Chapter 62

Shelia hadn't initially noticed Alicia sneaking into the guest room. Only when Caden came down for medicine for her bruises did Shelia become suspicious. Seeing Caden, uninjured, carrying the medicine, puzzled her. Then she remembered Alicia limping earlier; it seemed Alicia had hurt her knee.

Alicia and Caden, known for their mutual dislike, were suddenly close. Intimidated by Caden, Shelia waited instead of confronting them, hoping to catch them in the act. Soon, Alicia appeared.

“Did the cat get your tongue?” Shelia snapped. “What were you and Caden up to?”

Alicia visibly relaxed. “Nothing serious. I was taking a shower and accidentally went into the wrong room.”

Shelia sneered. “So, of all the guest rooms, you stumble into his? You’re amazing, Alicia. First one brother, and now the other? Your ambitions know no bounds.”

Alicia’s expression turned icy. "I wish I had that much talent."

Shelia scoffed. “Oh, I think you have enough. If you want to play the seductress, fine. But don’t involve Joshua. Break up with him for good, and I’ll pretend this never happened. Otherwise, when Joshua returns, I’ll ensure he sees your true nature.”

Leaning against the wall, Alicia lifted her bruised knee and sighed. “And what exactly have I done?”

“You know perfectly well,” Shelia hissed.

"Without proof, there is no confession," Alicia replied calmly.

Shelia’s voice sharpened. “How shameless! You couldn’t resist Joshua when you were married, and now, after the breakup, you’re still chasing him?”

Caden approached. "What are you arguing about?" he asked.

Shelia's demeanor changed instantly. Alicia turned to Caden, who was carrying a bag.

"You left your clothes," he said, handing her the bag.

Alicia froze. Shelia watched, misinterpreting the interaction. Alicia, realizing she had no choice, accepted the bag with a forced smile. “Thanks, Caden,” she murmured, leaning against the wall.

Shelia intervened. “Caden, Alicia and Joshua are divorced. She’s no longer part of this family.”

Caden kept a distance from Alicia. “By the way,” he asked casually, “how long has Joshua been engaged?”

Shelia replied, “Almost three months.”

Caden raised an eyebrow. “Three months? Funny, I remember Alicia and Joshua were still married then. Impressive that Joshua managed to have an affair with the Green heiress.”

Shelia was speechless, realizing Caden was deliberately provoking her. A wave of discomfort washed over her. She knew Joshua had been unfaithful, giving Caden the perfect opportunity to exploit the situation.

With a slight smile, Caden added, “Miss Green is lucky to marry into the family. When it comes to being a mistress, you, as the future mother-in-law, are the expert. Joshua’s little family should run smoothly under your guidance.”

Shelia, furious but unable to retaliate, bit back her anger as Caden walked away.

Exhausted, Alicia napped. Waking with a stuffy nose and heavy head, she went downstairs for water. Looking over the railing, she saw Jerald, Shelia, and Caden in the living room; the tension was palpable. She crept closer to listen.

Fragments of their conversation reached her.

“You’ve been gone so long, and now you only answer every third question. What kind of disrespect is this?” Jerald’s voice was fragile but resolute. Caden, cross-legged, exuded an air of superiority, easily overshadowing Jerald.

Caden shrugged. “It’s been so long, what’s left to talk about?”

Jerald snapped, “If that’s the case, why are you even here?”

Caden smiled. “Joshua said you were at death’s door. I thought I’d come say goodbye.”

Jerald’s face flushed. “What kind of nonsense is that?”

“I’m just repeating what your youngest son told me,” Caden replied indifferently.

Shelia grabbed Jerald’s arm. “Caden, stop. Please say less.”

Caden shrugged. “If I don’t say enough, I get blamed. If I say too much, I get blamed. It’s exhausting.”

Alicia stifled a laugh. Caden’s arrogance was both infuriating and amusing.

Jerald’s chest swelled with fury. “You scoundrel! Don’t expect a cent of my inheritance.”

Caden snorted.

Panicked, Shelia grabbed medicine, frantically shaking several pills.

Caden watched with boredom. “Be careful with those. They’re not easy to get. Once you use them up, they’re gone.”

Jerald swallowed the pills, glaring at his son. “Did I spend your money?”

Caden smirked.

Shelia gave Caden a cold look. “He’s still your father. Is it too much to ask you to help him with some medicine? Do you have to be so petty?”