Chapter: 134

Caden's laugh was hollow, the amusement not quite reaching his eyes.

“You divorced your ex, got engaged to the Green family's heiress, and now you're back with your ex. It's quite the tangled web you weave.”

Joshua maintained his composure and replied calmly, “Alicia has been unable to move on from me. She's loved me for years. It would be cruel to disregard that."

Caden commented, "It seems Alicia still has a few tricks to keep your attention."

Joshua's expression tightened, his denial evident.

"I merely pity her," he confessed.

"Do you genuinely care for Lilliana then?" Caden inquired, a hint of mockery in his voice. "You criticize me for aiding Alicia, yet you overlook your fiancee's frequent visits to my office. Quite intriguing."

Joshua had a matter to address. "Once Lilliana has the baby, we might consider her returning to work. She slipped up slightly this time. I'll secure her a position with another agency. You don't need to concern yourself, Caden."

Caden responded with indifference, "As you wish."

This exchange deepened Joshua's suspicions of Caden's spiteful motives. He recalled a past scheme designed merely to cause him financial loss and distress.

Meanwhile, the area outside buzzed with activity.

With responsibilities awaiting, Joshua departed with a grave look.

At a table, a variety of fruits lay spread out. Caden nonchalantly picked up a mangosteen.

As he split it open, Alicia suddenly took the seat next to him.

“Where did you pop up from?" Caden questioned, surveying the surroundings.

Alicia gestured to a large vase nearby, explaining, “I've been here for a while, just hiding behind that."

Caden, amused, commented, "You're quite the expert at hiding. You could probably join the CIA."

While dividing the mangosteen in half, he was interrupted by Alicia who took one half, asking, “You didn't share our chat logs with Joshua, did you?"

Given Joshua's nature, he surely would have mentioned it by now.

"Are you worried he might find out?" Caden queried.

Alicia savored the mangosteen, finding it delicious, and playfully reached for the piece near Caden's mouth.

Caden was momentarily lost for words.

Alicia, eating confidently, mentioned, "You heard Joshua earlier. My relationship with him has evolved, and I don't want any misunderstandings."

Caden responded with a soft laugh.

“Have you actually agreed to be his lover?" he asked.

Alicia grimaced slightly at the question but nodded affirmatively.

Caden watched her closely, his face unreadable.

He remembered how Alicia had recoiled when Joshua touched her hand earlier in the courtyard.

Yet, Caden chose to remain silent, not revealing her true reasons for visiting the Yates Mansion.

Alicia, looking at the remaining fruit, remarked, "Why are these mangosteens so good? Aren't you going to have some?"