Chapter 189

Deep down, Joshua understood the situation's reality. Alicia alone possessed the capability to accomplish such feats. Despite her past sacrifices for him, she held firm principles; pushed too far, she would walk away, even penniless. Besides, she wasn't foolish. Joshua recognized his past patience stemmed not from fear, but from love—or so he'd thought.

A new thought struck him. Perhaps it wasn't love at all, but a debt he was settling. Otherwise, why would he have conspired against him, cornering him? These thoughts caused Joshua to clench his fists.

A call from Lilliana interrupted his drive home. Her voice was irritated. "Why aren't you back yet?"

At a red light, he replied nonchalantly, "I just left the hospital. I'm on my way."

"The new maid is a disaster. She's driving me crazy. Get back here and fix this!" Lilliana demanded impatiently.

Joshua ignored her, lighting a cigarette. A deep breath sent him into a violent coughing fit; he felt a splitting pain in his chest.

"Aren't you going to ask about my hospital visit?" he challenged.

"You're back now, aren't you? If you weren't admitted, you should be fine," Lilliana replied.

Joshua felt her lack of empathy keenly. He knew her well: helpful in important matters, but lacking personal warmth. What had he expected?

Back at the Green residence, Lilliana immediately began issuing orders. The tasks were trivial, yet… Joshua found her demands degrading. Feeling ill, but resolute, he replied hoarsely, "I'm not feeling well. Let someone else attend to you."

Lilliana, lounging on the sofa, flipping through photographs, was clearly agitated. "Is getting a glass of water really that difficult?"

"I don't want to," Joshua replied curtly.

Lilliana's anger flared. "What do you mean, Joshua? Didn't you used to fetch me water when you were flirting with me?"

"Things have changed," Joshua gritted his teeth. "Back then, I treated you with love. Now, you see me as a servant, demanding water as if I owe it to you."

"You did owe it to me!" Lilliana retorted.

She stood abruptly, flinging the photographs at him. "Look what you've done!" she accused angrily. "You invited Alicia to Yates Mansion because of unfinished business, giving her opportunities. Would you be in this mess if it weren't for that?"

Joshua examined the photographs—each one, taken by a private investigator, depicted Caden and Alicia together, intimately close. Alicia's expressions, ranging from anger to amusement, were vividly captured. She appeared genuinely happy, a stark contrast to Joshua's ghostly pallor.

"Does it hurt to see this? Do you regret it now?" Lilliana mocked. "Your ex-wife and the man you regret have joined forces to bring you down. How does that feel?"

In a rage, Joshua stomped on the photographs, his eyes burning.

Lilliana pressed on. "I warned you to talk to Alicia, but you didn't listen. Now look at the consequences."

Joshua clenched his fists. "Am I not suffering enough for you? Why are you saying all this now?"

Lilliana scoffed. "You can't stand it, can you? Did you ever consider my feelings while you were with Alicia? And I'm pregnant with your child."

Throwing caution aside, Joshua retorted, "I was unfaithful to my wife with you. What did you expect? Even if it hadn't been Alicia, it would have been someone else. Are you resentful of all the women I've been with?"

Lilliana's face contorted with anger and humiliation. Overwhelmed, she threw a pillow at him.

"How dare you speak to me like that! Remember who supports you!"

Joshua shrugged dismissively. "Then let your family stop supporting me. Let them watch me fail."

"Do you think I won't?" Lilliana challenged. Joshua's gaze fell on her belly. "I won't be the one who suffers most."

He stormed upstairs, slamming the door. Lilliana watched him go, her expression cold, then broke down in tears, realizing the true gravity of the situation. He wouldn't be the one to suffer most. She reproached herself for her naive involvement and, worse, her pregnancy.

When Cedric arrived, he found her still crying. After hearing her account, he was furious and heartbroken. "Now it's up to us, and yet he dares to treat you like this? Does he think I'm easily manipulated?"

Cedric smoked, his face red with anger, preparing to confront Joshua.

Lilliana quickly intervened, knowing her father's temper. "Dad, please don't. Caden's putting pressure on him, and his anger is understandable. He hasn't hurt me directly."

Cedric was visibly upset. "Why do you keep defending him?"

"What other choice do I have?" Lilliana cried. "I'm due in a few months. Do you want me to face this alone and become the laughingstock?"

Despite their disputes, Lilliana's feelings for Joshua persisted, prompting her defense. Cedric, an only son, was furious, but knew he had to yield for Lilliana's sake. His anger was palpable, but Lilliana attempted to calm him.

"Joshua's situation is temporary. He still has the Yates family's support. Once he inherits, he'll have the resources to counter Caden's moves."

Cedric remained worried. "Caden is well-prepared. In just a few months, he's gathered significant evidence against Joshua. It seems like a long-term strategy. Don't underestimate him," he warned.