Chapter 865:
His gaze shifted toward them, his expression turning uneasy. It was his aunt, Yvonne Ward. “That’s my aunt. Take Cade inside,” he said.
Alicia noticed the palpable tension and nodded, recognizing the strong aura surrounding the woman. As Alicia started to walk away, Yvonne asked, “Who is this, Caden?”
She approached, her high heels clicking, her eyes scrutinizing Alicia with a critical look.
Yvonne’s demeanor was anything but welcoming. Stepping protectively in front of Alicia, Caden responded with ease, “She’s a friend of mine.”noveldrama
Yvonne’s laughter held no warmth. “It’s rare to see you with a female friend. You both seemed quite intimate earlier. What’s the relationship?”
Then, Alicia overheard Caden. “We’re not officially together. I’m still trying to win her heart.”
Yvonne had already turned her attention elsewhere when Caden’s remark drew her gaze back to Alicia. The intensity in her eyes deepened.
Caden, who had seldom interacted with Yvonne, discerned her thoughts with surprising clarity. He asked, “What? Do you know her?”
Snapping back to reality, Yvonne forced a smile. “I’ve rarely visited Warrington. How could I know her? I’m just surprised — what type of woman has you chasing after?”
Yvonne believed that Caden was always the one pursued, never the pursuer.
Her words, though polite, carried a hint of deceit; however, Caden’s response was straightforward. “If you don’t know her, don’t stare. It might lead people to misinterpret your intentions.”
Yvonne stiffened momentarily. She knew dealing with Caden, a man distant and disinterested in social interactions, wouldn’t be easy, but his brusqueness, even toward family, took her by surprise.
“Alright, got it,” she replied with a nonchalant smile, remembering her reasons for visiting Warrington. “Since you’re making a name for yourself in the Ward family, I’ll take your advice this time.”
She gently pushed the girl next to her forward.
“Caden, this is my niece, Lucilla.”
Turning to Lucilla Kelly, Yvonne whispered, “Go on, say hello.”
Caden gave Lucilla a brief glance. Overwhelmed and inexperienced, Lucilla blushed under his intense scrutiny and whispered, “Hi, Caden.”
Caden curtly replied, “Let’s go inside.”
Yvonne had more to discuss but chose not to disturb Caden after seeing Alicia. She and Lucilla entered the building.
Once out of earshot, Yvonne’s demeanor changed as she chided Lucilla, “How many times must I say it? Relax and don’t be so tense. Why do you keep making the same mistakes?”
Lucilla stood stiffly, her lips pressed so tightly that they blanched.
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