Chapter 99

Joshua's secretary trembled with anxiety, paralyzed by a desire to flee. Observing Lilliana's domineering demeanor, Joshua's displeasure mounted. He barked, "Go away now!" The secretary immediately fled.

Frustrated, Lilliana snapped, "What are you saying? Am I not allowed to direct your secretary?" Her voice, sharp with anger, echoed through the office. Joshua silently closed the door, then calmly but firmly faced Lilliana, his irritation carefully controlled. "Do you realize the entire office is under surveillance? If your outburst is filmed, what will you do? Are you not interested in public exposure again?"

Lilliana sneered. "If I decide to return to the limelight, I need only speak to my father. I'm not intimidated by these minor players. Is your concern genuine, or are you trying to deflect from your own misconduct?"

Under Lilliana's piercing gaze, Joshua clenched his fists. "What are you implying?"

Lilliana stood, narrowing her eyes as she closed the distance between them. "What am I implying? If I hadn't visited today, I wouldn't have noticed how many attractive women work here. Must be quite a daily pleasure, surrounded by so much beauty, right?"

Joshua's face hardened. "Their employment isn't my decision. Why take your frustrations out on them?"

"I just can't stand it! What does it matter? It's just a few employees. Find others to hire. And look at you – so gloomy. You're really angry with me, aren't you?"

Joshua closed his eyes, remaining silent. Lilliana, finding no evidence of infidelity but speaking harshly, insisted, "Joshua, I don't want any women in your office, including your secretary. Do you understand?"

Exasperated, Joshua replied, "She's been with the company for years, performing excellently. We have an agreement; she cannot be fired without just cause. Have you considered the repercussions if I fire her simply because you demand it?"

Lilliana's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, happy with her performance? How exactly?"

Joshua's expression darkened. "She's married, Lilliana!"

"When you were involved with me, weren't you married to Alicia?" Lilliana retorted. Her voice hardened. "You were unfaithful to me. It's not unthinkable you would do it again."

Joshua met her gaze, his own filled with anger and a dawning realization that their shared understanding—if it ever truly existed—had vanished.

Before he could respond, Lilliana escalated. "Joshua, either you fire all the employees today, or our commitment is off. It's up to you."

The ultimatum visibly shook him. Fear and deep regret gripped him. Acting from necessity rather than desire, he took Lilliana's hand firmly, not as a gesture of affection, but of control. Losing the Green family's support was unacceptable.

"I'll take care of it immediately," he said, his voice rough with exhaustion.

Lilliana's anger cooled, though she knew his compliance was forced. This pleased her.

"I'm aware that you're still upset about our last disagreement. It was my fault," Joshua admitted, surprising himself. "Firing them is drastic. I'll instruct the PR team to frame it as a measure to ensure your comfort during pregnancy. I'll take full responsibility. It won't reflect badly on you."

Lilliana's attitude softened. She leaned towards him, seeking reassurance. "Tell me honestly, did you cheat or not?"

Joshua replied firmly, "No."

"Swear it," Lilliana demanded.

"I swear. If I'm unfaithful, may I have a terrible end," Joshua declared, a tightness in his chest. He recalled his wedding day to Alice, his gratitude for her support, and the solemn promise he'd made: "If I ever mistreat you, may it come to a terrible end." Alice had blushed, covering her mouth, chiding him for such dark words, then smiling warmly. "Joshua, I will always trust you." Lilliana's reaction was vastly different. Instead of silencing him, she added coldly, "I have sacrificed a lot for you. If you betray me, I will make sure my father makes you pay."

Joshua, though not a believer in karma, felt a growing unease. The tension momentarily dissipated as Lilliana, no longer angry, leaned in to kiss him. Joshua, disgusted by the situation, had felt no inclination to kiss her for days, but he hid his disgust, feigning charm.

Just as the moment intensified, Lilliana's assistant burst in, exclaiming, "Mr. Yates!" Witnessing the intimate moment, the assistant flushed crimson, quickly apologizing and turning away. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Lilliana released Joshua, visibly upset. "Haven't you learned to knock?" Her gaze shifted accusingly to her assistant. "You said his name so lovingly. What is it you want?"

Her assistant, slightly crying, turned and replied, "I was looking for you everywhere and came to ask Mr. Yates if he had seen you."

Suspicion clouded Lilliana's face, her confidence shaken.