Chapter 55

Alicia looked away, rubbing her forehead, avoiding Joshua's gaze. He gently pulled her to his side, keeping a discreet distance from Caden. He greeted Caden politely, but distantly: "Caden." Alicia subtly wiped the spot on her dress where Joshua had touched her. Caden acknowledged him with a slight curl of his lips.

Joshua asked, "You're always so busy. How did you manage to bring Alicia here today?"

Caden replied nonchalantly, "It was a chance encounter."

"Quite a coincidence," Joshua remarked, his tone hostile. Caden chuckled softly.

"If you're so intrigued by the coincidence, perhaps you should ask your ex-wife," Caden suggested.

Alicia was speechless, Caden's insinuation hinting at a romantic involvement. Wasn't he the one who offered to take her? Joshua's intense gaze made her uncomfortable. She employed a tactic: "I was walking too fast and bumped into Caden," she explained quietly, her hand still on her forehead. "I feel a little dizzy. Can I rest for a while?"

Joshua pushed his hand away, revealing a red mark on his forehead. Alicia, unusually accommodating, didn't resist. Joshua chose not to press further. "Rest in my room. I'll see you later."

Hesitantly, Alicia questioned the wisdom of this. "Is it really alright for me to be in your room? What if Miss Green finds out?"

"She's not here today," Joshua reassured her.

"But someone might see us," Alice insisted.

Joshua confidently stated, "With my permission, no one will dare gossip." He gently guided her inside. "Go on. I need to talk to..."

Alicia pressed her lips together, reluctantly pulling away. Joshua turned to Caden, a rare occurrence given their usual avoidance. "Do you have any interest in Alicia?"

Caden responded with a disdainful scoff. "What makes you think that?"

Joshua's frustration was palpable as he clenched his fists. "You two have always been at odds. Why did you help her at the police station yesterday?"

Caden moved into the living room, explaining, "She's an old classmate. I was just helping her. Is there a problem with that?"

Unsatisfied, Joshua persisted, following him. "This isn't just about old classmates, is it?" His tone was accusatory.

Caden settled into a chair, crossing his legs, and smiled. "You seem rather touchy," Caden remarked, adding provocatively, "Does it bother you to think there might be something between me and your ex-wife?"

Joshua's expression darkened. "Caden, you're crossing a line."

Caden, unfazed, replied, "Just one question. Why so defensive?"

Joshua's hands clenched into fists, his usual indifference to women eclipsed by Alicia's recent behavior. The idea of Caden escorting Alicia to the station, their arrival together, their exchanged glances—it deeply unsettled him. "Alicia is with me now," Joshua stated firmly. "You should keep your distance."

Caden's laugh lacked warmth. "You divorced your ex, got engaged to the Green family heiress, and now you're back with your ex. What a web you've woven."

Joshua remained composed. "Alicia hasn't been able to move on. She's loved me for years. It would be cruel to ignore that."

Caden commented, "Looks like Alicia still has a few tricks up her sleeve to keep your attention."

Joshua's expression tightened, his denial evident. "I just feel sorry for her," he confessed.

"So you really care about Lilliana?" Caden asked, a hint of mockery in his voice. "You criticize me for helping Alicia, but you overlook your fiancée's frequent visits to my office. Quite interesting."

Joshua had business to attend to. "Once Lilliana has the baby, we might consider her returning to work. She had a small slip-up this time. I'll get her a position at another agency. You don't have to worry, Caden."

Caden replied indifferently, "Whatever."

This exchange deepened Joshua's suspicions about Caden's spiteful motives. He recalled a previous plan designed to cause him financial ruin. Meanwhile, the outside area buzzed with activity. With his responsibilities pressing, Joshua left, his expression grave.

On a nearby table sat a variety of fruits. Caden casually picked a mangosteen. As he opened it, Alicia sat beside him.

"Where did you come from?" Caden asked, looking around.