Chapter 63

Caden scoffed. "Then drink the whole bottle."

Shelia was speechless. Caden's bluntness, though familiar, still surprised her. He patted Jerald's chest, feigning kindness. "Leave it alone, Jerald. There's no point arguing with the younger generation."

Jerald, pale but silent, accepted this. He'd long since learned that arguing with Caden was futile and risked worsening his health. The medicine, or perhaps Shelia's calming presence, had quieted him.

Shelia removed her hand from Jerald. "Where is Joshua? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

Shelia smiled. "Joshua's always busy, working late—until eleven or twelve most nights. But I told him about dinner, so he should be here by eight." I wanted Jerald to see how hard Joshua worked.

Jerald's eyes fell on Alicia. Disoriented by his illness, he blinked. "Is that Alicia?"

Alicia approached slowly, hands clasped. "Yes, Jerald," she replied softly.

Jerald frowned. "Why are you so distant?"

Shelia chimed in excitedly. "Alicia and Joshua are divorced. Joshua's engaged to Lilliana Green, and she's three months pregnant."

Jerald showed little reaction at the mention of "Green." "I don't get involved in young people's affairs. But why is Alicia still here after the divorce?"

Alicia remained silent, head down.

Shelia chuckled. "Joshua feels sorry for her. He lets her stay to care for you, and he pays her monthly."

Caden chuckled silently. Alicia remained expressionless. Jerald waved his hand dismissively. "Leave her alone."

Alicia retreated to the tea room, mixing cold medicine with water, seeking relief from her worsening illness. She was thrashing about when Georgia's voice sounded. "Mrs. Bennett, are you feeling unwell?"

Alice's tone was distant. "It's nothing," she said, gulping down the medicine.

Georgia, ever mindful of appearances, especially with Jerald awake, couldn't afford to slip up. "You've been out in the rain. You must have caught a cold. Let me make you some ginger tea."

Alice remained unconvinced. Georgia's sudden kindness felt suspicious. "Then make enough for everyone," Alice replied flatly. "Shelia and Caden were out in the rain too. They could use some tea."

Georgia turned without a word and left. When the tea was ready, bowls were placed before them. Shelia refused hers, claiming she avoided spicy things at night. Caden dismissed his with a glance.

Alice stared into her bowl. The ginger tea, sweetened with brown sugar, smelled comforting, yet something felt wrong. Her mind raced. What could it contain? Poison? Mosquitoes? Laxatives?

Shelia interrupted her thoughts. "Why don't you drink it? Georgia meant well. Don't waste it."

Alice hesitated, the hot bowl in her hands. Footsteps echoed from outside. The door burst open, a gust of cold wind rushing in. Joshua had returned earlier than expected.

Alicia's gaze flickered. Despite being drenched, Joshua seemed unconcerned. He greeted his father respectfully. "Dad, how are you?"

Jerald grunted. Alice stood. "Why did the rain catch you?"

Joshua, unsuspecting, answered as usual. "I met a client before heading home," he explained, wiping his coat. "The car was parked further from the entrance, so I got wet."

Alice saw her chance. "Just in time. Georgia made ginger tea. It'll help with your cold."

Georgia stiffened, opening her mouth to protest, but Alicia's piercing gaze silenced her. Without hesitation, Alicia passed the bowl to Joshua.

Shelia intervened quickly. "It's just a bit of rain, Alice. No need to fuss. You're the one who's sick, and Georgia made the tea for you." She then headed to the kitchen, summoning the staff to serve the food.

Joshua ignored Shelia, glancing briefly at Caden before resting his arm on Alicia's shoulders. "Did you catch a cold?" he asked quietly.

Alice forced a smile. "It's nothing serious. Would you like some ginger tea?"

"I'll drink it," Joshua insisted. "Have a sip first, then I'll finish the rest."

Alice blinked, surprised by his behavior. She reasoned that if the tea was harmful, it couldn't be too harmful; Georgia wouldn't be so calm if it were. Alice took a small sip.

As she moved the bowl, she heard a faint sound in the liquid. Suspicion filled her. Joshua snatched the bowl and drank from the spot where their lips had touched.

A wave of nausea hit Alice. Her eyes met Caden's intense gaze. His eyes narrowed, a twisted smile playing on his lips as he watched Joshua drink.

Alicia froze, then the sound of Joshua spitting out the tea broke the silence. With a look of disgust, he exclaimed, "What is this rubbish?"