Chapter 3

Lilliana's eyes flickered with grim intent; her lips curved into a faint smile. She wasn't foolish enough to reveal her hand now, so she dismissed the matter with a casual excuse.

"During your two years of marriage," she mused, "she lived quietly in the shadows, a simple housewife disconnected from your world. When you're firm, would she dare to object?"

Joshua pursed his lips. For two years, Alice had supported and comforted him, loved him fiercely. But in the end, what was the value of love? He'd reached the pinnacle of power, achieving what he craved, but it hadn't been easy. His success wasn't built on love, but on strategic alliances with the powerful. The prestige of being the daughter of the Green family—that alone—was worth far more than Alice's devotion.

As these thoughts gnawed at him, Lilliana pressed her full red lips to his. "Joshua," she purred, her voice velvety, "congratulations on escaping the routine. Shall we celebrate?"

For a moment, his gaze lingered on her, but then Alicia's indifferent face flashed before his eyes. Since leaving home, she hadn't contacted him once. Before, if he'd angered her, she would have called, fearful. A sharp irritation welled up inside him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana away, his voice hoarse. "You're only a few weeks pregnant. Be careful."

Lilliana, ever perceptive, recognized his distraction. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked softly. "Don't you want a divorce?"

His response was immediate. "Of course I want a divorce."

Her eyes narrowed. "Then why don't you seem happy?"

Joshua offered a quick, firm but distant excuse. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's probably here to claim his inheritance. I need to handle him."

Lilliana blinked, momentarily surprised. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even use the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to contest the inheritance?"

Joshua's expression darkened.

A sharp pang pierced Alice's chest; her eyes stung as she fought back tears, quickly bringing her hand to her eyelids. Then, she noticed something startling. Stunned, she looked at her hand. The wedding ring—held so tightly—was gone. He'd been gone a day and a night, and hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight lifting. She whispered, more to herself than anyone else, "Yes, I have truly let go."

Joshua, turning back to record something, noticed. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?"