Chapter 944:
Dorian appeared to have been waiting for a while, his face pale from the biting cold wind.
“Alicia.” Dorian’s voice was hoarse, his smile strained. “I’m sorry to meet you like this. I’ve been to your office many times, but your secretary always said you were unavailable.”
Alicia had been avoiding Dorian, but now, confronted at her doorstep, she had no choice but to address him. She asked coldly, “What do you want?”noveldrama
Dorian stepped forward and handed her a box. It was small but elegantly wrapped, bearing the logo of a jewelry brand.
Despite looking dignified, Dorian appeared overly thin and worn. “This necklace would look beautiful on you. I wanted to give it to you as a gift. Please, don’t refuse it.”
Alicia regarded him indifferently.
Caden, feeling the tension, squeezed her hand. “Do you want me to step aside?”
Alicia hesitated briefly, ultimately feeling embarrassed, and nodded for him to wait inside.
Caden didn’t venture far, observing them through a glass door.
Alicia declined the necklace. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Moss, but I don’t need more jewelry. Please take it back.”
Dorian remained still. He looked at Alicia intently, his eyes conveying a mix of complex and painful emotions. It seemed to take a tremendous effort for Dorian to find the courage to speak. “Alicia, I came to you because I need your help.”
Alicia stayed silent, giving him space to continue.
Dorian, unable to meet her gaze, spoke in a low voice. “You’ve been to Terriland, so you’re aware of Yolanda’s situation. She lost her limbs and endured two years in conditions worse than death. Her limbs won’t regrow, and her body is too frail for standard prosthetics, but she could adapt to the type of prosthetics made from the materials from Blake’s products.”
Alicia’s eyes widened in shock. “You want me to help Yolanda obtain prosthetic limbs?” she asked.
Dorian’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Alicia, I know Yolanda made mistakes, but she’s still young. You refuse to acknowledge me, and Regina has divorced me. I have nothing left. I raised Yolanda for decades. I can’t abandon that bond.”
His voice wavered as he continued, “I didn’t want to trouble you, but the doctor who makes prosthetics is nearly impossible to schedule with. I’m afraid I won’t get an appointment before I die. I have no choice but to ask you and Caden to help me secure a spot by going to Sowell.”
Dorian stepped closer, his tone pleading. “Alicia, I know I’ve failed you in so many ways, and I can never repay what I owe, but we’re still father and daughter. I’m begging you for this one favor—just this once. Please, can you help me?”
Alicia looked at him, a bitter smile curling her lips. She had stopped expecting anything resembling fatherly love from him long ago. The countless times he had chosen Yolanda over her had eroded any remaining affection she might have had. Yet, his request cut deep, like a blade piercing an old wound she thought had healed. It was so ironic.
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