Chapter 154

The floor was nearly deserted; few patients or staff were present. With no one around, Lilliana's insults grew bolder. "Women like you are nothing but men's playthings," she sneered. "Discarded once they're used. And you really think you matter?"

Alice remained unmoved. "So, Ms. Green, in your opinion, the woman always loses when a man is involved? When Joshua cheated on me during our marriage, did he see you as merely a means to an end?"

Lilliana's face darkened. "Do you really think you're in my league?"

Alice laughed. Her eyes flicked to Joshua. "Your fiancé must be quite something for you to become his mistress and get pregnant while he was still married," she said slowly. "But what about Caden?"

Lilliana scoffed. "You're naive. You and Caden? He'll tire of you in a flash. He'll throw you away like trash."

Alice shrugged. "Even if it's only for a week, I'd be better off. I'm not the one making the effort."

Lilliana's composure faltered. Alice smiled, meeting her gaze. "But what about you, Ms. Green? After two years with Joshua, how much have you gained?"

Lilliana was speechless. Alice feigned regret. "Oh, I almost forgot. In your world, women only serve men. I should ask Mr. Yates instead."

She turned to Joshua, whose face was contorted with anger. "In terms of…bedroom skills…I'm nowhere near your level. You've impregnated the daughter of the Green family, and she's willing to give you hundreds of millions. Tell me, who else in Warrington has your…talent?"

Joshua's fury intensified. Alicia hadn't explicitly called him an opportunist, but every word struck its mark. He clenched his fists, glaring at her with pure rage. Alice didn't flinch.

"Mr. Yates, consider the future," she said. "A man's charm fades, and good looks are fleeting."

That was the breaking point. Joshua stepped toward her. Alice remained motionless, her gaze unwavering. He glared at the face he once knew so intimately, now finding it alien and infuriating. "You'll regret this, Alicia."

Alice chuckled softly. "Regret? There's no greater regret than marrying you."

Joshua's eyes burned. Alice's expression clearly reflected the shame her marriage had brought.

The sound of a nurse's cart echoed down the hall, breaking the tension. Lilliana, ever conscious of appearances, hastily replaced her sunglasses and forced a calm demeanor. Alice turned and left.

Joshua watched her go, struggling for breath, consumed by anger. Or perhaps it was regret, anguish—a maelstrom of emotions.

Lilliana's anger was palpable. "When Caden leaves her, I'll make sure she suffers."

Joshua clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. Regaining his composure, he put an arm around Lilliana. "Let's go. We should leave."

As they turned to go, Gina emerged from the break room. Joshua stopped. "Gina? Is that you?"

Gina started, her hand trembling slightly. He quickly composed himself. "Miss Green, Mr. Yates, what brings you here?" he asked, maintaining a neutral tone.

He thought of Alicia, unable to shake a feeling of connection between Gina and Alicia, though he couldn't articulate why. Lilliana, feeling unwell, explained that her doctor had a meeting on that floor.

"Harley has a brain tumor, doesn't she?" Gina asked.

"Yes," Gina confirmed, worry etched on her face.

"How are you?" Joshua asked.

Gina clutched her glass tightly. "Okay. Thank you."

Lilliana's impatience flared. "We have to go! Why are you asking?"

Joshua ended the conversation, leaving with Lilliana. His mind was preoccupied. Noticing his distraction, Lilliana's irritation grew. "Are you captivated by every woman you meet now?"

Joshua dismissed Lilliana's pettiness, focusing on Harley's situation. He learned Harley had already undergone surgery. "Gina earns $20,000 a month, but her expenses are considerable. How can she afford Harley's surgery?"

His question unnerved Lilliana. "What do you mean?" she asked.

A thought struck him about Alice. "Are you suggesting…" Lilliana's confusion deepened. "…that Alice was here for Gina?"

He remembered Alice heading toward Harley's room. He didn't see the connection. "It's strange. They're strangers, and yet…they know each other. I've always been suspicious, and I intend to find out more. Gina is your assistant; I need to investigate."

But that wasn't all. He planned to closely monitor Alice's future actions.