Chapter: 216

What he did know was that it cost a small fortune-and it certainly wasn't covered by insurance.

His interest waned. "Didn't Caden buy this already?"

"Exactly." Sheila nodded, her eyes narrowing. “And that's the point. Why let him take all the credit if we can get it ourselves? Also, this stuff works well, but we're running low."

Joshua arched an eyebrow. “Aren't there still plenty left in the box?"

Sheila hesitated, then leaned in closer. "They're fake." Lowering her voice even more, she continued, "I was worried we might run out, so I bought some counterfeit ones as a backup."

"What?!" Joshua felt his stomach churn. "Do you realize how dangerous that could be? What if something goes wrong?"

It wasn't Jerald's possible death that troubled himit was the thought of being held responsible.

As he reached to dispose of the fake meds, Sheila grabbed his arm.

"You're overreacting," she protested. "I know people who work at the factory where these are made. They replicate big-name drugs all the time. Sure, the fakes might not be as effective, but no one's ever died from them. They're not dirt cheap either-I paid a good sum for them. Throwing them away would be such a waste."

But Joshua shook his head firmly. "No. They have to go."

Sheila's lips tightened in frustration. "And if Jerald doesn't take these, what then? You're just going to let Caden swoop in with the real stuff and play the hero?"

"He's the eldest. Isn't that his responsibility?"

“sure, but who was by Jerald's side when he needed help? You were. And everyone remembers that. Do you really want to let Caden steal your thunder this late in the game?"

Joshua paused, her words working their way into his mind.

He hadn't stayed by Jerald's hospital bed out of concern-he had been calculating.

If Jerald died, he wanted to be sure the will left him in a secure position.

If Jerald lived, then playing the loyal son might just leave a lasting impression.

And with Caden at odds with Jerald, this was his opportunity to step ahead.

“Fine. I'll figure something out. But don't give him the fake meds just yet." Joshua snapped a quick photo of the bottle for future reference. "By the way, where's Alicia? I didn't see her when I got back."

Sheila huffed, her irritation flaring. "She's out getting a facial or something. How much money did you even give her?"

Joshua wasn't in the mood for a discussion.

“Stay out of our business," he hissed. "If Lilliana gets wind of this, you know what'll happen."

With that, he pulled out his phone and walked away, dialing Alicia's number.

Alicia had just stepped out of Monica's place, where she had safely stashed the photos Caden had slipped to her.

When she picked up, her voice was light, casual. "What's up?"

“Why aren't you home yet?" Joshua's tone was impatient.

"I'm on my way back," she replied simply, almost wanting to end the call there. But then, she remembered the part she had to play and quickly added, “I just left Monica's."

“Oh, okay. Anyways, I got off work early today," Joshua said, his words carrying a faint urgency. “Come home soon. Let's spend some time together."

Alicia hesitated, caught off guard by his sudden request.

Even through the phone, she could sense the frustration simmering beneath his smooth facade.