Chapter 50:
As Caden departed, Alicia felt a subtle chill wash over her.
It was a sensation she recognized well.
In the past, whenever they had argued and she had shot him a look of disdain, he would respond in kind.
He would regard her with contempt.
He harbored disdain for her perceived foolishness.
Moments later, Joshua approached her.
He was as arrogant as ever.
It had been some time since their last encounter, and he seemed to have developed an even greater air of superiority.
He looked down at her, as if he considered himself her savior.
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Alicia felt a wave of revulsion. She quickly packed up the medical kit and handed it back to the officer.
Joshua said, “Alicia, allow me to take you home.”
She firmly replied, “No need.”
As she exited the police station, Joshua walked closely beside her.
Not far ahead, the group of drunks from earlier, who had been fined, loitered, watching her with predatory eyes.
Joshua’s tone turned icy. “They were just looking to tease you. Why did you have to escalate things by calling the police? You gave them no other option.”
Alicia halted in her tracks.
She clenched her fists tightly.
Joshua let out a laugh. “Are you feeling frightened? I can lend you a hand.”
Alicia fixed her gaze on him.
The anger and disgust were unmistakable in her eyes.
However, the darkness obscured Joshua’s view.
She challenged him, “Why do you want to push me to my limits and then offer assistance, Joshua? What is it that you want?”
Joshua plastered on a forced smile.
“You were the one who charged ahead and offended Lilliana, and I just stepped in to help you. And yet, you are blaming me?”
Alicia shot back, “Aren’t you and Lilliana in this together?” Wasn’t it he who had laid the groundwork for Lilliana’s attack? Were they not the ones spreading the harmful rumors and insults?
Joshua seized her hand. “Alicia, let us discuss this in the—”
The moment he touched her, a wave of goosebumps spread across her skin, and she forcefully shook him off.
Joshua tightened his grip.
Alicia was irritable and on edge, which seemed to delight him. “If I walk away, those drunks might pull you into a secluded area and assault you. Are you not afraid?”
Alicia’s breath hitched for a moment.
Joshua lowered his voice, making it more menacing. “I came here specifically to get you out of this situation. If you refuse to come with me, I have other ways to make you comply.”
He gestured toward the drunks, threateningly adding, “You’ve already been with someone. What difference does it make if you have a few more partners?”
Alicia’s face went white, and she swayed unsteadily.
Nausea gripped her, threatening to make her vomit. Joshua, feeling triumphant, drew the dazed Alicia into his embrace.
Her voice came out hoarse. “Joshua, you have everything. Why can’t you just let me go?”
Joshua studied her pale features.
“You were the one who provoked me first,” he replied. “You still have feelings for me and want to compete with Lilliana for my attention. There were more constructive ways to handle this, but you chose to sabotage her future.” He reached out to play with her hair. “Do you have any idea how much it cost me to clean up that mess? You should have made amends long before this.”
Alicia felt a wave of nausea wash over her.
Did she really still have feelings for him?
What a ridiculous notion.
The weight of reality and the growing hatred finally shattered her composure. Joshua guided her toward the car.
She offered no resistance.
Alicia pressed her lips together, bowed her head, and fell silent, her expression taut.
It appeared that she had surrendered.
Joshua had not anticipated it would be this simple, but then again, it made sense.
After all, deep down, she still loved him.
Her earlier aloofness had merely been a facade.
He fastened her seatbelt. “My dad’s out of the hospital and recuperating at Yates Mansion. I’ll take you there to stay for a while. Your safety will be guaranteed, and you can help take care of him.”
Alicia tightened her grip. After a brief pause, she replied, “I’ll let you know my decision by tomorrow.”
Joshua smiled, clearly pleased. “Alright.”
Alicia reclined in her seat and closed her eyes.
Joshua studied her profile and inquired, “What was Caden doing at the station? Are you two on good terms?”
Alicia responded casually, “You can just ask him.”
Joshua’s expression soured.
Since learning that all the money he had poured into various ventures had ended up benefiting Caden, his resentment toward him had only intensified.
He wanted nothing to do with Caden.
He turned the ignition and started the car.
“Keep your distance from him.”
In a nearby black car, Caden pulled his gaze away and snuffed out his cigarette. “Drive,” he commanded Hank.
Hank noted Caden’s indifferent demeanor and remarked, “I watched the whole thing. It didn’t seem like Ms. Bennett went with Mr. Yates willingly.”
Caden remained unresponsive. “And your point is?”
Hank chose to remain quiet, finding himself at a loss for words.
Despite the situation, Alicia and Caden were not romantically involved.
His intention had been to facilitate Ciara’s wishes.
But relationships couldn’t be manufactured.
Hank shifted into gear. “Mr. Ward, are we going home?”
Caden’s tone was detached. “No, we’re heading to the office.”
If he returned home, sleep would elude him anyway.
Hank ventured, “Aren’t you going to take a break? You need to be alert for Yates Mansion tomorrow. If you’re exhausted, how will you handle the situation?”
Caden briefly closed his eyes, irritation evident. “I can catch up on sleep at the office,” he replied with annoyance.
Hank cleared his throat, choosing not to press further. Soon, unusual sounds began to emanate from the back seat.
At first, Hank wondered if he was imagining it, so he focused intently.
Once he clearly identified the source, he turned around in disbelief. “Mr. Ward, what on earth are you doing?”
Caden didn’t bother to raise his head. “Just watching porn.”
Hank was rendered speechless.
He thought to himself, I know you’re watching porn, but should you really be so unapologetic when I ask?
Caden remained focused on the screen.
He tried to immerse himself in the film, but as time passed, irritation began to seep in.
With a swift motion, he powered down his phone and turned his gaze toward the window, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that remained hidden from view.
