Chapter 66

Joshua chuckled. “We were married for years. Ties like that don't just disappear.”

Jerald waved a dismissive hand, a familiar echo of his own past. “They're just women. Have fun if you want. I'm not involved.”

Joshua’s demeanor shifted to seriousness. “As for the Green family, I have everything under control. There will be no problems.”

Jerald nodded. “As long as you're sure.” His thoughts turned to Caden, a frown etching his face. “Caden holds a grudge. I lost my temper today, and I'm not sure what I might do next.” Caden’s earlier gaze – intense, cold, and brooding – reminded him too much of his own father. At twenty-five, Caden seemed ready to conquer the world.

Joshua, sensing Jerald’s worry, said, “He’s your son. What can I really do? If he had real power, he wouldn’t have gone down without a fight.”

Jerald closed his eyes briefly. Joshua handed him water. “I’ve been looking into Caden’s overseas assets since his return. He's been hiding things well. I suspect he’s keeping secrets.”

Jerald frowned. “What kind of secrets?”

“Something big. Financial problems, or worse. His pride wouldn't allow him to return merely to compete for an inheritance, unless there's something more.”

The idea resonated with Jerald. It made sense. Given the Yates empire, why would Caden willingly relinquish his inheritance? As long as Jerald remained in control, Caden was powerless.

“We have her mother to thank for that,” Jerald murmured, “giving me everything she had.” He looked at Joshua. “Alicia reminds me of her.”

Joshua smiled. “Thanks for your guidance, Dad.”

Jerald took a sip of water, pondering. He knew Joshua's charm, but also knew, deep down, that Joshua wasn't on Caden's level.

With a dismissive gesture, Jerald said, “Go eat. I feel better. You don't need to put so much effort into the company anymore. I can take care of everything.”

Joshua’s eyes darkened momentarily, but he masked his emotions.

“It's okay, Dad,” Joshua replied calmly. Leaving the study, he saw Alicia leaning against a pillar in the hallway, lost in thought.

“Alicia? What are you doing here?” he asked, approaching her. Noticing her unease, he added, “Are you scared?”

Alicia was genuinely shocked. “You were just talking in there, but why did Jerald suddenly get angry?”

Joshua shrugged, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “Caden has a temper, and he always manages to irritate Dad. It’s nothing new.”

“I see,” Alicia murmured.

Outside, the rain hammered against the windows. Thunder boomed, paling Alicia's face further.

Joshua, amused, laughed. “It's just thunder. Come on, let's eat.”

Alicia, observing his composure, asked casually, “Do you like this weather?”

“Yes,” Joshua replied, his smile widening. “I like everything Caden is afraid of.”

Alicia’s heart sank.

“How could someone like Caden be afraid of thunder?” she pressed.

Joshua, in high spirits, replied, “Do you know how his mother died?”

Alicia clenched her fingers. “No,” she whispered.

Joshua was clearly amused. “Over a decade ago, his mother died in childbirth at the hospital. It was pouring rain, and Caden was standing in the hospital entrance, soaked and nearly struck by lightning.”

Alicia froze, a shiver running down her spine. A similar scene flashed through her mind. She felt an unexpected surge of compassion for Caden. The pain of such a loss was unimaginable, yet Joshua found amusement in it. In that moment, Alice realized she no longer recognized him; his coldness was repulsive.

Joshua noticed her halt. “What's wrong? Are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Alicia clutched herself, her fingers pale. “I've caught a cold, and my stomach isn't feeling well. Go eat. I’ll rest a little,” she whispered.

Joshua’s gaze softened. “Is a little cold that bothersome?”

Alicia hesitated.

Joshua looked at her knowingly. “How about a little surprise tonight?” he suggested, his tone suggestive.

Anger flared in Alicia, but before she could react, her phone buzzed. Seeing Lilliana’s name, Joshua gestured for silence.

Alicia lowered her head, biting her tongue, and walked downstairs. Joshua, pleased by her silence, retreated to the bedroom to answer the call.

Alicia entered the living room, unease tightening her chest. The house bustled with dinner preparations; nobody noticed her. Silently, she picked up a black umbrella and went outside.

She hailed a taxi, directing the driver along a familiar route. Midway, she spotted Caden’s Maybach parked haphazardly. She stopped near a pharmacy, quickly buying something. The Maybach remained. Pausing, she approached the car and tapped gently on the window. It rolled down halfway.

Caden stared blankly. “What's wrong?” he asked bluntly.