Chapter 32

Joshua's surprise proposal made headlines, diverting the online attacks against Lilliana. Netizens, now focused on Joshua, unearthed his past marriage and divorce, revealing hidden information that overshadowed Lilliana's scandal. He bore the brunt of the online backlash for her.

Caden scoffed at the news displayed on the screen. "What a touching love story," he commented dryly.

Alicia, captivated, watched a video of Joshua's heartfelt confession, detailing his courtship and proposal to Lilliana, culminating in him placing a diamond ring on her finger. Tears welled in Alicia's eyes, her breathing labored.

Caden observed her fragile expression. Alicia, attempting to mask her emotions, said, "It's just a proposal. What's so touching about it? Honestly, it's cliché. That diamond ring seems like a rip-off—super expensive, but not worth it."

"That brand of diamond ring is priceless," Caden replied indifferently.

Alicia's eyes reddened. "I guessed right. Joshua has lost a fortune."

Caden scoffed. "It's not a loss. At least when he married you, he didn't spend a cent. Oh wait," he added slowly, "he did buy you a silver ring for a few dollars."

Silence descended, amplifying Alicia's distress. Pouring herself a glass of wine, she attempted to appear calm, offering Caden a drink. He remained uninterested. Unknown to Caden, Alicia had a mild alcohol allergy, and she quickly became intoxicated from the strong wine. She coughed, her face flushed and tearful.

Caden's expression darkened. "If you want to die so badly, why don't you just drink it all at once?"

Ignoring his mockery, Alicia slowed her drinking, but the allergic reaction soon became apparent; red spots appeared on her neck. Caden frowned, gripping her hand as she reached for another glass.

"What the hell are you doing?" she asked, her speech slurring. "Stop drinking!"

She struggled against his grip. "Let me go, Caden!"

"If you want to drink yourself to death, do it somewhere else. Dying here would only make me a suspect," he replied.

Suddenly, Alicia bit his hand hard, releasing pent-up frustration. Even Caden flinched. "You really do act like a dog, biting everything that comes close." Yet, he didn't remove his hand.

Alicia continued biting until her jaw ached, then stared blankly at his bleeding hand, tears streaming down her face. Clumsily, she licked the blood from his wound. "I'm so sorry," she murmured.

Caden recoiled, his hand stinging. Alicia slumped onto the table, defeated. Outside, purple fireworks exploded—a color she'd once told Joshua was her favorite, fireworks he'd never bothered to provide.

Caden found himself facing a double challenge: a passed-out Gerry and an increasingly ill Alicia. He dismissed Gerry and turned to find Alicia sweating profusely, retching uncontrollably.

"What are you looking for?" he asked.

"I'm looking for tissues," she murmured, then weakly leaned against him, wiping her mouth on his shirt.

Caden was speechless, regretting his return. He saw the severity of her allergic reaction and, after a moment's hesitation, lifted her.

Hank arrived as Caden carried Alicia, witnessing the scene with surprise, knowing Caden's aversion to women. He offered help, but Caden refused, only instructing him to drive to the entrance. Hank, however, attempted to take a photo, only to be deterred by Caden's sharp look. Hank quickly covered, pretending to adjust his hair.