Chapter 136:
That evening, Joshua escorted Lilliana back to the Green family’s residence.
He played the role of the ideal fiancé, apologizing to Cedric Green, Lilliana’s father. “My father has been sick for quite some time, and there are still several issues at the company that need my attention. I’ve already received some calls asking me to return. Please look after Lilliana for now. I’ll come back to get her later tonight.”
Lilliana held onto his arm, unwilling to let him go. “Come back soon.”
“I will,” Joshua replied, gently running his hand through her hair, his eyes softening. “I’ll be back by ten at the latest.”
“Okay.”
Meanwhile, Cedric stood nearby, watching them in silence.
Once Joshua had left, Cedric said, “He’s gone now. Why are you still looking? Do you really like him that much?”
Lilliana pouted at him. “Dad, you’re teasing me again.”
No father would be happy seeing his daughter in this way, especially when Joshua wasn’t Cedric’s idea of the perfect son-in-law. His reputation for being unfaithful was no secret; everyone knew about it.
“Don’t lose yourself in this relationship, Lilliana,” Cedric warned her.
Lilliana laughed and shook her head. “Don’t worry, Dad. Joshua adores me. He’s never let me down.”
“If he truly loved you, would he have gotten you pregnant before marriage? Would he have cheated on his ex-wife with you?”
“He had no choice back then, but he’s been trying to make it right ever since,” Lilliana countered.
Cedric let out a heavy sigh. What could he do with a daughter so blinded by love?
“I think he’s just putting on an act.”
Lяtєst chᴀptєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovєl𝑆.ｃΟм
Lilliana clung to his arm as they headed inside. “If he can pretend for a lifetime, that’s fine by me. As long as I’m happy.”
Meanwhile, Joshua returned to the Yates Mansion. Shelia greeted him quietly, “Alicia’s still locked up. She hasn’t made a sound, but Jerald is livid.” They both knew why.
Joshua’s private company was nearing its public offering, and his wedding with Lilliana was fast approaching. Alicia’s presence had become a troublesome distraction at such a critical time.
Shelia repeated her usual warning. “There are plenty of women out there. But if you lose your career, everything you’ve worked for will be wasted.”
Joshua kept his expression neutral and said nothing. He walked into the master bedroom and saw Alicia sitting silently in the chair. His face was devoid of emotion.
Joshua could easily force himself on her if he wanted to. But despite his desire, his body refused to respond. He couldn’t figure out why.
He sat down next to her, lit a cigarette, and the room was filled with quiet tension. Neither of them spoke.
Alicia understood him all too well. His quiet demeanor likely meant he had already resigned himself to the situation.
Alicia felt a sense of relief and finally broke the silence. “You know it’s illegal to hold someone against their will. When are you going to let me go?”
Joshua stubbed out his cigarette and spoke with a self-satisfied tone. “Once things settle down, I’m coming for you.”
Alicia couldn’t help but find it absurd. Joshua, your fate is already sealed, she thought.
Just then, Shelia walked in, holding Alicia’s phone. “It’s ringing,” she said, showing it to Joshua. “Should I answer?”
Both Joshua and Alicia looked at the screen.
It was Caden calling.
Alicia’s fingers tightened as she remembered her promise to have dinner with Caden tonight. It was already late, and he was likely calling to find out where she was.
Joshua gave her a threatening smile as he waved the phone in front of her. “So, it seems like Caden is really interested in you.” The ringtone continued to echo through the room, and his tone became even more unsettling. “How far have things gone between you two?”
Alicia pressed her lips together and remained silent. She didn’t move an inch. She knew there was no way to outwit Joshua, so staying quiet was her safest option.
Just before the call ended, Joshua picked up. With unsettling cheerfulness, he said, “Caden.” There was a brief silence on the other end.
Caden chuckled and responded evenly, “Is that you, Joshua?”
Joshua asked casually, “What’s going on, Caden? Is there something important, or do you just need to speak to Alicia this late?”
Caden responded in a flat tone, “Am I interrupting something?”
“Not really. It’s not that late, and we’re still awake,” Joshua said, moving to sit next to Alicia. She tried to move away, but he held her firmly, refusing to let her go. His eyes were intense, though his voice remained gentle.
“Alicia, do you want to answer the call?”
Only then did Alicia realize her palms had grown sweaty. She glanced at the phone and saw the call was still connected. She couldn’t understand why Caden hadn’t ended the call. Surely, he knew what was happening, didn’t he? Pushing aside her frantic thoughts, Alicia gritted her teeth and said, “No.”
Joshua pressed further. “Why not? What if Caden has something important to discuss with you?”
Alicia couldn’t take it anymore and reached for the phone. However, Joshua quickly pulled it away. In the struggle that followed, the call ended abruptly.
Joshua’s calm demeanor cracked. “How far have you and Caden gone?”
Alicia’s gaze turned icy. “Exactly as far as you’re imagining.”
Joshua’s anger boiled over as he seized her by the neck.
