Chapter 38

Monica picked up her phone, discovering someone had publicized Alicia and Joshua's divorce. Numerous negative comments flooded in, accusing Alicia of using underhanded tactics to salvage her marriage and framing Lilliana. Unfounded rumors spread, claiming Lilliana had purchased songs due to Alicia's manipulation. Publicly released chat logs depicted Alicia as a pitiful, helpless housewife, seemingly seeking Lilliana's sympathy to persuade her to buy songs. Lilliana had agreed to pay and support Alicia's career, but Alicia rejected the offer. Initially, it appeared Alicia wished to avoid the spotlight; in reality, she was setting a trap.

This supposed evidence enraged netizens, who unleashed a torrent of vicious insults at Alicia, labeling her a schemer and manipulator. The online vitriol was unbearable.

Lennon sighed. “Alice is kind-hearted, but impulsive. She created a stir without considering the consequences. Lilliana dares to make someone lip-sync because of the Green family's backing. What was Alice thinking, challenging Lilliana over a man?”

Monica's eyes blazed. “Challenging Lilliana over a man? That worthless man isn't worth mentioning. Alicia agreed to write songs for a living. If she wanted to compete, she'd choose someone deserving. What talent does Lilliana possess?”

"Young ladies shouldn't speak so crudely," Lennon chided.

Monica's voice rose. “I haven't even started on Lilliana. I knew that woman was already involved with someone, and she still got pregnant before marriage. If I see her on the street, she'll regret it.”

Lennon quickly covered his mouth. “Monica, please stop!”

He realized he couldn't help and hesitated to become involved. However, recalling the strong relationship between the Flynn and Bennett families during the Bennetts' prosperity, he decided to offer Alicia financial assistance.

Alice overheard much of their heated exchange. He refused Lennon's money, sincerely apologizing. He hadn't kept up with entertainment news and hadn't realized the danger of his situation, concluding he couldn't burden others.

Anger simmered within Monica as she walked Alicia to the door. “We should call the police, Alicia. We can't ignore this,” she said.

Alice pressed her lips together and shook her head gently. “Involving the police won't help,” he replied. No one would dare oppose the Green family for someone like her. Alicia didn't want Monica entangled in her problems, determined to shield her. He needed to carefully plan his next move.

At the Green family estate, Lilliana rested from her pregnancy, reveling in the malicious comments targeting Alicia. The harsher the words, the more satisfaction she felt. Unsated, Lilliana turned to her assistant. “Didn’t Alicia’s parents die tragically? Get someone to spread that. I want to see my fans' reaction.”

The assistant hesitated. "Isn't that going too far, involving her deceased parents?"

Lilliana's expression hardened. "So what if they're gone? They raised a daughter like her, so they deserve it. Alicia brought this on herself."

The assistant remained uneasy. “But Mrs. Bennett did a lot of charity work. It could backfire.”

Her attempt to dissuade Lilliana only fueled her anger.

“Who do you think you work for?” Lilliana snapped, throwing a cup at the assistant. “Follow my orders and stop arguing!”

The assistant screamed, clutching her chest, her face flushed with humiliation. “I understand. I’ll inform Stacey,” she whispered. Stacey Cullen was Lilliana's agent, orchestrating the online smear campaign.

The assistant fled, bumping into Joshua. Seeing his tears, she asked indifferently, "Is everything okay?"

Lilliana overheard, her eyes narrowing. The assistant, fearing Lilliana's volatility, lied, "I'm fine, Mr. Yates," before leaving.

Joshua entered with fruit. “Lilliana, the doctor advised you to avoid stress during pregnancy,” he reminded her.

Lilliana grimaced. “You pity her just because she cried?”

Joshua looked down, striving for calm. “Why are you jealous of everything? I was just asking.” He offered her some fruit.

Lilliana refused. Clinging to Joshua, she pouted. “I'm tired of the same thing. Honey, I want dessert. Go get it for me.”

Joshua felt utterly exhausted. “I’ll order delivery,” he suggested.

“No, you bring it!” Lilliana shook his arm. “If you don't, you don't love me.”

Even her beauty couldn't stir affection in Joshua. He felt like a tireless machine. He began to feel disgusted by this beautiful, scornful woman.

“Fine, I’ll go,” he finally conceded, worn down by his investment in her. “Rest. I’ll be back soon.”

Lilliana kissed him. He kissed her back and left. At the door, she wiped off her lipstick and made a call. "Has Alice come to the office to see me?" she asked.