Chapter 52:
Hank continued rummaging through the bag. “You bought seven boxes? Planning to consume them like candy?” Caden’s expression darkened.
Taking a deep breath, he gestured toward the cabinet beside him. “Put them in there and lock it.”
Hank’s concern was palpable. “Ciara was clear that you shouldn’t take random medications. Can you tell me how long you’ve been using them? How many have you taken? How are you feeling now?”
Before Caden could respond, a thought struck Hank. “Wait, is this why you were watching those videos in the car earlier? Did you overdo it and lose control?”
Caden’s response was cold. “If I couldn’t control myself, you’d be the first to know.”
Hank fell silent, picturing the scenario, and quickly composed himself. He carefully stored the medication in the private cabinet.
Caden then texted Alicia. “Who taught you to thank people in such a manner?”
Alicia responded, “Isn’t it necessary?”
This left Caden both amused and frustrated.
Soon after, Alicia asked, “Did I get too few?” She added, “They’re quite pricey—$180 each. You only bandaged my arm. Isn’t this enough?”
Caden sneered. “Thanks for dropping over a thousand on me.”
“It was actually $900. There was a promotion—buy five, get two free,” Alicia clarified.
Caden set his phone aside, choosing not to respond. Replying would only escalate his frustration.
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Noticing Caden massaging his temples, Hank thought he might have caused some upset. Respecting their relationship, he felt compelled to apologize. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ward, I was out of line earlier.”
With that, he opened the cabinet, retrieved a box, and took out a pill.
Caden frowned, watching Hank. “What are you doing?”
“You can take this medicine if you want, but make sure to take it after meals so it doesn’t upset your stomach,” Hank replied.
Caden was left speechless, wondering what kind of person he had employed.
Indifferently, Caden sipped his coffee and asked, “Has Jerald woken up?”
Hank replied, “Yes, and you need to return to the Yates Mansion for dinner today.”
“Go start the car,” Caden instructed.
Hank, puzzled, asked, “It’s still early for lunch. Why return so soon to face that family and make yourself uncomfortable?”
“Dealing with you gives me more of a headache,” Caden retorted, throwing the pill into the trash.
Hank noticed that Caden had been acting strangely since his return to the country. Caden, once known for his emotional stability, now seemed to be on edge all the time.
Deciding to keep the peace, Hank spoke less and tried to keep Caden in good spirits.
It was rush hour, and the traffic was heavy.
Caden casually reviewed some documents. Jerald had been ill for years, moving from one hospital to another without finding a cure. His condition had deteriorated to the point where the Yates family had given up hope for recovery, simply awaiting the inevitable.
Upon his return, Caden had taken Jerald into his care and soon noticed abnormalities in his condition. Subsequent tests revealed traces of a slow-acting poison in Jerald’s bloodstream, a substance that was gradually weakening his heart, administered in small, unnoticed doses over time, dating back to the previous year.
This was a covert, silent assassination.
Caden smirked. “This drug is illegal here and only available through private transactions. Instruct them to fast-track the investigation. I need to know who’s responsible as soon as possible.”
Hank nodded in agreement.
The traffic remained heavy, and it was clear it would take some time to clear. Hank switched off the engine and voiced his confusion to Caden. “Mr. Ward, I don’t quite understand. You have such disdain for your father. If he passes, he passes. You could simply gather evidence and confront Joshua later. Why bother with all this effort now?”
“I need Jerald alive for now,” Caden stated calmly.
Hank was taken aback by this revelation.
Understanding the deep-seated secrets Caden held, Hank refrained from probing further.
Caden gazed out the window, observing the pleasant weather, yet his expression remained cold. The warmth of the sun did nothing to thaw his icy demeanor.
As the car crept forward, Caden was about to shift his attention when he noticed a familiar figure exiting a bookstore.
It was Alicia, dressed in a light green spaghetti-strap dress, complemented by a sheer shawl that almost seemed transparent, resting delicately on her slender shoulders. She carried two books and was approaching their direction.
The intense sunlight highlighted her striking features. As Alicia moved, the breeze caught her skirt, accentuating her pure and innocent appearance. Her outfit was modest yet captivating, drawing admiring glances. Alicia’s beauty was undeniable.
She was not known for being ostentatious, nor did she shy away from attention. However, today’s ensemble was unlike anything Caden had previously seen her wear.
This stirred inappropriate thoughts in him, darkening his expression.
Hank noticed Alicia too and hesitated before suggesting, “Mr. Ward, should we offer Miss Bennett a lift?”
Caden averted his eyes and firmly declined, “No.”
Hank held the steering wheel tightly, observing Alicia as she waited by the roadside for a ride. Nearby, a few pedestrians were covertly snapping pictures of her, whispering among themselves.
Surprised, Hank turned to Caden, “Mr. Ward, it looks like they’re secretly taking pictures of Miss Bennett.”
