?Chapter 173:


    “Honey, it seems Alexander is gearing up to propose to Joyce formally,” she ventured, trying to gauge his reaction.


    Caiden, drawing another cigarette, responded with cold indifference.


    “Alright.”


    Smoke wreathed around his face, quickly shrouding his expression.


    Clearing her throat, Katrina sought to reim Caiden’s attention. In the past, such a signal wouldpel him to discard his cigarette and draw her close, enveloping her in his arms.


    Now, however, Caiden appeared deaf to her cue. A flicker of anguish shadowed Katrina’s gaze, deepening ominously before she quickly veiled it with a radiant smile, masking her true feelings. She had crucial motives today and needed Caiden on her side.


    Rather than protest, she pressed herself against him, her fingers sketching tender patterns against his chest.


    “Honey, consider the benefits after Joyce marries Alexander. Given the Bet family’s flourishing status, Joyce would thrive as one of them.”


    Caiden, wrapped in his own silence, gave no response as he continued to puff on his cigarette.


    Katrina continued, “Joyce is already pregnant. The Bet family probably wants to seal the deal because she’s the only daughter, and our family’s wealth is a big safety for her. But for some reason, Richard didn’t mention it today. It seems he’s waiting for our promise.


    What I’m getting at is…”


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    Katrina paused strategically, her eyes locking onto Caiden’s with intentional gravity.


    “What I’m getting at is that ultimately, the family fortune will belong to Joyce. We’re doing this for her future, aren’t we? So, why not transfer your assets to her now?”


    Caiden lingered in silence, a thin trail of smoke curling from his cigarette.


    Katrina arched up and nted a kiss on Caiden’s lips.


    “Besides, everything’s been arranged, right? We won’t have any more children. We might as well let Joyce solidify her standing in the Bet family. Once Joyce is married, my only job will be to attend to you.”


    Her voice was tender, filled with the assumption that Caiden would concur. However, he remained eerily silent.


    Katrina nudged his arm, her voiceced with concern.


    “Honey, what’s on your mind?”


    Caiden murmured, “I need some time to think it over.”


    Katrina’s brows knit together in a sudden scowl, a sh of revulsion darting across her features, unseen by Caiden.


    When she lifted her gaze again, her expression had morphed into one of wary calction.


    “Certainly, take your time to consider. I know Joyce holds a special ce in your heart, and you always prioritize her needs. But, honey, we need a swift decision. Our daughter’s condition grows more apparent by the day, and if she bears a child out of wedlock and it bes public, it would tarnish our family’s reputation, don’t you agree?”


    Caiden’s reply came as t as before.


    “Indeed.”


    Katrina’s displeasure deepened, puzzled by Caiden’s unusual detachment.


    She had been gearing up for this moment all year.


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