Chapter 642: Regina, this is Yolanda's only wish. I have to make it happen for her.

Regina's expression wavered. She recalled her recent encounter with Alicia and the family photo, an image indelibly etched in her mind. It had spurred her to investigate Alicia's background, revealing that Alicia, too, had been born in Warrington's most prestigious maternity hospital. A wave of sadness washed over her.

"Have you thought about what will happen to Alicia?" Dorian's response was curt and dismissive. "Why should I care about anyone else?"

Regina narrowed her eyes, frustration mounting. Alicia had lost her parents young and had faced numerous hardships, even falling out with the Yates family. Without Caden, she would be vulnerable. "And now, you're forcing Caden and Yolanda together," Regina protested. "But what about Alicia? She and Caden truly love each other. Forcing them apart is cruel—worse than death."

Dorian's gaze flickered with doubt before he masked it. "Alicia is smart, resilient. Yolanda could never match her in that regard. I'm confident she'll move on after Caden is gone."

Regina's heart sank at his unwavering tone. She shook her head slowly, a numbness creeping over her. "I need some air," she said, rising from her chair. "You rest."

Regina walked to the living room, her mind consumed by turmoil. She stood before the liquor cabinet, staring at the bottles as if they might offer solace, but she knew she couldn't indulge; she was allergic to alcohol. The family photo haunted her thoughts. Infant Alicia, eyes closed, bore an uncanny resemblance to Yolanda at birth. The likeness was unsettling, twisting something deep within her. Tears pricked her eyes as the memory pierced her heart.

After returning home, Caden lay down on the sofa for a nap. His dreams were vivid, Alicia at their center, but not the composed Alicia he knew. This Alicia was bold and passionate, clinging to him with unrestrained fervor. He felt consumed by heat. The sudden chime of the doorbell jolted him back to reality. He opened his eyes, disoriented, to find himself sprawled on the sofa, fists relaxed, his skin damp with cold sweat.

"Where's Caden?" a familiar voice called from the doorway. Caden turned to see Gerry standing there, Alicia pointing in his direction. "He's right here." Caden took a deep breath to compose himself, grabbing a cushion to subtly conceal his embarrassment.