Chapter 621: She empathized with Regina, a mother facing her own struggles, someone who had never been implicated in the family’s problems. Alicia felt an inexplicable connection to Regina, preventing any animosity.

Regina clutched her teacup tightly. "Ms. Bennett," she began, "I understand you can't forgive Yolanda, but things have spiraled out of control, and I feel compelled to apologize on her behalf."

Alicia, however, had grown indifferent to apologies. "Mrs. Moss," she replied, "you're mistaken. Caden is the one most hurt, and an apology is more than just words. True reconciliation requires the victim's forgiveness."

Regina, momentarily at a loss, observed Alicia. Her tone wasn't harsh, but her gaze held a sharp yet fundamentally kind reflection of Caden's essence. Regina realized Caden hadn't shared the full extent of the current conflict between the Moss and Ward families; Dorian had already acted.

Reginas distress deepened, a sharp ache settling in her heart, intensified by Alicia's presence. Dorian's intentions were to protect and cherish Yolanda. Yet, the thought of Alicia's future filled her with discomfort.

"Ms. Bennett," Regina asked, "do you hold deep affection for Caden?"

Alicia, startled by the intensely personal question, replied, "Yes, Mrs. Moss. I love him deeply."

Regina offered a faint smile. "I feel a bit embarrassed to admit this, but despite your long relationship, I've never given you a gift." She produced a bank card from her bag, placing it on the table. "Ms. Bennett," she said gently, "I wish you enduring happiness."

After a brief pause, she rose. "I'll let you return to your work. I won't disturb you further."

Alicia stood to follow her, taking the card. "Mrs. Moss, this gift should really be for Caden."

The bank card returned to Regina's hand, feeling suddenly hot. She wanted to speak, but her attention was drawn to a family photograph on the wall behind Alicia's desk—a slightly faded image of a young couple with a baby, their expressions overflowing with love.

Regina gazed at the innocent child, her thoughts drifting back over twenty years, to the day she gave birth to Yolanda in Warrington. The baby's cries marked the end of her ordeal. As the midwife handed her the infant, Regina took one look—a moment inexplicably merging with the baby in the photograph.

Alicia, noticing her focus, asked curiously, "Mrs. Moss, are you familiar with my parents?"

Regina shook her head.