Chapter 994:
In the ambulance, Corey managed to open his eyes and signal to Pierre.noveldrama
Understanding what Corey wanted to do but feeling apprehensive, Pierre hesitated. “Mr. Ward is tough to handle. I might not manage it alone.”
Corey shook his head, trying to convey another message.
Pierre leaned in closer. “What did you say, Mr. Hampton?” Weakly, Corey responded, “Make sure no one sees the footage from that dog pen.”
Corey’s concern wasn’t about surviving the ambulance ride. It was that Caden must never see him in such a compromised position, especially not being bitten on the backside by dogs. Absolutely not.
As dusk fell, Caden accompanied Alicia to the town’s most celebrated restaurant.
After their meal, they strolled back to the once-vibrant Ward Mansion, which had grown silent and empty since Ciara’s move to Warrington.
Upon pushing open the grand doors, they were welcomed by a subtle floral scent. Fresh lilies, vibrant and well-cared-for by the afternoon’s attentive staff, contrasted with the pristine condition of the house.
Alicia took in her surroundings. Everything was new to her, yet this mansion had been Caden’s home for over a decade, his presence echoing through the space.
Caden leaned in, his voice soft. “Would you like to see my room?”
Alicia looked into his eyes, noticing a rare tenderness. Her heart warmed with curiosity. “Sure.”
Expecting minimalism, Alicia was surprised to find his room resembled a library. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a solitary desk by the window offered views of the verdant spring outside. Alicia perused the books: one wall held school textbooks and study materials, another technical resources from his professional life. Each book bore marks of Caden’s diligent study, his handwritten notes faintly visible.
Touching the book spines, she envisioned Caden immersed in his studies, her eyes growing tender. It became clear that geniuses like him worked tirelessly. At twenty-one, when he excelled in an international competition, all praised his natural talent, unaware of the effort behind his success.
Two other walls displayed trophies and machine parts Caden had designed, each item a milestone of his achievements. Moved by the tangible evidence of his journey, Alicia remained silent, absorbing the scene.
Noticing her tears, Caden smiled softly and brushed them away. “Why cry? Your husband has only known the trials of academic pursuit.”
Alicia shook her head, touched. “Studying is tough, and being consistently on top is even harder.”
She reflected on her own childhood, burdened with constant pressure, endless memorization, complex problems, lack of sleep, unpalatable supplements, and the emotional leverage wielded by her parents. Because she had experienced similar pressures, she felt a profound empathy for Caden.
Suddenly remembering something, she pushed Caden’s hand away somewhat petulantly. “But that doesn’t excuse you being a jerk.”
Caden chuckled at her combination of concern and irritation. “You were so pretty and carefree back then. I couldn’t stand seeing someone so openly happy.”
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