Chapter 479:

Caden returned to his apartment and worked late into the night. A migraine began to form, prompting him to remove his glasses and rest his eyes. He then thought of Alicia, waiting for him in the bedroom. Setting aside his work, he showered. Emerging, he found Alicia at her dresser, applying lotion. The familiar scent filled the air. He dried himself, then said, “Alright, you need to stop tempting me. You’ve been draining me these past few days.”

Alicia snorted. “So, you’ve finally reached your limit? Karma’s a bitch, and you deserve it.” She padded to the bed, settled under the covers, and yawned. “But don’t worry. If you’re out of commission, I’ll just find someone else to take over your duties.”

Caden joined her, pulling her into his arms. Sleep quickly overcame him; he didn't bother responding to her teasing.

Getting the seven hundred million dollars had been the easy part. Corey knew that presenting his offer to Caden would expose his intentions toward Alicia. Caden would be wary, complicating Corey’s plans. However, Corey believed Caden would learn of his secret dealings eventually, so he pressed forward, miscalculating the depth of Caden's feelings for Alicia—a depth that surpassed all expectations.

“What do you even want that woman for?” Yolanda berated him. “You actually offered seven hundred million? Ha! I really underestimated you, you pervert!”

Corey groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re too damn noisy. Men don’t like loud women. If you changed that, maybe Caden would spare a glance at you. Got it?”

In anger, Yolanda swept her arm across the coffee table, sending everything crashing to the floor. “Why are you being so reserved with your methods?” she spat. “If Caden won’t let go of Alicia, then make the choice for him and ruin her reputation. Hire some thugs and have them take their liberties with her. Let’s see if Caden would even look her way again when he finds out she was used by someone else.”

Corey flicked ash from his cigarette, giving her a wry look. “You’ve known Caden since childhood. You should know how he works. Remember when Joshua kidnapped Alicia? She wasn’t harmed, but Joshua ended up blind, crippled, and locked up. If you go down this path, you’ll end up with an even worse fate.”

Yolanda’s jealousy simmered, but she paused, realizing the gravity of her suggestion.

“Besides,” Corey continued, his voice steady, “Caden is cautious. He’s thrived for years without anyone gaining leverage. Even with Jerald, he managed the situation without lifting a finger. He’s incredibly restrained. But he did lose control with Joshua. Just a little.”

Yolanda gritted her teeth. “I don’t need you to remind me how much he cares for that woman, Alicia!” But Corey remained focused: on finally dealing with Caden.