Chapter 442:

The sight nearly choked him with disbelief. Caden was watching a tutorial on making zabaglione with strawberries. How was this possible?

Hank cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “Mr. Ward, do you have any thoughts on this situation?”

Caden scowled, his impatience evident. “What exactly am I supposed to be thinking? Corey and Yolanda have known each other for a long time. It’s just a meeting. Or do you think they are secretly scheming to kill me?”

Hank opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Caden added, with dangerous calm, “If they are that bold, they are welcome to try.”

Hank cleared his throat again, searching for his footing. “I might be reading too much into things, Mr. Ward. No need to get worked up.”

Caden replied, “I have my plans for this.”

Hank exhaled in relief. Thankfully, Caden still possessed the sharp mind of a seasoned CEO.

“So, when we get back to Warrington, is there anything you would like me to take care of?” Hank asked tentatively.

Caden looked up with a smirk. “Go buy some fresh strawberries and grab some yogurt while you’re at it.”

Hank stared, speechless. Gone was the sharp-minded, business-focused CEO.

After a day's delay in Devarlton, Caden's flight finally landed late in the afternoon. With an important client appointment waiting, he wasted no time, heading straight to the company from the airport. By the time he finished work, darkness had fallen. His client casually suggested dinner. Caden checked his watch. “Sorry,” he said, “I have a special date tonight. How about we grab a drink another time?” The client smiled, understanding, and left promptly.

After leaving the office, Caden glanced at his phone. Still no messages from Alicia. Though he knew Alicia wasn’t overly demonstrative, two days of silence seemed excessive. Didn’t she care, even a little? He had said he’d be back within two days, but it was now late afternoon on the third. Trying not to overthink it, Caden sent Alicia a message as he settled into his car: “Where are you?”

A moment later, Alicia replied, “At Joy Mansion.”

He texted back, “Have you been busy lately?”

“Not really,” she responded. “I handed most of my work to Mr. Langstaff, so I’ve had quite a bit of free time.”

Caden asked, “Is that so? Then why didn’t you ask how my trip went?”

After a pause, she finally replied, “So, how did your trip go?”

Caden was speechless. Was she reading from a script?

Unwilling to waste any more time, Alicia asked, “So, are you coming back home?”

Caden replied, his face expressionless, “I’ll be back in a few days.”

Alicia retorted, “Then why did you bring it up?”

Puzzled, Caden sent a question mark.