Chapter 56

Alice pointed to a nearby vase. “I’ve been hiding behind that for a while.”

Caden chuckled. “You’re quite the expert. You could join the CIA.”

As he split a mangosteen, Alice took half, asking, “You didn’t share our chat logs with Joshua, did you? He’d have mentioned it by now.”

“Worried he’ll find out?” Caden asked.

Alice savored the fruit, playfully reaching for the piece nearest Caden’s mouth. He was momentarily speechless.

Eating confidently, she said, “You heard Joshua. My relationship with him has evolved, and I don’t want misunderstandings.”

Caden softly laughed. “You really agreed to be his lover?”

Alice grimaced slightly but nodded. Caden watched her intently, his expression unreadable.

He remained silent, his true reasons for visiting the Yates mansion undisclosed.

Alice looked at the remaining fruit. “Why are these mangosteens so good? Aren’t you going to eat any?”

“If you need me to peel them, just ask,” Caden replied.

“What’s wrong with peeling a few more? You still owe me,” Alice countered.

Caden peeled another and offered it to her. As she ate, he reminded her, “So, the food you promised me is still outstanding.”

This almost choked Alice, but Caden quickly covered her mouth, gently ensuring she swallowed.

Afterward, Alice commented, “It’s funny how you and Joshua are always thinking about food.”

“Do you cook for him often?” Caden asked, raising his eyebrows.

“There must be something fishy about him. He once offered me a large sum just to cook for him monthly,” Alice replied sarcastically.

Caden’s sarcasm sharpened. “You seem to be speaking rather harshly about your sugar daddy.”

Surprised, Alice popped a grape in her mouth. “It’s all in good fun.”

Caden scoffed. “Do you talk to him like that in bed, too? You were always so quiet with me. Oh, that’s right. You two were married for two years and never slept together.”

Alice’s cheeks flushed. Arguing would be useless.

Changing the subject, Caden said, “Don’t worry about cooking for me. If it’s something Joshua likes, it probably won’t be very good.”

Alice sneered softly. She hadn’t even agreed to cook for him, and he was already criticizing.

He left as guests arrived. A maid approached with cakes and drinks.

“Mr. Ward, please tell us your preferences; we are unfamiliar with your tastes.”

Glancing at a cup, Caden thought of Alice and asked, “Coffee, please.”

Jerald, unwell, had retreated to his room after lunch. After the guests left, Shelia found a quiet corner to confront Joshua.

“Didn’t you and Alice get divorced? Why is she here?”

Joshua, lighting a cigarette, replied curtly, “Mom, stay out of this. It’s my business.”

Shelia, a former lover herself, understood. “Do you intend to keep Alice?”

Joshua was honest. “She’ll likely stay at the Yates mansion. It gives her a reason to stay—taking care of Dad. Even if Lilliana finds out, we have a reasonable explanation. I’ve clarified his stay won't be permanent. I will only see Alicia occasionally when she visits Dad.”

Shelia vehemently disagreed. “You and Lilliana have just stabilized your relationship. Keeping Alice is like holding a bomb. Don’t risk everything.”

Joshua’s gaze was deep. “Health is essential, and I’ve needed some relief lately.”

“Finding a temporary partner is easy. But Alice is different, isn’t she?” Shelia knew Alice could be troublesome. “She’s not naive. If she turns against you, it will be troublesome.”

“I’ve known her since childhood. We were married for two years. I understand her well,” Joshua replied, visibly upset. Alicia had become vulnerable after her parents' accident. When pressed, she complied without resistance. He planned to work hard to soften the memories of their strained marriage and had developed ways to ensure a woman's complete loyalty.

Shelia, noticing his frustration, relaxed. “Please think carefully. I’ll ensure the relatives keep quiet, so it doesn’t reach the Green family.”

“Okay,” Joshua agreed curtly. He put out his cigarette. “I’m staying here tonight.”

Shelia looked at him thoughtfully, wondering what it was about Alice that still captivated him after all these years.