She pulled back slightly. "What's wrong?"

His gaze met hers, full of unspoken complaints. "Did you forget? I'm still sore from last night."

The memory of last night's events flashed in Alicia's mind, and she looked down. Sure enough, a large bruise marked his side. She winced, then tried to deflect. "You didn't just bruise yourself to blame me, did you?"

Caden stared, momentarily speechless. With a sigh, he dropped the argument, his gaze fixed on her. Ignoring her own embarrassment, Alicia took a deep breath. "Caden, there's a reason I came all the way to Terriland to find you. Something happened at home that I couldn't handle alone."

Caden's expression softened. He seemed unsurprised, replying calmly, "It's about my mother, isn't it?"

Alicia was caught off guard. She hadn't expected him to be aware. "So, you…" Her throat suddenly felt dry, worried about overwhelming him. "Are you okay?"

Caden responded with a hollow chuckle. With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he said, "If I were so easily shaken, I wouldn't have survived this long."

Casually, Caden sat up and reached for a fresh shirt. Alicia stood frozen, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. She didn't move until Caden was fully dressed.

He asked, "Feel like sleeping more, or should I help you get dressed?"

Jolted back to the present, Alicia hurriedly began searching for her clothes. "What's our next step?" she asked.

"We go back and meet Corey."

Meanwhile, Corey had just pulled up to a hillside villa, his car loaded with bags brimming with gifts. The moment he parked, a cheerful figure dressed in white bounded toward him, leaping into his arms—his younger sister.

"Corey, you made it!"

His face lit up with a warm smile as he hugged her back, affectionately tousling her silky hair. "I've brought some tasty treats and fun toys for you. Let's head inside and see if you like them."

Gemma Hampton embraced Corey tightly, burying her face in his shirt. "I don't need gifts. I just wish you'd come see me more often."

Corey, holding her hand, guided her inside. "I'll visit as often as I can."

"Alright," Gemma acknowledged his demanding schedule without resentment, even though his visits might be limited to once or twice a month. Corey caressed her arm gently. "Have you been eating well recently?"

"I have," Gemma answered. Detailing her meals, she continued, "Today, Libby made meatballs, and I had two servings of pasta."

From the kitchen, wearing an apron, Gemma's maid, Libby, emerged into the living room. "Good day, Mr. Hampton."

Corey acknowledged her with a nod. "I'll be having dinner at home tonight. Please get it ready."

"Understood."