Chapter 96:


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    Joshua was stunned.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Lilliana did too. Instinctively she reached out to touch his face, showing remorse.


    Despite his strong character, he understood the meaning of pride for a man and regretted his impulsive action.


    It had been nothing more than a momentarypse.


    Joshua''s face darkened and he pushed his hand away. He fought to contain his anger and managed to say, "If you don''t listen to me, fine. I''m exhausted. I''ll sleep in the living room tonight."


    Lilliana, still angry, turned away, unwilling to speak.


    “If you leave now, don''t bothering back!” she dered. Joshua left despite her warning.


    When the door mmed shut, Lilliana bit her lip in frustration.


    Furious, she threw a pillow at the door and shouted, "Joshua, go to hell!"


    She burst into tears. When her tears had passed, she began to reflect on recent events and realized that things didn''t add up.


    Since his divorce from Alicia, Joshua had be less attentive and passionate.


    Was he tired of her or was there someone else?


    His suspicions increased.


    The time hade to investigate Joshua further.


    The days flew by.


    Alicia kept the evidence provided by Caden in a safe ce.


    The records she had, detailing the transactions, were insufficient to seriously damage Joshua''s reputation. She had given him the money willingly at the time. Even if the information became public, some might use him of being a profiteer, but that hardly mattered.


    Given Joshua''s influence, he could easily silence any detractors.


    Alicia remembered something Caden had once mentioned.


    He had spoken of major disputes during Joshua''s dealings with Randolph, which led to no contact between them for almost half a year.


    What were these disagreements about?


    Considering Randolph''s influential position, it must have been a big deal.


    Solving this mystery could be a turning point in their ns.


    Rachel would be the ideal ally for this endeavor. With renewed determination, Alicia was more determined than ever to ept the Gray family''s invitation.


    Worried for his safety, she thought of Caden again. Although he was known for his cunning and yful banter, he had a unique gift for making her feel protected in serious situations.


    However, this time he didn''t seem willing to help. Reluctant to ask him again, Alice decided to procure some self-defense items.


    At Blizzard Group headquarters, Caden was attending a meeting.


    During the first hour, Hank noticed Caden checking his phone repeatedly.


    After an introduction, Hank leaned over and asked quietly, "Mr. Ward, did you miss something urgent?"


    Caden, keeping a firm demeanor, simply replied,


    His mind was waiting for a message from Alice, although it was not an urgent matter.


    The Gray family visit was scheduled for the next day, and Caden was sure Alicia would attend. He wondered why he hadn''t heard from hertely.


    Weren''t you worried anymore?


    As the meeting drew to a close, Caden still had no news from Alicia.


    He got up to leave.


    Hank, keeping pace, asked, "Do you have ns for tonight, Mr. Ward?"


    “Why do you ask?” Caden replied.


    Hank suggested, “There’s a social event tonight that might interest you.”


    Caden nodded and then paused briefly, recalling past events.


    “Didn’t Randolph extend several invitations to me after thest banquet?” I have asked, pondering the connection.


    Hank confirmed, “Yes, you had already declined those invitations.”


    “Let him know I’ll be visiting his house tomorrow,” Caden stated.


    Hank was surprised. “Randolph? Really, Mr. Ward? Considering your status?”


    After a pause, Caden said, “You think it’s quite a sacrifice, too, don’t you?”


    “Absolutely. Visiting his home would be seen as a great honor for him.”


    “Then have Aliciae too,” Caden suggested.


    Hank was surprised once again. “Why bring Miss Bet into this?” I have asked.


    "What does Alice have to do with this?"


    Caden didn''t answer and walked into his office.


    "I need to see her in half an hour," he dered.


    Hank immediately felt the urgency. “Half an hour? What if Mrs. Bet is busy? It’s not easy to invite her.”


    “Make it twenty minutes,” Caden cut him off.


    Hank was speechless.


    Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he wasted no time and called Alicia directly. Luckily, she was avable.


    She picked up the phone. “Hello? How can I help you?”


    Hank knew that a direct approach might cause Alicia to refuse. Even threats would not convince her.


    So she tried a different tactic. “Mrs. Bet, Mr. Ward has picked out a strip dance and I would like you to watch it. Are you interested?”


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