Chapter 5

Alice’s nerves tightened like a coiled spring. That voice… Her thoughts, a whirlwind of chaos, coalesced around Joshua’s calm declaration: “Alicia and I have been married for two years. She cares about me, so we kept it a secret. We eloped.” He added, “You were abroad, so we didn't bother you.”

Caden raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with venomous mockery. “Oh, so she’s my sister-in-law.” The way he spat out the words felt less like a statement and more like a slap, his contempt palpable. Alice felt the underlying mockery in every syllable, all thanks to her supposed husband. Her hand trembled as she grabbed a tissue, furiously wiping it, as if to cleanse herself of his touch.

“It seems Alice is a bit of a germaphobe,” Caden observed, his tone a casual jab. Joshua’s expression darkened, the tension escalating. He hadn't anticipated this humiliation. “I seem to have spoiled her too much,” he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation.

Caden’s eyes flashed. “If it’s a serious illness, she should receive treatment. It could affect her role as a mother. You know how much our father wants a grandchild.” A flicker of something—hesitation?—crossed Joshua’s eyes. Even with Alice beside him, he lied. “Thanks for your concern, Caden, but I have some good news for Dad. I just haven’t gotten around to telling him yet.”

Caden’s smile deepened, his gaze shifting to Alicia, who was about to end the charade. She excused herself and left, her sensual movement catching Caden’s attention. “How far along are you?” he asked pointedly. “You don’t look pregnant.”

Joshua didn’t miss a beat. “Just one month.” The response was both a threat and an announcement. The inheritance stakes had just been raised considerably; Jerald, focused on the family line, would undoubtedly factor in his unborn grandson. Caden’s smile hardened. Joshua delivered the final blow with smug assurance: “You better catch up, Caden. I can’t always be one step ahead.”

Caden waved a hand dismissively. “There’s no hurry.”

Alice stepped onto the terrace, the cool night air soothing her. She breathed deeply, trying to calm her nerves. She called the private cinema director again. “Have you found the ring?” she asked anxiously.

The director hesitated, looking worried. “Mrs. Bennett, we’ve searched thoroughly, questioned the staff… but we haven’t found any rings.”

“So…” Alice clenched her fist. “Do you have the contact information for the guest who booked the room that day?”

“I’m sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we cannot disclose customer information.” Her heart sank. “I see,” she sighed. “Please let me know immediately if anything turns up.”

Ideally, I could have purchased an identical ring, she thought, but Joshua had it custom-made.

After dinner, rain began to fall. Relatives departed one by one. Joshua walked with her to the car, his eyes fixed on her bare wrist. “If you liked the bracelet at the auction, I can buy you something similar,” he said coldly.

Alicia resisted rolling her eyes. She didn’t believe he’d changed his mind. “Trying to buy my silence, huh?” His words were sharp, piercing his tender facade.

“No need,” he added coldly. “I have no desire to become entangled in your affairs.” His mocking tone struck a chord. Her jaw clenched, a bitter smile playing on her lips. “Okay. Don’t accept it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway.”

Alice bit her cheek before saying firmly, “Joshua, I’ve already told you. I’m willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let’s sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and get this over with.”

His smile darkened, becoming dangerous. “And the ring?”

“I lost it.”

Joshua’s eyes narrowed, his tone implacable. “I don’t care about anything else. I want the ring.” She struggled to breathe as he delivered the final blow: “If you don’t find it, I’ll assume you’re keeping it because you still care about me.”

His phone rang; it was Lilliana. “Joshua,” she purred. “The thunder is so loud. I’m scared to sleep alone… Can you come?”

Ignoring Lilliana’s call and furious with Alicia, Joshua threw her out into the rain and sped off, leaving her without an umbrella.

Alicia stood frozen, the downpour soaking her to the bone. Gritting his teeth, he walked down the rain-slicked pavement. Behind her, a sleek Maybach pulled up.

“Mr. Ward,” the driver said, “I think it’s Mrs. Bennett.”

Caden looked out, his eyes narrowing on Alicia’s solitary figure. She paused, gathering the fabric of her dress to ease her gait. Her slender legs glistened in the rain; delicate, yet possessing a silent strength. He remembered how those legs had wrapped around him only nights before. A knowing smile touched his lips. “Invite her in,” he said.

The car stopped beside Alice. The driver offered an umbrella. “Mrs. Bennett, it’s hard to find a taxi at this hour. Can I take you home?”

Alice recognized the Yates family chauffeur. She hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

As she settled into the backseat, her eyes met Caden’s. “We’ll see each other again so soon, eh?” Her voice, soft as velvet, held a hint of mischief.