Chapter 432:

Jasmine stood stunned, exchanging a long, confused look with Ciara. The silence between them was heavy, almost palpable. Ciara's lips twitched.

“It can’t be what I thought… right?”

Jasmine shook her head. “Definitely impossible.” The birds in Jasmine's arms chirped loudly, breaking the tense quiet.

From the side hall, Alicia called, “Is Ciara back?” Clapping flour from her hands, she emerged to see Ciara and Jasmine standing frozen. Putting on a warm smile, Alicia greeted, “Ciara, you’re back!”

Ciara's expression faltered as she registered Alicia's neat appearance. “Alicia… what were you doing in there just now?”

Alicia laughed. “We were making pies, but Caden kept getting in the way.”

Ciara blinked, speechless. She’d never felt so unenthusiastic about pies in her life.

As the family gathered for dinner, Caden's phone rang. It lay on the table beside him, and Alicia, seated next to him, glimpsed the caller ID: Yolanda. Caden casually dismissed the call and resumed eating, while Alicia lowered her gaze, feigning unconcern. Two more calls followed, each ignored. Finally, when Dorian's name appeared, Alicia suggested, “Maybe you should answer it, just in case it’s urgent.”

Looking slightly annoyed, Caden answered and stepped outside. Dorian's voice filled the line.

“Caden, nothing urgent. Just wanted to let you know Yolanda’s doing fine now.”

Caden's tone was cold. “Dorian, there’s no need to update me. I didn’t answer because I thought you understood my stance.”

Dorian’s voice tightened. “I understand, but are you really going to cut all ties with us, as if we’re outcasts? Did Yolanda commit some unforgivable crime that you won’t even take her calls?”

“Dorian, there’s no need for Yolanda and me to stay in touch unless it’s essential,” Caden replied firmly. “I have a girlfriend now, and I don’t want any misunderstandings.”

Dorian’s frustration flared. “So, you’re willing to sever all ties with the Moss family?”

“I’m fine with that,” Caden replied, his voice unyielding.

Angered, Dorian continued, “Caden, I know Yolanda made mistakes, but she deserves time to adjust. You led her on, then left her. Now she’s emotionally fragile, bordering on depression—and you’re partly responsible. If I had any other option, I wouldn’t have reached out!”

Caden's expression hardened. Depression? The person who caused so much turmoil was now claiming to be the victim. He doubted the sincerity of the claim, though Dorian’s call hinted at more than Yolanda's hurt—it was a plea for Caden to take responsibility.

After a moment, he responded, “Dorian, I’ll handle my mistakes. Don’t worry. And please, take care of yourself.”

Dorian stood anxiously at the bedroom door as he ended the call. Regina stepped out, shaking her head. “She is still refusing to eat.”