Chapter 436: Devarlton
He had loved deeply before, and understood love's capacity to deceive, to breed anxiety and insecurity. But Alicia’s unwavering trust in Caden left Blake wondering if she truly loved him.
A tense silence hung over the Moss family's living room. The three Mosses sat opposite Caden, each wearing a different expression; Caden, however, remained unperturbed.
“I believe I’ve made myself clear, Mr. and Mrs. Moss. Feel free to share your thoughts.”
Yolanda, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, started to rise, but Dorian restrained her. He fixed Caden with a serious gaze.
“We have no further thoughts. You’ve shown sincerity. There’s no need for us to be unreasonable. Please leave, and let us avoid further family interaction.”
Caden had come to deliver the Lina robot's chip. While Yolanda had contributed twenty percent to its development, Caden had completed the remaining eighty. Yet, to repay his debt and settle the matter, he relinquished the entire project—the most successful tech prototype of its time, poised for immense financial success—essentially sacrificing a significant portion of his future. He had no regrets; his actions were for Alicia's security.
Dorian, however, found Caden's resolve offensive.
“We’ve known each other for years, Mr. Moss,” Caden said frankly. “There’s no need for hostility. I’m a foolish young man acting impulsively. Think of my mother.”
Dorian sneered. “How dare you mention our ties after what you’ve done? Yolanda is the most important person in my life, and you deliberately hurt her for Alicia. Did you consider my feelings?”
Caden remained calm. “If you were in my position, Mr. Moss, caught between Mrs. Moss and another woman, what would you do?”
“Are you going to marry Alicia?” Dorian demanded. “How can she be better than Yolanda?”
“Dorian,” Regina cautioned softly, “that’s going too far.” Yolanda shot her mother a resentful glare, a look that suggested animosity bordering on hatred. Regina frowned, feeling increasingly estranged from her daughter.
“Marriage is distant,” Caden replied lightly. “I can’t give a definitive answer. I want her, and if something upsets her, I must resolve it.”
Dorian exploded. “Then we have nothing further to discuss! Leave!”