Chapter 89
Sheila’s heart leaped at a sudden noise behind her. Instinctively, she whirled around, clutching a medicine bottle to her back. Seeing Joshua, she relaxed, glancing around to confirm their privacy. “I’m just getting some medicine for Jerald,” she mumbled.
Joshua’s gaze fell on the bottle she tried to conceal, then on her tense expression. Something was clearly amiss. He frowned. “What’s all the secrecy?” He picked up the bottle, examining it closely.
Sheila whispered, “Actually, I was wondering if you knew anyone who could get more of this.”
Joshua squinted at the label. He wasn’t a pharmacist, but the drug name sounded familiar. It was expensive, he knew, certainly not covered by insurance. “Didn’t Caden already buy this?” he asked.
“Exactly,” Sheila nodded, her eyes narrowing. “Why let him take all the credit? We’re running low, and this stuff works.”
Joshua raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t there plenty left in the box?”
Sheila leaned closer. “They’re fake.”
He lowered his voice. “I was worried we’d run out, so I bought counterfeits as a backup.”
“What?!” Joshua’s stomach churned. “Do you realize how dangerous that is? What if something goes wrong?” His concern wasn't Jerald's potential death, but the liability.
As he reached for the fakes, Sheila grabbed his arm. “You’re exaggerating,” she protested. “I know people who work at the factory. They replicate big-name drugs all the time. They might not be as effective, but no one’s died from them. And they weren’t cheap – I paid a lot. Throwing them away is wasteful.”
Joshua shook his head. “No. They have to go.”
Sheila’s lips pursed. “And if Jerald doesn’t take them? Will you let Caden play the hero with the real ones?”
“He’s the eldest. Isn’t it his responsibility?”
“Sure, but who was there for Jerald? You. And everyone remembers that. Do you want Caden to steal your thunder?”
Joshua paused, his thoughts churning. She hadn’t been by Jerald’s bedside out of concern – it had been calculated. If Jerald died, she wanted a secure position in the will. If he lived, playing the loyal son would leave a lasting impression. With Caden at odds with Jerald, this was her chance.
“Okay. I’ll think of something. But don’t give him the fakes yet.” He photographed the bottle. “By the way, where’s Alice? I didn’t see her.”
Sheila snorted. “She went for a facial. How much money did you give her?”
Joshua wasn’t in the mood to argue. “Stay out of our business,” he hissed. “If Lilliana finds out, you know what will happen.” He called Alicia.
Alicia, having just hidden photos Caden sent her at Monica’s house, answered casually. “What’s up?”
“Why aren’t you home yet?” Joshua’s tone was impatient.
“I’m on my way,” she replied, almost ending the call. Remembering her role, she added, “I just left Monica’s.”
“Oh, okay. I got off early,” Joshua said urgently. “Come home soon. Let’s spend some time together.”
Alicia hesitated, sensing his underlying frustration. When she wanted his attention, he was with Lilliana. Now that she didn’t, he was suddenly attentive. But she knew this wasn't genuine.
“Okay, I’ll be right back,” she said firmly.
“Great,” Joshua murmured, relieved. “I’ve missed your cooking.”
Alice almost laughed. Cooking? Again? He and Caden treated her like a servant.
“I should have invited you sooner,” he joked sarcastically.
“What?” Joshua sounded confused. He cleared his throat. “Nothing, I just had dinner with Monica.”
Alice hung up, amused and annoyed. If he wanted cooking, she’d provide it – it was better than the alternative. Sex was the last thing she wanted. She approached Monica’s door.
“Monica, do you still have that medicine?”
Monica produced a vial. “Yes, he should take it now. It takes a few days to work.”
“Perfect,” Alice murmured, a sinister smile playing on her lips. She pocketed the vial. Joshua wanted food? He’d get it.