Chapter 93

Caden was speechless. Moments later, a knock sounded on Alice's door. "Alice, why did you lock the door?" Joshua asked. Her voice, though soft, was audible to Caden, who then ended his phone call. A frown creased his forehead as he looked at his phone, his mood darkening slightly. He was at the Yates mansion, and Joshua's arrival seemed purposeful. Caden tried to dismiss the unsettling feeling, choosing not to dwell on it. He washed his hands, disinfected his phone, and showered.

After a moment to compose herself, Alice opened the door. "I lock the door every night," she explained calmly. Joshua entered without hesitation. Caden, having surreptitiously inspected the room and found nothing unusual, dismissed his suspicions. "I thought you were protecting yourself from me," he commented.

Alicia remained silent, replying only, "If I were protecting myself from you, why would I be here at Yates Mansion?" Suddenly, Joshua closed the door, gently cupping her face and admiring her post-shower appearance. Alice's face tensed. She'd assumed her menstrual period would deter him, a belief he usually held; however, his expression was one of uncertainty. He caressed her face tenderly, studying her features. "How long has it been since your period?"

Clenching her jaw, Alice replied curtly, "Three days." "Your period is almost here, isn't it?" she insisted, internally annoyed. "It's still quite heavy," she replied defiantly, hoping to repel him. "You'd better stop."

Joshua laughed softly, easing the tension. "I wasn't planning on pursuing that tonight, but Alicia, remember there are many ways to make someone happy, and it's not limited to just one," he joked, keeping the conversation light yet suggestive. Alicia felt nauseous, remembering her sexual experience with Lilliana. Recalling Joshua's previous comments about her being boring, she feigned bewildered ignorance.

"I don't know what to say," she admitted.

Joshua, struggling to maintain composure, suggested, "You could use your mouth." The suggestion filled Alice with revulsion. She fought to mask her disgust, searching for an excuse. "But I don't know how," she protested.

“I can teach you. You learn quickly; you're an outstanding student. I’m sure you’re good at this too,” Joshua reassured her, taking her hand and placing it below his belt. "I have to leave soon, so please hurry up," he whispered intimately. "I’ve been waiting for this moment since our divorce, do you know?"

Alice repeatedly pulled her hand away. With Caden, intimacy felt good; with Joshua, it was terrifying, a source of utter aversion. As Alicia resisted, Joshua's frustration mounted. "What's the problem? You don't want to?"

Alice, clenching her jaw and bowing her head, confessed, "I'm too anxious. I don't know how to proceed." Joshua stopped his instructions, unbuckled his belt, and pushed her onto the bed. Overwhelmed, Alice began to gag. Joshua recoiled in shock. His expression turned icy. "What is this reaction causing you, Alice?"

Alice blurted out the first lie that came to mind. "My period makes me sick, especially when I'm nervous, and I start to vomit." Joshua paused, closed his eyes briefly, then released her and stood up. At that moment, his phone buzzed. Irritated, he almost rejected the call, but seeing Randolph's name, he answered more calmly.

Alicia escaped to the bathroom, frantically scrubbing her hands. It took her a long time to regain her composure. She took a deep breath, torn between leaving and resisting. She'd hoped to tolerate Joshua briefly to achieve her goals, but now doubted she could endure another moment. After some time, she wiped her face and stepped out, ready to leave. Joshua had just finished his call. He looked at Alice with questioning eyes.

Alice tensed, pressing her lips together, waiting for him to speak. Frustrated, Joshua threw his phone aside. "Have you been to see Randolph?"

A pang of anxiety tightened in Alice's chest. She wasn't sure how much Joshua knew about her encounter with Randolph or what Randolph might have told him. Honesty seemed her only option. "Randolph? Mrs. Gray's husband?" Her face remained composed. "I had the opportunity to accompany Mrs. Gray to a party today, and I met him there."

Joshua continued to scrutinize her. He'd recently learned from Randolph about his actions at the party, prompting Randolph to question his motives. It hadn't been a significant event; she'd merely defended Rachel in an unfair situation, with Randolph unwittingly caught in the crossfire. Their clandestine dealings, now complicated by her involvement, made Joshua suspicious.

"Do you know Rachel?" Joshua asked. Alicia shook her head. "Not really. We met for the first time today at the beauty salon and chatted for a while."

"How did you end up talking to her? Don't get involved with the Gray family anymore," Joshua warned. "You're out of your depth with them."

Alice smiled. "Why? I just made a new friend. But your concern seems excessive."