Chapter 50

When Caden left, Alicia felt a subtle chill. It was a familiar feeling. In the past, their arguments often ended with mutual disdainful glares. She felt contempt for his perceived stupidity; he reciprocated with equal contempt.

Moments later, Joshua approached, his arrogance even more pronounced than before. Their last meeting seemed ages ago, and his air of superiority had intensified. He looked at her with contempt, as if considering himself her savior. A wave of revulsion washed over Alice. She quickly returned the first-aid kit to the officer.

Joshua offered, "Alice, let me take you home."

"No need," she replied firmly.

As she left the police station, Joshua walked beside her. Nearby, the previously fined drunks loitered, their predatory gazes fixed on her. Joshua's tone turned icy. "They just wanted to make fun of you. Why did you call the police? You didn't give them any other choice."

Alice stopped. Joshua clenched his fists. He laughed. "Are you scared? I can give you a hand."

Alice stared at him, anger and disgust evident in his eyes. The darkness, however, obscured his own expression.

She challenged him, "Why do you want to push me to the limit and then offer help, Joshua? What do you want?"

Joshua forced a smile. "It was you who offended Lilliana, and I only stepped in to help. And yet you still blame me?"

Alice retorted, "Aren't you and Lilliana in this together? Wasn't he the one who laid the groundwork for Lilliana's attack? Weren't you the ones spreading those damaging rumors and insults?"

Joshua took her hand. "Alice, let's discuss this in the…"

The moment he touched her, goosebumps erupted across her skin. She shook him off. He squeezed her hand tighter. Alice's irritability and nervousness seemed to amuse him. "If I go away, those drunks might take you to a remote area and assault you. Aren't you afraid?"

Alice gasped for breath. Joshua lowered his voice, making it more menacing. "I came expressly to get you out of this situation. If you refuse to come with me, I have other ways to force you." He pointed at the drunks, adding menacingly, "You've already been with someone. What does it matter if you have a few more partners?"

Alice's face went white; nausea threatened to overwhelm her. Joshua, triumphant, hugged the dazed Alicia.

His voice was hoarse. "Joshua, you have everything. Why can't you just let me go?"

Joshua studied her pale features. "You were the one who provoked me," he retorted. "You still have feelings for me and want to compete with Lilliana for my attention. There were better ways to handle this, but you chose to sabotage her future." He reached out to play with her hair. "Do you have any idea how much it cost me to clean up that mess? You should have made amends long ago."

A wave of nausea washed over Alicia. Did she really still have feelings for him? What a ridiculous idea. The weight of reality and mounting hatred finally broke her composure. Joshua guided her toward the car. She didn't resist.

Alice pressed her lips together, bowed her head, and remained silent, her expression tense. He seemed surprised by her compliance. Joshua hadn't anticipated it being this simple, but it made sense. Deep down, she still loved him. Their previous estrangement had been nothing more than a facade.

He buckled her in. "My father has left the hospital and is recovering at the Yates mansion. I will take you there to stay for a while. Your safety will be guaranteed, and you will be able to help take care of him."

After a brief pause, Alice replied, "I'll let you know my decision tomorrow."

Joshua smiled, clearly pleased. "Okay."

Alice leaned back and closed her eyes. Joshua studied her profile and asked, "What was Caden doing at the police station? Do you two get along?"

Alice replied indifferently, "Ask him."

Joshua's expression soured. Ever since she discovered that her investments had benefited Caden, her resentment toward him had intensified. She wanted nothing to do with him.

He turned the ignition. "Keep your distance from him."

In a nearby black car, Caden stubbed out his cigarette. "Drive," Hank ordered.

Hank observed Caden's indifference. "I've seen it all. It didn't seem like Mrs. Bennett was going with Mr. Yates willingly."

Caden remained silent. "And what's your point?"

Hank remained silent. Despite the situation, Alicia and Caden were not romantically involved. His intention had been to facilitate Ciara's wishes, but relationships could not be manufactured.

Hank shifted gears. "Mr. Ward, are we going home?"

Caden's tone was distant. "No, we're heading to the office." Sleep would elude him at home anyway.

Hank ventured, "Aren't you going to take a break? You have to be on your toes for the Yates mansion tomorrow. If you're exhausted, how are you going to handle it?"

Caden briefly closed his eyes, irritation evident. "I can catch up on sleep at the office," he replied anxiously.

Hank cleared his throat, choosing not to press further. Soon, strange noises emanated from the backseat. At first, Hank thought he was imagining it, but then he turned around in disbelief. "Mr. Ward, what the hell are you doing?"

Caden didn't lift his head. "Just watching porn."

Hank was speechless. I know you're watching porn, but do you really have to be so cold-blooded when I ask you questions? she thought.

Caden remained focused on the screen. He tried to immerse himself in the movie, but irritation eventually surfaced. With a quick movement, he turned off the phone and looked towards the window, his eyes reflecting a deep, hidden emotion.