Chapter 136

That evening, Joshua escorted Lilliana back to the Green family residence. He played the part of the ideal fiancé, apologizing to her father, Cedric Green. “My father has been ill, and several company matters require my attention. I’ve already received several calls urging my return. Please take care of Lilliana for now. I will pick her up tonight.”

Lilliana clung to his arm. “Come back soon.”

“I will,” Joshua replied, his eyes softening as he ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll be back by ten at the latest.”

“Okay,” Cedric said, watching them silently.

After Joshua left, Cedric said, “He’s gone. Why are you still looking at him? Do you really like him that much?”

Lilliana pouted. “Dad, you’re teasing me again.”

Cedric was unhappy with his daughter’s infatuation with Joshua, whose infidelity was well-known. “Don’t lose yourself in this relationship, Lilliana,” he warned.

Lilliana laughed. “Don’t worry, Dad. Joshua adores me. He’s never let me down.”

“If he truly loved you, would he have impregnated you before marriage? Would he have cheated on his ex-wife with you?”

“He had no choice, but he’s been trying to make amends,” Lilliana countered.

Cedric sighed. What could he do with a daughter so blinded by love? “I think he’s just pretending.”

Lilliana, clinging to his arm as they went inside, said, “If he can pretend his whole life, that’s fine with me. As long as I’m happy.”

Meanwhile, Joshua returned to the Yates mansion. Shelia greeted him quietly: “Alicia is still confined. She hasn’t made a sound, but Jerald is furious.” Both knew why. Joshua’s company was going public, and his wedding to Lilliana was imminent. Alicia’s presence was an unwelcome distraction.

Shelia repeated her usual warning. “There are plenty of women. But if you lose your career, everything you’ve worked for will be lost.”

Joshua remained impassive. He entered the master bedroom and found Alicia sitting silently, her face emotionless. He could easily force himself on her, but his body refused to respond, a fact he didn’t understand.

He sat beside her, lit a cigarette, and a silent tension filled the room. Alicia understood his calm; it meant resignation.

Relieved, she broke the silence. “You know it’s illegal to hold someone against their will. When will you release me?”

Joshua stubbed out his cigarette. “As soon as things calm down, I’ll let you go.”

Alicia found it absurd. His fate is sealed, she thought.

Shelia entered with a ringing phone. “It’s ringing,” she said, showing it to Joshua. “Should I answer?”

Both Joshua and Alicia looked at the screen. It was Caden.

Alicia’s fingers tightened, remembering her dinner date with Caden. It was late; he was likely calling to find her.

Joshua gave her a menacing smile, waving the phone. “So, Caden is very interested in you.” The ringtone intensified. “How far have things gone between you two?”

Alicia remained silent; she knew she couldn’t outwit him.

Just before the call ended, Joshua answered. With forced cheer, he said, “Caden.” A brief silence followed.

Caden chuckled. “Joshua?”

Joshua asked casually, “What’s wrong, Caden? Something important, or just wanting to talk to Alicia at this hour?”

Caden replied evenly, “Am I interrupting something?”

“Not really. It’s not late, and we’re awake,” Joshua said, moving closer to Alicia. She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly. His eyes were intense, though his voice remained soft. “Alice, do you want to answer?”

Alice realized her palms were sweating. She saw the call was still connected. Surely Caden knew what was happening? Gritting her teeth, she said, “No.”

Joshua insisted. “Why not? What if Caden has something important to discuss?”

Alicia, unable to bear it any longer, reached for the phone, but Joshua snatched it away. In the ensuing struggle, the call ended.

Joshua’s calm shattered. “How far have you and Caden gone?”

Alice’s gaze turned icy. “Exactly as far as you imagine.”

Joshua’s anger erupted; he grabbed her by the neck.