Chapter: 238

Joshua's secretary trembled with anxiety.

She longed to escape but felt paralyzed.

Observing Lilliana's domineering behavior, Joshua's displeasure mounted, and he commanded his secretary, “Leave now!"

The secretary hurried out immediately.

Lilliana, frustrated, snapped at Joshua. "What are you saying? Am I not allowed to direct your secretary?"

Her voice rose sharply, echoing anger, her expression contorted with frustration.

Joshua quietly closed the office door.

Confronting Lilliana calmly yet firmly, he held back his irritation.

"Do you realize this entire office is under surveillance? If footage of your outburst today gets out, what will you do then? Are you not interested in re-entering the public eye?"

Lilliana scoffed dismissively, “If I decide to return to the limelight, all I need to do is speak to my father. I'm not intimidated by any of these minor players. Is your concern for me genuine, or is there some misconduct on your part you're trying to divert attention from?"

Under Lilliana's piercing and accusatory gaze, Joshua clenched his fists in frustration. “What are you implying?"

"What am I implying?" Lilliana retorted as she stood and closed the distance between them, her eyes narrowing. "Had I not visited today, I wouldn't have realized how many attractive women work here. It must be quite the daily pleasure, surrounded by such beauty, right?"

Joshua's expression soured. “Their employment here isn't my decision. Why take your frustrations out on them?"

"I simply can't tolerate it. What does it matter? They're just a few employees. Find others to hire. And look at you-so grim. You're really upset with me, aren't you?" Lilliana challenged.

Joshua shut his eyes, opting to remain silent.

Lilliana, finding no evidence of infidelity but still speaking sharply, pressed, “Joshua, I don't want any women in your office, including your secretary. Do you understand?"

Thoroughly exasperated, Joshua replied, “She has been with the company for years, performing her duties excellently. We have an agreement that she cannot be dismissed without cause. Have you considered the repercussions if I fire her just because you demand it?"

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

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

"When you were involved with me, weren't you married to Alicia?"

Lilliana shot back sharply. Her voice hardened as she continued, “You were unfaithful with me. It's not unthinkable you'd do it again."

Joshua met her gaze, which was filled with jealousy and anger, realizing the tender understanding they once shared had vanished- maybe it had never really been there at all.

Before Joshua could respond, Lilliana escalated the situation.

"Joshua, it's either fire all the female employees today, or our engagement is off. You decide!"

This ultimatum visibly affected him.

Fear took hold of Joshua, mixed with a profound sense of regret.

Acting more out of necessity than desire, he firmly took Lilliana's hand-not as a gesture of affection but as a display of control.

Losing the Green family's support was not an option he could afford.

“I'll handle it immediately," he said, his voice rough with exhaustion.

Lilliana's anger cooled considerably, despite knowing Joshua felt compelled to comply.