Chapter 181

Caden regarded Joshua with an enigmatic smile. "Mr. Yates, your troubles must be considerable if you still find the time to observe women," he remarked. Entering the room with long, purposeful strides, Caden was immediately offered a chair by Mr. Wade, who then cast a sideways glance at Alicia. Lifting the hem of her dress, Alicia seated herself. Mr. Wade, momentarily startled, glanced at her again before exiting with a knowing look.

Joshua, having observed the exchange, said sarcastically, "Well played, Alicia. You've quite charmed Mr. Ward."

Alicia understood his implication. "You overestimate me, Joshua. Mr. Ward is simply being kind," she replied, adding with a smile, "Unlike you with Miss Green, you're so servile. Mr. Ward couldn't compare to your obsequiousness."

Caden narrowed his eyes, uncertain who she was addressing.

Joshua slowly clenched his fists. He doubted Alicia could truly captivate Caden, yet the thought ignited his anger. Even a fleeting connection between them fueled his fury. The escalating tension prompted Joshua's abrupt departure. He pushed back his chair and stood.

Caden watched this sudden movement. "What's wrong? Have you changed your mind about the loan?"

His pride wounded, Joshua retorted, "That's none of your concern."

As he turned to leave, Alicia intervened. "Why the haste? If you've reconsidered the loan, perhaps we can discuss the painting."

Joshua, displaying no remorse despite his transgression, stated, "When we married, you declared everything yours was mine. You professed such deep love. I naturally assumed it belonged to me."

Alice expressed disbelief at his audacity. "Promises are empty words, Joshua. I prefer legal matters now," she replied coldly.

Refusing to concede defeat, Joshua said, "Mr. Wade possesses the painting. You should request it from him."

"And the deposit? When will you return it?" Alice demanded sharply.

The deposit—fifty million dollars—would have been insignificant to Joshua before, but his circumstances had drastically altered. Caden had maneuvered the bank to restrict Joshua's accounts, effectively freezing his assets. The fifty million was gone.

Joshua's expression hardened. "I'll transfer the funds before the day's end," he declared.

Alicia pressed her lips together.

Without hesitation, Caden coldly interjected, "That's insufficient. You have ten minutes."

Joshua noticed Alicia's hesitation. "Let's be clear, Caden. The painting belongs to Alicia. What authority do you claim?"

Caden's lips curved into a slight smile, his eyes remaining cold, hinting at a latent danger.

Sensing Caden's impatience, Alicia addressed him, "Caden is managing the painting. He makes the decisions."

Caden visibly relaxed.

Alicia grasped Caden's wrist, glancing at her watch. "Your ten minutes begin now," she announced.

Joshua stood speechless, knowing he couldn't produce the funds in that timeframe. Driven by pride, he desperately attempted to repay the debt despite his empty coffers, making frantic calls. As the minutes ticked by, his brow furrowed.

Caden calmly tapped his fingers on the table. "If the pressure's too great, simply say so. I'll lend you what you need," he offered with a smile.

Joshua gritted his teeth. "You bribed Randolph, colluded with Mr. Wade to humiliate me! I'll return your deposit, even if it's late. Your petty tactics are insulting; you underestimate me."

Caden's smile broadened, his eyes still cold. "Oh? And what methods would you deem sophisticated? Perhaps Alicia's investments in your venture, or those clandestine dealings you've orchestrated?"

Joshua frowned. "What do you imply?" he asked, his voice tight.

Caden stared at him. "Your actions," he replied, his tone weighty.

A tense expression crossed Joshua's face. "You claim Alicia invested. Do you have proof?"

"Randolph is essentially under my control," Caden said with a confident smile. "Where do you think the evidence resides? Of course, that alone won't suffice. But don't worry, I have more. Shall I list the taxes you evaded, the funds you embezzled, and the officials you bribed?"

With each word, Joshua's expression darkened. He hadn't anticipated the depth of Caden's investigation. How had he uncovered these secrets so quickly?