Chapter 70

Alicia suppressed her discomfort. "I haven't been able to use a pad yet, and it could get messy. I don't want to stain your clothes," she explained to Joshua.

Joshua hesitated, then shifted to give her more space. His privileged upbringing made messes unsettling, a hypocrisy Alicia found amusing.

After Joshua left, Alicia retreated to her bedroom and called Monica.

"Any progress?" Monica asked.

Alicia paused. "Sort of. Joshua didn't seem suspicious." This encouraged her; she could proceed cautiously. She was determined to execute her plan flawlessly.

A sigh escaped her. "I used my period as an excuse today, but what about next week? What will I do then?" She lacked experience in this area. Joshua kept her at the Yates mansion for his pleasure, and sooner or later, he would expect intimacy. The thought repelled her. What excuse could she use to avoid him after her period?

Monica's voice brightened. "This is my specialty. Let me advise you."

Alicia listened, then laughed. "Does such a thing really exist? You're quite a character, Monica."

Monica chuckled. “You know what I do. I didn't spend all those years in college for nothing.”

Alicia, feeling shy, snuggled deeper into her blanket. "Thanks, honey."

Monica noted the change in Alicia's voice. "Why does your voice sound so different? You've been with someone, hasn't it? It's never been this soft before."

Alicia was speechless. Even though Monica couldn't see her, she instinctively covered her face with the blanket. Her voice muffled, she asked, "Do I still sound soft now?"

"Hmm?" Monica teased. "Why are you dodging the question? I'm right, aren't I?"

"Of course not!" Alice replied, feeling guilty. She quickly changed the subject. "What's keeping you up so late?"

"It's still early! You're nervous, aren't you?" Monica pressed. "Who are you with? You're even hiding it from me!"

Alicia cut her off. "If you don't go to sleep, I will. Good night."

She hung up, staring at the ceiling, trying to calm herself and plan her next steps. Her period gave her a reprieve; she had other priorities.

During their marriage, Alicia had entrusted her savings to Joshua. He'd transferred funds for investments and ventures. She'd made money, but little went to household expenses; most went to Lilliana. Joshua, concerned with appearances, likely concealed the transfers, but no matter how clever he was, some trace would remain.

Starting with the bank, Alicia was sure she could find transaction records. This renewed her determination.

Being no expert, she proceeded slowly and discreetly. It took three days to uncover a clue. Randolph Gray, Joshua's assistant bank manager, was the key. While his position wasn't prestigious, his family's influence was considerable, enabling him to assist Joshua with dubious transactions. Alicia suspected Randolph's involvement.

She meticulously plotted her next move, then deleted all investigation data from her phone. After a late September downpour, the weather turned cold.

Alicia found the beauty salon Randolph's wife frequented and decided to take a chance. As she left, she saw Sheila entering with a package.

Sheila's expression froze. "Can you at least make some noise when you walk?" she snapped. "Are you trying to give someone a heart attack?"

Alicia instinctively looked at the package. Sheila hesitated, then decided Alicia was unsophisticated and revealed its contents.

"It's hospital medication," Sheila said impatiently. "Haven't you seen it before?"

Alicia recognized it. Jerald had taken similar imported medication after his hospitalization. The brand was right, but the logo was a lighter color than she remembered. She suspected counterfeit drugs but couldn't be certain. She remained silent.

"I'm going out for a while, Sheila. No need for dinner tonight."

Sheila eyed her suspiciously. "Where are you going?"

"To the beauty salon for some pampering," Alicia replied casually.

Sheila frowned. "Do you have any idea how much that costs?"

Alicia smiled. "Not really. Why don't you ask Joshua?"

She left without further delay.

Sheila, increasingly angry, called Joshua. "Why are you spending so much money on her?"

Joshua sounded irritated. "Mom, I'm in a meeting. Don't call unless it's urgent."