Chapter 90

The ampoule contained a drug causing loss of appetite, drowsiness, and significantly decreased sexual desire.

“This is an improved version developed by my mentor,” Monica explained with a knowing smile. “It’s designed for patients with… self-control issues. The side effects are mild, but it works wonderfully. And the best part? It’s nearly undetectable.”

Alice was curious. “Patients? Do people really struggle to control their sexual impulses?”

Monica shrugged, as if it were commonplace. “You wouldn't believe the oddities of human behavior. My mentor and I have been researching these topics for two years, making impressive progress.”

Alice was impressed, yet embarrassed. “You’ve worked so hard, and I’m using your work for… less noble purposes.”

Monica laughed mischievously. “Oh, don’t worry. Doing justice to assholes like Joshua is noble enough. Honestly, I wish I could create a pill to turn him into a pathetic lapdog. Then, when you’re feeling bad, you could kick him; when generous, you could feed him… well, you know.”

Alice laughed, the image disturbing yet strangely satisfying. Being with Monica was a welcome escape, but she couldn’t afford to waste time. She sighed, acutely aware of the dwindling time.

Monica noticed her hesitation. “Stop acting like you miss me so much. If you really did, you’d think about me more often.”

Alice smiled weakly. “I’ve been busy. I didn’t avoid you on purpose, silly.”

Monica raised an eyebrow. “Busy with what? You’ve been tied up all day.”

Monica’s question brought Caden to mind. Their encounter replayed vividly: his unspeakable actions. It wasn't easily forgotten, and the memory brought a blush to her cheeks.

Monica noticed immediately. “Oh-ho! Look at you. Who made you blush? Did some handsome rogue steal your heart?”

Alice fanned her cheeks. “It’s nothing! I just ran errands.”

“Errands, huh? What kind of errand makes you turn tomato-red?” Monica scoffed, leaning forward. “Come on, tell me. Who’s the lucky one? I’ve never seen you so…”

“So horny? Not even with Joshua.”

Alice gasped. “Horny? What are you talking about? I’m not horny!” She rubbed her cheeks.

Monica crossed her arms, disbelieving, like a parent catching a child in a lie.

Feeling cornered, Alice defended herself. “After splitting with Rachel, I met Caden. He had something I wanted, and things got… heated. That’s why I’m late.”

Monica’s sharp gaze softened at the mention of Caden. “So, Caden held you up?” she asked, her tone lighter.

Alice’s heart fluttered nervously. “Yes,” she squeaked.

Monica leaned closer, concerned. “Did he give you a hard time?”

Alice noticed the shift in Monica’s demeanor; Caden’s name dispelled her suspicions. How extraordinary, she thought. Almost too convenient.

“He wasn’t exactly cruel,” Alice admitted, “but he didn’t make things easy.”

Monica sighed, her tension easing. “That explains everything. You were so weird, I thought you’d fallen for an idiot again.”

Alicia was speechless, relieved by Monica’s change in tone. Something about Monica’s reaction piqued her curiosity. “You didn’t suspect anything about Caden?” she asked cautiously.

Monica blinked, amused. “Suspect what? Of having an affair with you?” Alice agreed.

Monica laughed, genuinely disbelieving. “You and Caden? That’s like me dating Joshua. What would you think of that?”

Alice grimaced internally. What a horrible comparison.

After parting with Monica, Alice found herself on Sunset Road, buying Joshua’s favorite snack. Conflicting thoughts swirled in her mind. Returning to the Yates mansion, she discreetly crushed the medicine and mixed it into the sandwich before presenting it.

Joshua’s brow furrowed at the takeout. “Didn’t I just say I craved your food?”

Alice kept her voice even. “Cooking takes time. Have this while I prepare something.”

Joshua relaxed slightly. He was a picky eater, and few remembered his tastes—but Alice did. It was as before. His gaze lingered, his voice softening. “Sunset Road is more than forty minutes away. Did you get a taxi?”

Alice vaguely nodded. “Yes,” she said, avoiding details. She didn’t want to dwell on their tense dynamic.

Unexpectedly, Joshua embraced her. “Thank you. You still care about me. After our divorce, I doubted you loved me. I seem to have overthought.”

Alice remained silent, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. Overthinking? No. I just needed you close enough to drug myself with your food, she thought bitterly.

His touch made her skin crawl; she tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip. Memories of their two-year marriage flitted through her mind. He had always been busy, demanding, especially in the bedroom. Initially, he tried to seduce her, but her shyness fueled his frustration. In the end, he left her untouched. Then came Lilliana, bold, daring, and willing to satisfy his needs.

Lilliana was everything Alice wasn’t: exciting, self-assured, and skilled in seduction. But even the sexiest women lose their appeal. Now pregnant, Lilliana was insufferably arrogant and unpredictable, adding stress instead of excitement. Now, he desired the Alice he’d previously found repugnant. Men like him grew tired of their decisions, endlessly chasing fleeting thrills.

Alice’s stomach churned at his familiar, disgusting smell; she subtly held her breath. “I can’t cook like this,” she muttered.

Joshua, ignoring her, buried his face in her neck. “There’s no hurry to eat,” she whispered.

Footsteps descended the stairs. Sheila appeared, her eyes narrowed. “What are you doing?” she asked disdainfully.

Joshua reluctantly released Alice. Sheila’s gaze shifted, settling on Alice with a sneer. “Are you really that horny? Can’t you at least wait until you get out of the kitchen?”