Chapter 523:

“What kind of misunderstanding could there possibly be? Things have already escalated to this point.

Isn’t all of this because of you?”

As if his words weren’t hurtful enough, Benedict added, “What were you and Caden doing in Terriland when this issue blew up?”

Alicia felt a pang of guilt, despite knowing she had done nothing wrong.

“What does that have to do with anything?” she asked, trying to hold back the hurt.

“What do you think?” Benedict sneered.

“If Caden had returned earlier, the video wouldn’t have reached my mother.

Caden has never been one to act on a whim.

And yet, he ignored pressing family matters to set off drone fireworks in some other country—all for some wench!”

Alicia swallowed the lump in her throat, feeling utterly humiliated.

“With all due respect, Mr.

Ward, that is a private matter between Caden and me.”

Benedict’s gaze hardened.

“Caden is where he is today thanks to the support of the Ward family.

Even the money he spent in Terriland is, in part, the family’s.

You may think it’s a private matter, but it simply isn’t.”

Alicia was left speechless.

She could easily cover those expenses herself.

Why was he meddling so much in their personal affairs?

“While it’s true that the Ward family doesn’t lack for money,” Benedict continued, “we are not foolish enough to support freeloaders.

Especially not someone who brings chaos and ruin to our doorstep!”

An uncomfortable silence settled in the room.

Unable to stand the tension, Jasmine stepped forward.

“Ms.

Bennett is Master Caden’s woman.

Please be mindful of your words, Mr.

Ward.”

“You have no place to speak here,” Benedict snapped at her.

But Jasmine stood firm.

“Even if you have grievances, you must wait until Madam Ciara recovers to address them.

If you wrong Ms.

Bennett without cause, Master Caden will certainly hold me accountable.

It will also ruin your relationship with him.

I’d appreciate it if you don’t make things difficult for both of us, Mr.

Ward.”

Alicia anxiously tugged at Jasmine’s sleeve.

She didn’t want the situation to escalate any further.

“Mr.

Ward, you should go see Ciara first,” Alicia suggested.

“We can talk another day.” She turned to Jasmine and added, “I’ll take my leave.”

Without another word, Alicia left Joy Mansion, her back turned as she walked away.

Jasmine watched her go, still indignant on her behalf.

Unfortunately, Benedict held considerable power within the Ward family.

Despite the old man’s temper and abrasive manner, Caden was still required to show him respect.

So, Jasmine chose to hold her tongue and retreated upstairs.

Once safely in her room, Jasmine quickly sent Caden a message: “You need to come home right away, Mr.

Ward.

Your uncle is here, and he just gave Ms.

Bennett a harsh scolding.Belonging to .

It was awful!”

Caden had just arrived at the police station when he received the text.

He scowled at the message, but before he could respond, Dorian appeared.

“You actually came back,” Dorian mocked, sneering.

“I thought you’d stay in Terriland until Christmas.”

Caden put his phone away and stared at Dorian.

Though it had only been a few days, it felt as if he was seeing a different man.

Dorian’s usual easygoing demeanor had been replaced by an unmistakable ruthlessness.

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.

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