I Love You More Cade by Coral Hume ( Nydia and Jackson) Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Nydia was momentarily taken back, wondering how Cade had gotten there.

Bentley’s hand hung frozen mid–air before he withdrew it quietly. “Mr. Jackson, it’s been a while.” He greeted Cade with politely.

Cade and Bentley had crossed paths at an international economic summit not too long ago. Cade had been the star of the show, while Bentley merely blended into the background. Chances were, Cade didn’t even remember him.

Cade coldly ignored Bentley’s greeting, clearly not interested in small talk.

Nydia thought Cade’s dismissal of Bentley was a bit harsh. So, she took it upon herself to introduce him. “This is Bentley, Mr. Wiley’s grandson.”

“Be quiet.” Cade dismissed with a cold tone.

Speech and trying to wriggle out of Cade’s grasp, Nydia found herself tightly held; the more she struggled, the tighter his grip, as though he intended to meld her into his very being.

The smile in Bentley’s eyes gradually faded.

“I’m hungry. Make me something to eat,” Cade commanded.

“The dining table is right there. If you’re hungry, serve yourself,” Nydia shot back, her patience wearing thin.

“It’s not good,” Cade replied coolly.

Nydia couldn’t help but complain internally, ‘How is that my problem? Is this guy insane?‘

tually, Cade hauled her to the backyard kitchen.

Upon entering

he finally released her.

“Cade, what’s gotten into you? If you’re hungry, get Josephine to cook. Why bother me?” Nydia said, arms crossed and dripping with sarcasm.

Typically, Cade would have dismissed her on the spot. But tonight, he was far from his usual self.

Hearing the jealousy in her voice, Cade’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but he still coldly ordered, “I want mac and cheese.”

–

“I can’t make that!” Nydia protested loudly, glaring at him.

“Then I guess I’ll call Lance to see if you really can’t,” Cade teased, a playful edge to his threat.

Fuming, Nydia wished she could shoot daggers from her eyes at him. Cade, meanwhile, lounged on the sofa with ease.

‘Jerk,’ Nydia cursed under her breath.

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Grumbling, she stormed into the kitchen. Ten minutes later, she served the food, having spitefully added an extra spoonful

of salt.

“Here, enjoy!” Nydia said, placing it on the table.

Cade put away his phone and approached the table.

The cooking was disastrous. The cheese burnt to a crisp. Cade frowned in displeasure.

Expecting him to refuse, Nydia was taken aback when he took a bite, only for his stoic face to twist briefly in distaste.

Nydia couldn’t help but laugh internally, thoroughly pleased with herself.

Cade shot her a deadly glare and questioned, “Are you crazy?”

“What’s the matter? Not good? I did say I can’t cook. Not my fault you didn’t believe me.” Nydia shrugged innocently, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Cade gazed at her, his eyes revealing an emotion that was hard for her to pinpoint.

The room fell silent, making Nydia feel uneasy.

As she turned to leave, Cade’s voice stopped her. “You’re not to see that man again.” His voice was laden with displeasure, a warning, and a trace of jealousy.

Nydia, incredulous, turned to face him, only to meet his cold gaze. “The Wiley family are our competitors. Your foolishness must not compromise Jackson Group,” he said emotionlessly.

That was a cold splash of reality for Nydia. Any warmth she thought might have been there was just an illusion.

‘I am so naive, she chided herself, realizing nothing had changed.

Nydia scoffed. “Don’t worry, Mr. Jackson. I know better than to flaunt a lover at important events.”

Cade’s eyes darkened. “She wasn’t my date.”

“Does it matter?” Nydia shot back, sarcasm dripping. “Everyone in Creekheim saw Josephine with you. What’s next? Will you replace me with her as Mrs. Jackson? You said it yourself; it could be her as easily as it is me.”

Her words hit a nerve with Cade. Before he could respond, Nydia added, “Bentley is more real and clean than any of you. He

wouldn’t lie to me.”

Nydia was pushing Cade’s buttons, saying these things just to irk him. Her brief encounter with Bentley had shown her a decent man, nothing more.

Cade’s eyes turned icy. He demanded, “I dare you to say it again.”

Nydia shivered involuntarily, her mind racing with thoughts of impending doom.

“I’m in so much trouble. I am screwed. God, help me!‘ she screamed internally.

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Just as Cade advanced, the butler’s voice saved the day. “Mr. Cade, Mr. Orson wants to see you.”

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Cade paused, giving Nydia a disdainful look, then coldly threatened, “Nydia, you might not survive without a man, but remember, dirty yourself all you want. If you drag the Jackson name through the mud, I’ll make you regret it.” He then left without another word.

Frozen, Nydia tried to smile through the pain, her eyes welling up slightly.

As the party ended and the guests left, the Jacksons gathered for a late snack, enjoying each other’s company.

The Jackson family comprised three brothers: Sam, who, along with his wife, resided with their father at Jackson Mansion, and Quincy, Zachary, and Lacie, each living independently, only returning home for major holidays. On special days like this, it was a given that the siblings would stay over.

Nydia, sitting next to Cade, listened to the three Jackson brothers and their father discuss business and current affairs in

harmony.

The Jackson family, as the leading financial powerhouse in Creekheim, almost controlled the city’s vital sectors like real estate, oil, shipping, and tourism. Their influence was undeniable.

Though all in their forties and fifties, the brothers exuded vitality and success, a testament to their meticulous self–care.

When it came to gifts, the trio boasted of their achievements, while their wives and Lacie presented extravagant gifts. In comparison, Nydia’s offerings were modest.