Chapter 519

Corey stood frozen. He knew checking the number was pointless. Caden couldn't have spent nine days in Terriland without significant results. The intercepted call proved Caden had already turned Corey's men. Damn it! He'd acted swiftly.

Recognizing the futility of circumlocution, Corey sneered. “Must have been a tough nut to crack in Terriland, huh? Did you uncover anything of worth, Mr. Ward?”

Caden clicked his tongue playfully. “Nothing that piqued my interest. I assume your most vulnerable spot wasn't left unguarded in Terriland, right?” he asked lightly. “You protect it so fiercely. Is it always nestled close to your side?”

Corey’s voice turned icy. “Caden Ward, are you trying to play games with me?”

A soft chuckle escaped Caden. “I’ve already got the answer I want.”

Corey was speechless. His reaction was precisely what Caden had hoped for. Corey was cunning and elusive, having erased every trace of his actions. Despite days of relentless investigation, Caden had only unearthed trivial clues. This left him no choice but to employ deceit.

Corey’s fists clenched, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Thankfully, Caden couldn't see the bulging veins on his forehead. Corey believed he still had room to maneuver.

“Is that all?” Corey’s voice regained its composure. “Even if you uncovered something, you have no leverage without a dagger to my throat.”

Caden retorted, “If not in a week, then a month or half a year? Mr. Hampton, you ought to know: there is nothing money can’t buy.”

Corey’s lips thinned, and he fell silent. He knew Caden wouldn't have vanished without reason. Whatever Caden had found was enough to keep him in check. Corey knew that another move against Caden’s mother would unleash a storm. Caden would leave no stone unturned in his search for Gemma.

Corey closed his eyes, his chest heaving. “Caden, even if I don’t do anything, others thirst for your blood. You should rush to your grandmother’s side. I hope you get to see her one last time.”

At that moment, Caden was leaving the airport with Alicia. He suddenly tightened his grip on her hand.

“Caden, what did Corey say?”

Caden’s eyes were intense and unreadable. “Nothing. Let’s head back to Joy Mansion,” he replied curtly.

Entering Joy Mansion, Caden almost collided with a rushing doctor carrying a medical kit. The doctor stopped, startled.

“Good day, Mr. Ward.”

Caden recognized Ciara’s personal doctor. His expression darkened as he pushed past, heading toward the master bedroom.

“Mr. Ward? What brings you back?” Jasmine asked, surprised.

Caden’s voice was cold. “And why shouldn’t I be here?”

He reached for the door, his hand faltering. “How is Grandma doing now?” he asked quietly.