Chapter 523

“What kind of misunderstanding could there possibly be? Things have already escalated this far. Isn’t this all because of you?”

Benedict’s words were cutting. He added, “What were you and Caden doing in Terriland when this erupted?”

Alicia felt a pang of guilt, though she knew she’d done nothing wrong. “What does that have to do with anything?” she asked, trying to mask her hurt.

“What do you think?” Benedict sneered. “If Caden had returned sooner, the video wouldn’t have reached my mother. He’s not impulsive. Yet, he ignored urgent family matters to set off fireworks in another country—all for some woman!”

Humiliated, Alicia swallowed the lump in her throat. “With all due respect, Mr. Ward, that’s a private matter between Caden and me.”

Benedict’s gaze hardened. “Caden is where he is today because of the Ward family. Even the money he spent in Terriland is, in part, ours. You may think it’s private, but it isn’t.”

Alicia was speechless. She could easily afford those expenses herself. Why was he interfering so much?

“While it’s true the Ward family has money,” Benedict continued, “we don’t support freeloaders. Especially not someone who brings chaos to our doorstep!”

An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Jasmine stepped forward, unable to bear the tension. “Ms. Bennett is Master Caden’s woman. Please be mindful of your words, Mr. Ward.”

“You have no place to speak here,” Benedict snapped.

But Jasmine stood firm. “Even if you have grievances, wait until Madam Ciara recovers to address them. Wronging Ms. Bennett will make Master Caden hold me accountable. It will also ruin your relationship with him. Please don’t make things difficult for us, Mr. Ward.”

Alicia anxiously tugged at Jasmine’s sleeve. She didn’t want things to escalate. “Mr. Ward, you should see Ciara first,” Alicia suggested. “We can talk another day.” Turning to Jasmine, she added, “I’ll take my leave.”

Alicia left Joy Mansion without another word. Jasmine watched her go, indignant. Benedict held considerable power within the Ward family, and despite his temper, Caden had to show him respect. Jasmine held her tongue and retreated upstairs.

Once in her room, Jasmine quickly messaged Caden: “You need to come home immediately, Mr. Ward. Your uncle is here, and he just scolded Ms. Bennett. It was awful!”

Caden had just arrived at the police station when he received the message. He scowled, but before he could respond, Dorian appeared. “You actually came back,” Dorian mocked. “I thought you’d stay in Terriland until Christmas.”

Caden put away his phone and stared at Dorian. Though only a few days had passed, Dorian seemed like a different man. His usual easygoing demeanor was replaced by ruthlessness.