Chapter 134:


    ? ? ? ? ?


    Alicia was relieved to hear his question. She was relieved that that was all Joshua was worried about. She had been afraid he would ask, “Why did you conspire with Caden against me?”


    Keeping his emotions in check, he replied, “Why are you asking me that?”


    Joshua''s tone was firm as he replied, "Just give me a straight answer. Yes or no."


    "No," she replied tly.


    But Joshua was not convinced.


    “Mrs. Gray has already left, but before she did, she mentioned that you and Caden were very close while you were at the Gray family’s house.” His expression darkened. “Don''t you find it a little coincidental that the two of you were there at the same time? After you were injured, why was it Caden who saved you and took you to the hospital?”


    Alice remained silent, her gaze fixed on him.


    In her eyes, she could see not only anger, but also a sh of resentment. Perhaps there was even a hint of fear, although that seemed like an exaggeration. Alicia understood Joshua too well; his interest in her was always fleeting. He wouldn''t really fear losing her.


    Now that she had gathered enough evidence, she no longer felt the need to keep up her facade. She realized that the time hade to break her ties with him.


    “There''s actually something going on between Caden and me,” she said, a smile slowly creeping across her face.


    Joshua shudded at her smile.


    His words ignited her fury, and his calm demeanor only intensified her frustration.


    “So why did you deny it before?” Joshua asked, his voice agitated.


    Alicia shrugged, her indifference clear. “You asked if we were involved.”


    “Is there really any difference?” she replied, her smile still lingering.


    “Absolutely. Caden asked me if I wanted to be with him, but I haven''t agreed to anything yet.”


    He said whatever came to mind, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.


    So, she let out a sigh and lied through her teeth. “He imed that he’s better than you, and that if I was with him, all my problems would disappear.”


    Alice was making it all up.


    But surprisingly, Joshua believed him.


    The reason was simple: he understood Caden''s intentions from their private conversations.


    Her heart began to race. “What do you think?”


    “Nothing,” she replied mockingly, her toneced with sarcasm. “I don''t have a choice, do I?”


    I didn''t really have anything to say about it.


    Who would conquer her was up to them.


    Joshua knew he had no chance of winning, but hispetitive spirit red. Clenching his fists, he dered: “Caden is no match for me.”


    Aliceughed at hisment.


    ?Those who have nothing to lose are not intimidated by those who have everything at stake. He is now single and has no ties. And you? Lilliana is pregnant. Aren''t you worried?


    Joshua''s expression soured. “Alicia, are you sitting with Caden to make fun of me?”


    “No,” she replied with a shrug. “I''m just telling the truth. You’re impulsive, and I’m simply reminding you not to jeopardize the bigger picture over minor issues.”


    Lilliana represented the big picture. Alice was nothing more than a trivial matter.


    Joshua needed to understand that.


    Joshua saw through her.


    “Are you nning on leaving me to be with Caden?” she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.


    Alicia hesitated before answering, “I won''t be with anyone, but as long as I stay at the Yates mansion, I will always be a risk to your rtionship with Lilliana. You should think about that.”


    Joshua dismissed his hypocritical words with a wave of his hand.


    He took her hand and firmly said, “Caden only wants you topete with me. If you ept this, it won''t end well for you. Do you understand?”


    Alice flinched under his grip and struggled to free herself.


    Believing she was trying to escape, Joshua picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. He then locked the door.


    "What are you nning to do to me, Joshua?" Alice asked in a worried voice.


    He pushed her onto the bed and grabbed her by the neck. “What are you thinking? Have you forgotten why I brought you to the Yates mansion?” I have grownled. He began to remove her clothes.


    Alice clung to his shirt, steadily resisting his attempts to undress her.


    She knew Joshua had taken the drug, so he wouldn''t react physically. However, Caden had left marks on his skin.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I couldn''t let Joshua find out.


    This bastard was a brutal man.


    Fury took hold of Alice and she pped him hard.


    The impact started Joshua, and for a moment he stood still.


    With a stern expression, he growled, “Do you really not want to give yourself to me?”


    Alice''s eyes burned with anger. "Why would I want to? Have you forgotten how you threatened me then?"


    Joshua paused, thinking back.


    How had he threatened her? He had told her that if she did not obey, he would leave, leaving her vulnerable to those drunks who would drag her to a secluded area and assault her.


    Shaking with fury, Alice screamed, “You are no different from a rapist!”


    Joshua''s body stiffened at his words.


    He looked her straight in her eyes.


    It was true, he had changed.


    She was no longer the Alice of before.


    The eyes before him were no longer kind and smiling. They were filled with anger and defiance.


    He had been trying to force her to stay with him, but now, for the first time, he felt a wave of defeat wash over him. Frustrated by his body''sck of response, he let go of her and turned away to light a cigarette.


    Secondster, her phone range. It was Lilliana.


    He answered the phone, exhaling a cloud of smoke.


    "What''s wrong, honey?"


    In a sweet voice, Lilliana asked, “Are you done with work? Would you mind joining me for a walk?” Joshua looked at Alicia.


    She had already smoothed her clothes and stood at a distance, deliberately avoiding his gaze.


    "Yes," he replied tly. "I''ll be there soon."


    After hanging up, Alice spoke up. “Nothing stays hidden forever. Yourpany is about to go public and Lilliana is nning her return to work. Do you really want to risk losing everything because of me?”


    Joshua knew exactly what mattered most to him.


    I have valued power too much to risk it all for a woman. Still, he had no intention of letting Caden have Alicia without a fight.


    He did not respond directly.


    Instead, he grabbed his phone from the bed and started to walk out.


    Alicia’s expression tightened. “What do you think you’re doing, Joshua?”


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