Chapter 443:

Alicia strolled through the back garden of Joy Mansion, cradling Ciara's birds. Ciara had gone for a walk, leaving Alicia to care for them. She held them gently, stroking their soft feathers, her thoughts drifting to Caden. Just a few more days until his return. What could he possibly be doing? While speaking with Blake, she'd felt calm, but the lingering suspicion that Caden was deliberately delaying his return, and hiding something, unsettled her.

Lost in thought, Alicia was oblivious to her surroundings until the roar of a car engine jolted her back to reality. The familiar sound made her heart sink. Could it be Caden? But hadn't he said he wouldn't be back for several days?

Aylin's voice cut through her reverie, confirming her suspicion. "Mr. Ward, you're back!" she exclaimed, her joy evident. Alicia's hands trembled; a smile bloomed on her lips. A long-awaited moment had arrived, igniting a surge of eagerness. Lost in this feeling, she absentmindedly placed the birds on a table. Instantly, they took flight, soaring upwards.

Alicia's heart raced. She leaped to catch them, but how could she possibly outrun such tiny creatures? In a flash, they were black dots vanishing into the vast sky. Frozen, a prickling sensation crawled across her scalp. Clutching her head, she realized the magnitude of her mistake. Those birds were priceless, nearly impossible to acquire. Ciara cherished them as if they were her grandchildren. And now, they were gone.

Alicia slapped her forehead in dismay, lamenting how Caden's anticipated arrival had distracted her, causing such a careless error. As she considered how to make amends, Aylin rushed over, excitedly announcing, "Ms. Bennett, Mr. Ward is back!"

Alicia turned, her expression clouded with worry. Aylin's brow furrowed. "Ms. Bennett, are you alright?" Instinctively, Alicia covered the empty birdcage, forcing a smile. "I'm fine… Where is Caden? Is he in the living room?"

Absence makes the heart grow fonder—a truth Aylin understood. Her smile deepened. "He's in the living room having a drink. I'll go buy groceries now so I won't disturb you two."

Once Aylin left, Alicia contacted her associates, asking them to watch for the lost birds. She gazed at the empty cage, her mind racing. Only one solution presented itself. Gritting her teeth, she steeled herself and headed to the living room. Seeing Caden's tall figure, she couldn't help but smile brightly. "Caden, you're finally back!"

Caden nearly dropped his glass of water, startled by her overly sweet greeting.