Chapter 179

Alicia replaced her phone, her face grim. "Keeping your mouth shut won't kill you," she muttered.

Caden shrugged. "If you were interested, you should have said so earlier. I know plenty of great guys who'd be perfect for you."

Alice remained silent, finding even listening to him suffocating. She felt profoundly uncomfortable.

He turned abruptly and walked away.

Monica rushed to Alice's side, taking her arm. "I know some of my father's friends who might be helpful. Come with me; maybe they can assist with your gallery opening."

Alice's face brightened into a smile.

Mr. Wade approached Caden, whispering, "Mr. Ward, Mr. Yates has arrived."

Caden nodded, swirling his wine. "Proceed as planned."

"Understood."

Joshua entered the art exhibition with Lilliana. He engaged Mr. Wade in business conversation while Lilliana strolled outside. As a Green family member, she was strikingly noticeable.

Spotting Alice talking to others, Lilliana approached, taunting, "What's wrong? Did your father abandon you? You look desperate."

Alice started to retaliate but paused, noticing Lilliana's pregnancy. She decided to remain silent; the baby was innocent.

"Miss Green, hello. How are you?" Alice asked smoothly. "I see you're pregnant. It hasn't been long, has it? Do you think it will affect the wedding plans?"

She'd struck a nerve.

Lilliana glared. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll be invited. It will be a spectacle."

Alice's smile remained unwavering. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. After all, it's my ex-husband's second attempt." She glanced at Lilliana's bump. "Is the baby's first-month celebration coinciding with the wedding?"

Lilliana snapped, her patience exhausted. "My personal life is none of your business."

"I don't care, I'm just curious. It's nice to have two happy occasions at once," Alice replied with an innocent smile.

A friend of Lilliana's stepped forward, accusingly pointing at Alice. "Enough of your sarcasm! You're jealous because Mr. Yates is marrying Lilliana. If you can't keep a man, it's your fault. You're just an unloved mistress."

He lunged at Alice, but Monica swiftly intercepted his blow.

"Mistress? Who said mistress?" Monica exclaimed. "No one has ever called Lilliana a mistress."

Lilliana's friend's expression shifted uncomfortably. "I was trying to say…"

"Of course, of course," Monica interrupted bluntly. "Isn't it true Joshua was unfaithful during his marriage and got Lilliana pregnant before ending his first marriage? It's public knowledge. Let's not dwell on it."

Lilliana's friend was speechless, turning to Lilliana. "Lilliana, I didn't mean it like that…"

Nearby onlookers whispered more intensely. Lilliana's face darkened; she glared at her friend before storming off.

Monica stood, hands on her hips. "She acts so superior when she's the one causing the trouble! Ridiculous."

Alice patted Monica's back reassuringly. "Calm down. There's no need to be so upset."

After calming Monica, Alice's thoughts turned to Caden. How long would it take him to confront Joshua?

In the meeting room, Joshua was engrossed in negotiations with Mr. Wade. The deal was to be finalized that day; the money would be transferred upon contract signing.

"Let's get this over with quickly," Joshua urged. "Understand my situation."

Mr. Wade remained composed. "Mr. Yates, I regret to inform you that I'm unable to transfer the funds."

Joshua frowned, confused. "What do you mean? I gave you the painting, and now you refuse to pay?"

Mr. Wade explained. "The police contacted me today. They've raised concerns…"

He continued, "The police question the painting's ownership. It appears it's not registered in your name."

Joshua's gaze sharpened. "How can it not be mine if it was in my possession?"

"The police investigated and determined the painting belongs to your ex-wife, Alicia."

"It was hers, but it was community property. She didn't take anything when she left," Joshua countered.

"So why did you report it?" Mr. Wade pressed.

"She claims she owned it before our marriage, that it's unrelated to me."

Mr. Wade confronted him, frustration evident. "Mr. Yates, this isn't right. This is theft. I was going to pay $200 million, and now I risk being sued. What have I done to deserve this?"

The weight of the situation hit Joshua. He'd suspected Alicia would discover the sale, but not this quickly. With Mr. Wade and the police involved, Caden's hand was clear.

His finances were already strained; this pushed him over the edge. He lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply to calm himself.

Mr. Wade saw Joshua's predicament. "Mr. Yates, I understand your situation. How much do you need?"

Joshua looked defeated. "Why? Can you help?"

Mr. Wade agreed. "Absolutely. This is a temporary setback. Once your company goes public, you'll recover. I'd rather remain on good terms."

Joshua stubbed out his cigarette. "I need over $3 billion. Can you provide it?"

"Personally, no, but I know someone who might," Mr. Wade said, picking up his phone. "I'll get him on the phone right away."