Chapter 438:

Regina turned to Yolanda, her voice soft yet firm. “I raised you to be strong and independent, not to throw yourself away on a doomed relationship. Are you planning to starve yourself to prove a point? If so, stay hungry. You won't get a drop of water until you admit your mistake.”

Yolanda sneered. “Do you think that threatens me? I’m not afraid of death!”

“Let’s see how long you can hold out,” Regina replied, her face and voice devoid of emotion. She called for Patti, a maid. “Take Yolanda to her room. No one is allowed to see her without my permission.”

Dorian protested, “Honey!”

“One more word,” Regina warned, “and you’ll face the same consequences.”

He knew her fury remained. He reached out and rubbed her reddened palm, the evidence of her forceful slap. Yolanda must be terribly hurt. Dorian felt sorry for both his wife and daughter. “You’re free to educate her as you see fit,” he said, “but why resort to striking her?”

Regina lowered her gaze, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions.

“Are you regretting it now?” Dorian asked, sighing.

“That’s right,” Regina replied quietly. “I regret not using force sooner.” An undisciplined child, she thought, was bound to make serious mistakes without proper guidance.

Once calm, Regina ushered Caden into the kitchen and eagerly began teaching him to make dessert. She wasn’t naturally gifted, but hard work had honed her skills. Caden knew of Regina’s formidable past, how she’d been a force to be reckoned with in her youth, but for Dorian, she’d willingly relinquished her accomplishments to become a devoted housewife.

“Marriage and parenthood are significant commitments, Caden,” Regina said. “Do you think you’re ready?”

Caden stared at the chopped strawberries. “Emotions are fleeting, Mrs. Moss. I can’t promise Alicia and I will be together forever.”

Regina smiled. “Is it Alicia you don’t trust, or yourself?”

“Neither.”

“Living with clarity is good,” Regina conceded. “Giving in to emotions isn’t always wise.”

Caden hummed in agreement. He was a quick learner, and they finished the dessert quickly. It was dark when Caden prepared to leave. Despite everything, he bid farewell to Dorian, who ignored him.

Upstairs, Yolanda watched Caden drive away. His silhouette alone enraged her. She admired his looks and skills, but more than that, it was the years of attachment that made letting go so difficult.