Chapter: 156

"I thought Jerald was going to hurt you, so I stepped in-"

Joshua had seen her love for him in the past, so he didn't question her sincerity.

He let out a thoughtful hum. "I didn't expect Caden to take that hit for you. It confirms what I've been thinking."

Alicia's mind drifted to Caden's wound, a frown creasing her brow.

Avoiding Joshua's gaze, she muttered, “I'll clean up the study."

“There's no need," Joshua said, gently taking her hand and giving it a reassuring pat. “Let Georgia handle it." He glanced toward the door.

“Go help in the kitchen. I need to talk to Dad."

Alicia nodded absently and walked away, her thoughts elsewhere.

As she left, Jerald, still catching his breath, grumbled, "You two are divorced, so why does everything between you still seem so unresolved?"

Joshua chuckled lightly. "We were married for years. Bonds like that don't just disappear."

Jerald, ever in tune with his son, understood without needing words.

He waved a hand dismissively, recalling his own past. "It's just women. Have your fun if you want. I won't get involved."

Joshua, turning serious, said, "As for the Green family, I've got it under control. There won't be any issues."

Jerald nodded. "As long as you're sure."

His thoughts then drifted to Caden, a frown forming. "Caden holds grudges. I lost my temper today, and I'm not sure what he might do next."

The way Caden had looked at him earlier reminded Jerald too much of Caden's grandfather-intense, cold, and unsettling.

At just twenty-five, Caden seemed ready to take on the world.

Joshua, sensing Jerald's worry, reassured him, “He's your son. What can he really do? If he had real power, he wouldn't have walked out without a fight."

Jerald closed his eyes briefly, considering his son's words.

Joshua handed him a glass of water and continued, "I've been digging into Caden's overseas assets since he came back. He's hidden things well. I suspect he's keeping some secrets."

Jerald's brow furrowed. "What kind of secrets?"

"Something big. Financial issues or something worse. His pride wouldn't let him come back just to compete for an inheritance unless there's more to it."

Jerald's expression softened, the idea sinking in.

It made sense. Besides, given the scope of the Yates empire, why would Caden willingly give up the inheritance?

Still, as long as Jerald remained in control, Caden could do nothing.

“Wie have his mother to thank for that," Jerald muttered, “giving me everything she had." Jerald looked over at Joshua, offering a rare bit of praise. "Alicia reminds me of her."

Joshua smiled. “Thanks to your guidance, Dad."

Jerald took a sip of water, reflecting for a moment.

He knew Joshua had a knack for pleasing people, but he also knew deep down that Joshua wasn't quite on Caden's level.

With a dismissive wave, Jerald said, "Go down and eat. I'm feeling better. You don't need to push yourself so hard at the company anymore. I can handle things."