?Chapter 206:


    Dani offered a brief, indifferent “Hmm” before disconnecting.


    A bitter taste reced Caiden’s fleeting smile, as he acknowledged his own role in the unfolding events.


    Attempting to spread the positive news, he called home, only to be met with Joyce’s harsh, resentful tone.


    “Oh, the surgery was sessful? That’s unfortunate. They deserved to fucking rot for what they put Mom through!”


    With a chilly edge, Joyce reminded him before hanging up.


    “And remember, Dad, you still owe me money. I expect it back soon.”


    Caiden shut his eyes, a single tear trailing down his cheek in silence.


    From the corner of the room, Peyton observed him and let out a scornful chuckle.


    Throughout the hospital stay of Peyton, Ronald, and Wyatt, neither Katrina nor Joyce paid a visit.


    Caiden found himself borrowing money from friends to manage the overwhelming hospital bills.


    He no longer sought Dani’s assistance, burdened by a deep sense of shame.


    To minimize discord, he arranged for their relocation to a modest apartment in a different neighborhood.


    Once they were settled, he ventured back to the vi to collect some personal items.


    Dive into the story world at gα?ησv???s?c?m


    As Caiden neared the front door, the sound ofughter echoed from within.


    The blend of joyful voices with the scent of a meal being prepared struck him harshly—it seemed like a bitter mockery after enduring countless days filled with fatigue, sleepless nights, and the stress of caregiving.


    His appearance was disheveled, his beard unkempt from days without proper care. When he entered, Joyce looked at him with a grimace, her expression piercing his already tender spirit.


    “What the hell, Dad? You smell so bad I’m about to gag! Did you roll around in a dumpster or what?” she eximed.


    Caiden’s gaze turned to Katrina, who was engrossed in a television show. She didn’t bother to look his way; her expression was icy, stripped of the warmth and affection she once radiated towards him.


    Without a word, Caiden made his way up the stairs, craving the relief of washing the dirt and weariness from his body.


    Refreshed after the shower, he was about to leave the room when he noticed the safe was open. Inside, nothing remained but the stark, empty void of the once-secured container.


    Rooted to the spot, Caiden stared into the empty safe.


    With rage boiling over, Caiden charged downstairs, his eyes zing as he prepared to confront Katrina.


    Joyce reclined on the sofa, leisurely biting into a crisp, bright red apple, barely ncing his way.


    “Dad, you’re in the way! Move—I’m watching the best part!”


    Without uttering a response, Caiden strode over and turned the television off.


    He folded his arms and fixed a piercing stare on her, his tone brooking no defiance.


    “Get upstairs. Right now.”


    Joyce, undeterred by Caiden’s authority, knew well that in this household, it was Katrina who held the reins.


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