Chapter 15

The next morning, Lilliana saw Alicia’s message, and fury surged within her. She stormed into the room, her voice sharp as she confronted Joshua. “Explain yourself. What did you want me to ‘think carefully’ about?” Her accusation dripped from her words. “What kind of shady business have you gotten yourself into this time?”

Joshua, who had spent the entire night crafting his excuse, remained calmly composed. He anticipated her attack. "She's impulsive," he said. "After what happened, I was worried she might cause an online scandal, so I paid her to keep quiet."

Lilliana’s eyes narrowed, skepticism etched upon her face. “And why didn't you tell me about this first?”

Joshua employed his usual charm, pulling her close, his arms enveloping her like a comforting blanket. “Don't make a big deal out of it, my love. If I were interested in her, do you think I would have gone to all this trouble?” His voice was soft, almost pleading, as he kissed her.

His explanation seemed plausible, and despite her lingering doubts, Lilliana was inclined to believe him. Gradually, the tension in her shoulders eased, and she yielded to the warmth of his embrace.

“It’s okay,” she whispered after a moment, resting her head on his chest. “But don’t contact her again.”

“Of course,” Joshua reassured her with a quick nod, sensing victory. “Besides, I paid Caden a fortune to keep him out of our way. This is all… for us.” His words worked their charm.

Pouting like a spoiled child, Lilliana snuggled into him and murmured, “It’s okay, I forgive you.” But in her mind, Alicia was far from forgiven. She would confront her in due time. Those two slaps, satisfying as they were, had nearly given Lilliana a concussion.

Alicia knew Lilliana wouldn't let it go, and to avoid involving Monica in the inevitable conflict, she quietly rented a new apartment. As she packed, Monica hovered nearby, looking worried.

“Are you sure you have enough money?” Monica asked, her concern evident.

Knowing Alicia had left her marriage with nothing, Monica pulled out her phone. “Here, let me transfer you some money.”

Alicia quickly squeezed Monica’s hand, stopping her. “I’m fine,” she assured her friend with a soft smile. “Remember, I did some freelance work before all this.”

Monica’s expression softened, a sudden recollection dawning. “Oh, yes, I’d completely forgotten. Ugh.” Her face lit up. “Guess what? Yesterday, Gerry Hopkins announced his new movie, and Lilliana is writing the title song!”

Alicia smiled slyly, her eyes shining with amusement and disbelief. “Well, considering how famous she is, it’s no wonder she works with Gerry.”

Monica scoffed. “I mean, how dare she? She’s way over her head. Doesn’t she know she’s a terrible songwriter?”

Alicia raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “That’s their problem, not ours.” Then, she gently squeezed Monica’s hand. “I have to go. Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone, okay?”

After settling into her new apartment, Alicia promptly sent her polished resume to Gerry’s inbox. It wasn’t long before her phone rang, displaying Gerry’s name.

“Alice,” Gerry’s voice was relaxed and amused. “Are you really trying to challenge Lilliana about the music? Did you lose a bet or something?”

Alicia laughed softly. “There’s still a long way to go until the release date. By then, you’ll have to choose between the two of us. Treat it like a fun game.”

Gerry chuckled. “You haven’t changed, Alice: you’re still competing with everyone, just like in the old days.”

Alice shrugged. “I’m just here to make money, nothing more.”

“I have more money than I can spend,” Gerry replied with a hint of mockery. “But I don’t have enough time to indulge in your little games. What’s a married woman like you doing in the entertainment industry anyway?”

Alicia exhaled softly, lowering her voice. She said something that made Gerry stop.

After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his tone more serious. “Okay, I’ll look into it and get back to you.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Alice replied softly, a slight smile playing on her lips.

The first person Gerry called was Caden. “Guess what?” he said, a playful glint in his voice. “He’s going to confront Lilliana.”

Caden scoffed. “Has she gone completely crazy?”

Gerry smiled, but his tone shifted, surprising even Caden. “I’m thinking of hiring her.”

Caden scoffed again. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Have you lost your mind too?”

“I have my reasons.” Gerry was about to burst out laughing when Caden, impatient with Gerry’s games, abruptly hung up.

Seconds later, Gerry’s number reappeared on Caden’s screen. This time, Gerry’s voice was full of defiance. “How about this, Caden? Let’s make a bet. I’ll bet on Alicia, you’ll bet on Lilliana. The loser gives up a piece of land.”

Gerry’s confidence was palpable, making Caden pause. He leaned back, considering, before finally agreeing. “Fine,” he said, his tone firm. “Your turn. Have you told him yet?”

“Not yet. I was just about to.”

Caden’s eyes flickered mischievously. “Don’t bother. Send it to me.”

Gerry and Lilliana had finalized their contract days ago. But with Alicia’s entry, Caden’s approval was needed. Alicia, knowing the process, went straight to his office.

She reached the elegant glass doors of the building. Anticipating a quick visit, she headed for the elevators, but the receptionist stopped her.

“Excuse me, miss, do you have an appointment?”

Alice offered a polite smile and explained her purpose. The receptionist, a stickler for protocol, apologized. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Ward is very busy. You will need an appointment. Please fill out this form first.”

Alice’s smile faltered, but she complied. The wait began. Half an hour passed. Then an hour.

Uneasy, Alicia approached the receptionist again, only to receive the same dismissive response: Caden was too busy. Suspicion stirred within her. Something was amiss. She decided not to press further and left.

“Miss Bennett, aren’t you going to see Mr. Ward?” The receptionist’s confused voice followed her.

Without pausing, Alice glanced over her shoulder. “I’ll wait for him somewhere else.”

The receptionist, perplexed, relayed the message to Hank. Moments later, Caden received the news.

“Did she say she’d wait somewhere else?” Caden raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, leaning back in his chair.

Hank, sensing an unspoken command, discreetly investigated. His return revealed a nervous expression. Caden’s tone sharpened. “Well? Where did she go?”

Hank hesitated. “He’s… he’s at the café across the street.”

“So?” Caden snapped, impatient. “What about that face? Did the coffee fly or something?”

“No, not exactly,” Hank began, “but let’s just say she’s made herself comfortable.” He paused. “Mr. Ward, Miss Bennett is playing cards in the cafeteria.”