Chapter 99:
Joshua’s secretary trembled with anxiety.
She longed to escape but felt paralyzed.
Observing Lilliana’s domineering behavior, Joshua’s displeasure mounted, and he commanded his secretary, “Leave now!”
The secretary hurried out immediately.
Lilliana, frustrated, snapped at Joshua, “What are you saying? Am I not allowed to direct your secretary?” Her voice rose sharply, echoing anger, her expression contorted with frustration.
Joshua quietly closed the office door.
Confronting Lilliana calmly yet firmly, he held back his irritation. “Do you realize this entire office is under surveillance? If footage of your outburst today gets out, what will you do then? Are you not interested in reentering the public eye?”
Lilliana scoffed dismissively. “If I decide to return to the limelight, all I need to do is speak to my father. I’m not intimidated by any of these minor players. Is your concern for me genuine, or are you trying to divert attention from some misconduct on your part?”
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Under Lilliana’s piercing and accusatory gaze, Joshua clenched his fists in frustration. “What are you implying?”
“What am I implying?” Lilliana retorted as she stood and closed the distance between them, her eyes narrowing. “Had I not visited today, I wouldn’t have realized how many attractive women work here. It must be quite the daily pleasure, surrounded by such beauty, right?”
Joshua’s expression soured. “Their employment here isn’t my decision. Why take your frustrations out on them?”
“I simply can’t tolerate it. What does it matter? They’re just a few employees. Find others to hire. And look at you — so grim. You’re really upset with me, aren’t you?” Lilliana challenged.
Joshua shut his eyes, opting to remain silent.
Lilliana, finding no evidence of infidelity but still speaking sharply, pressed, “Joshua, I don’t want any women in your office, including your secretary. Do you understand?”
Thoroughly exasperated, Joshua replied, “She has been with the company for years, performing her duties excellently. We have an agreement that she cannot be dismissed without cause. Have you considered the repercussions if I fire her just because you demand it?”
Lilliana’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, pleased with her performance? How exactly?”
Joshua’s expression darkened further. “She’s married, Lilliana!”
“When you were involved with me, weren’t you married to Alicia?” Lilliana shot back sharply. Her voice hardened as she continued, “You were unfaithful with me. It’s not unthinkable that you’d do it again.”
Joshua met her gaze, which was filled with jealousy and anger, realizing that the tender understanding they once shared had vanished—maybe it had never really been there at all.
Before Joshua could respond, Lilliana escalated the situation. “Joshua, it’s either fire all the female employees today, or our engagement is off. You decide!”
This ultimatum visibly affected him.
Fear took hold of Joshua, mixed with a profound sense of regret.
Acting more out of necessity than desire, he firmly took Lilliana’s hand—not as a gesture of affection, but as a display of control.
Losing the Green family’s support was not an option he could afford.
“I’ll handle it immediately,” he said, his voice rough with exhaustion.
Lilliana’s anger cooled considerably, despite knowing Joshua felt compelled to comply.
Nonetheless, it pleased her.
“I’m aware you’re still upset about our last disagreement. That was my fault,” Joshua admitted, surprising himself with his own words. “Firing them is a drastic step. I’ll instruct the PR team to frame it as a measure to ensure your comfort during your pregnancy. I’ll assume full responsibility. It won’t reflect poorly on you.”
At that, Lilliana’s demeanor softened.
She leaned into him, seeking reassurance. “Tell me honestly, did you cheat or not?”
Joshua responded firmly, “No.”
“Swear it,” Lilliana demanded.
“I swear. If I’m unfaithful, may I meet a terrible end,” Joshua declared, feeling a tightness in his chest.
He remembered the day he married Alicia, how grateful he had been for her support. Standing before the counter at their marriage registration, he had made a grave promise. “If I ever mistreat you, may I meet a terrible end.” At that time, Alicia had blushed and quickly covered his mouth, chiding him for such dark words.
She had smiled warmly. “Joshua, I will always trust you.”
But now, Lilliana’s reaction was starkly different. Instead of silencing him, she coldly added, “I’ve sacrificed a lot for you. If you betray me, I’ll make sure my father makes you pay.”
Joshua didn’t hold much stock in karma, yet he couldn’t shake the growing sense of unease.
The tension momentarily lifted as Lilliana, no longer angry, leaned in to kiss him.
Joshua hadn’t felt inclined to kiss her for days, repulsed by the situation. Yet, he masked his disgust well, feigning charm to sweep her off her feet without any real affection.
Just as the moment intensified, Lilliana’s assistant burst in, exclaiming, “Mr. Yates!”
Witnessing the intimate moment, the assistant’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly apologized, turning away. “Sorry, sorry.”
Lilliana released Joshua, visibly annoyed.
“Haven’t you learned to knock?”
As she freed him, her gaze shifted accusingly to her assistant. “You called his name quite fondly. What is it that you want?”
Her assistant, shrinking slightly, responded after turning around, “I was looking for you everywhere and came to ask Mr. Yates if he had seen you.”
With suspicion rising, Lilliana shot a wary glance at Joshua, her trust evidently shaken.
