia in return?" he asked, looking sharply at her. "What about the cut on the dog's neck? Should I let you experience that as well?"

Yolanda's face paled further. Yet, Caden's attitude only hardened her resolve. Why should she apologize to Alicia? As a Moss family daughter, she was accustomed to getting her way.

Her voice thick with grief, she said, "If you insist on defending her, so be it. She suffered frostbite because of me, so today I'll stay outside until I freeze!" She turned and ran.

Dorian started toward her, but Ciara restrained him. "Dorian, do you really want things to get worse?"

Caden went to the window. Yolanda was indeed outside, the wind and snow biting fiercely. Her slender form was clearly visible in the sparsely populated area.

His driver called. "Mr. Ward, is something wrong with Miss Moss? Should I bring her inside?"

Caden replied coldly, "No. Just stay there and ensure no one approaches her."

The driver, confused, obeyed. Just before ending the call, Caden added, "Try to get her to remove her clothes."

The driver was startled. "What?"

Alicia frowned and looked at Caden. "Caden, what are you trying to achieve?"