Chapter 134

Alicia was relieved by Joshua's question; she'd feared he'd ask about her alleged conspiracy with Caden. Keeping his emotions in check, he asked, "Why are you asking me that?"

Joshua's tone was firm. "Just give me a straight answer. Yes or no."

"No," she replied flatly.

But Joshua remained unconvinced. "Mrs. Gray mentioned you and Caden were close at the Gray family's house," he said, his expression darkening. "Don't you find it coincidental that you were both there? And after your injury, why was it Caden who saved you?"

Alice remained silent, her gaze fixed on him. She saw anger, resentment, and perhaps a hint of fear, though she doubted it; Joshua's interest in her was fleeting. He wouldn't truly fear losing her.

Having gathered sufficient evidence, she decided to end their entanglement. "There's actually something going on between Caden and me," she said, a slow smile spreading across her face.

Joshua shuddered at her smile. His calm demeanor only intensified her frustration. "So why did you deny it before?" he asked, his voice agitated.

Alicia shrugged, her indifference evident. "You asked if we were involved." Her smile lingered. "Is there really any difference?"

"Absolutely," she said. "Caden asked me to be with him, but I haven't agreed yet." She sighed and lied, "He claimed he's better than you, that all my problems would disappear with him."

Surprisingly, Joshua believed her. He understood Caden's intentions from their private conversations. Her heart raced. "What do you think?" she asked mockingly. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

The outcome depended on them. Joshua knew he had little chance, but his competitive spirit flared. Clenching his fists, he declared, "Caden is no match for me."

Alice laughed. "Those who have nothing to lose aren't intimidated by those with everything at stake," she observed. "He's single, unburdened. And you? Lilliana is pregnant. Aren't you worried?"

Joshua's expression soured. "Alicia, are you sitting with Caden to mock me?"

"No," she replied with a shrug. "I'm telling the truth. You're impulsive, and I'm reminding you not to jeopardize the bigger picture."

Lilliana represented that bigger picture; Alice was insignificant. Joshua needed to understand that. He saw through her pretense.

"Are you planning on leaving me for Caden?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.

Alicia hesitated. "I won't be with anyone, but as long as I'm at the Yates mansion, I'll be a threat to your relationship with Lilliana. You should consider that."

He dismissed her words with a wave. He took her hand. "Caden only wants to compete with me. If you accept this, it won't end well. Do you understand?"

Alice flinched under his grip, struggling to free herself. Believing she was trying to escape, Joshua picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, locking the door.

"What are you planning to do?" Alice asked, worried.

He pushed her onto the bed, grabbing her neck. "What are you thinking? Have you forgotten why I brought you here?" He began to remove her clothes.

Alice clung to his shirt, resisting. She knew Joshua had taken a drug that would impair his physical reaction, but Caden had left marks on her skin that she couldn't let Joshua discover. Fury consumed her, and she slapped him hard.

He paused, momentarily stunned. With a stern expression, he growled, "Do you really not want to give yourself to me?"

Alice's eyes burned with anger. "Why would I? Have you forgotten how you threatened me?"

Joshua paused, recalling his threat: if she disobeyed, he would leave her vulnerable to assault.

Shaking with fury, Alice screamed, "You're no different from a rapist!"

Joshua stiffened. He looked into her eyes – eyes no longer kind and smiling, but filled with anger and defiance. He had been trying to force her to stay, but now felt a wave of defeat. Frustrated by his body's lack of response, he released her and lit a cigarette.

Seconds later, her phone rang – Lilliana. He answered, exhaling smoke. "What's wrong, honey?"

Lilliana asked sweetly, "Are you done with work? A walk?" Joshua looked at Alicia, who was smoothing her clothes, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes," he replied flatly. "I'll be there soon."

After hanging up, Alice said, "Nothing stays hidden forever. Your company is going public, Lilliana is returning to work. Do you want to risk losing everything because of me?"

Joshua knew what mattered most. He valued power too much to risk it all for a woman, but he wouldn't let Caden have Alicia without a fight. He didn't respond, grabbing his phone and walking out.

Alicia's expression tightened. "What do you think you're doing, Joshua?"