Chapter: 239

Nonetheless, it pleased her.

"I'm aware you're still upset about our last disagreement. That was my fault," Joshua admitted, surprising himself with his own words.

“Firing them is a drastic step. I'll instruct the PR team to frame it as a measure to ensure your comfort during your pregnancy. I'll assume full responsibility. It won't reflect poorly on you.”

At that, Lilliana's demeanor softened.

She leaned into him, seeking reassurance, “Tell me honestly, did you cheat or not?"

Joshua responded firmly, "No."

“Swear it," Lilliana demanded.

“I swear. If I'm unfaithful, may I meet a terrible end," Joshua declared, feeling a tightness in his chest.

He remembered the day he married Alicia, how grateful he had been for her support. Standing before the counter at their marriage registration, he had made a grave promise. “If I ever mistreat you, may I meet a terrible end."

At that time, Alicia had blushed and quickly covered his mouth, chiding him for such dark words.

She had smiled warmly. "Joshua, I will always trust you."

But now, Lilliana's reaction was starkly different. Instead of silencing him, she coldly added, "I've sacrificed a lot for you. If you betray me, I'll make sure my father makes you pay."

Joshua didn't hold much stock in karma, yet he couldn't shake the growing sense of unease.

The tension momentarily lifted as Lilliana, no longer angry, leaned in to kiss him.

Joshua hadn't felt inclined to kiss her for days, repulsed by the situation, yet he masked his disgust well, feigning charm to sweep her off her feet without any real affection.

Just as the moment intensified, Lilliana's assistant burst in, exclaiming, "Mr. Yates!"

Witnessing the intimate moment, the assistant's face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly apologized, turning away. “Sorry—Sorry."

Lilliana released Joshua, visibly annoyed.

“Haven't you learned to knock?"

As she freed him, her gaze shifted accusingly to her assistant. “You called his name quite fondly. What is it that you want?"

Her assistant, shrinking slightly, responded after turning around, “I was looking for you everywhere and came to ask Mr. Yates if he had seen you-"

With suspicion rising, Lilliana shot a wary glance at Joshua, her trust evidently shaken.

"Oh, is that so?" Lilliana asked.

Joshua's voice was flat, his face a mask of indifference. "She's your assistant. What could she possibly be hiding from you?"

Lilliana's lips curled into a sharp, mocking smile. "Who knew what you'd get up to, Joshua? Allow me to give you a little advice-don't dip your pen in company ink. It's a messy business."

Joshua's patience thinned, his cold eyes narrowing.

“Fine. Since you don't trust me in the slightest, I'll stop everything. I'll stay by your side 24/7. How about that?"

Unfazed by his biting tone, Lilliana raised a brow. “If you want me to trust you, quit playing games. I know you're hiding something, and I won't stop digging until I uncover every secret you're keeping from me."

Joshua's gaze locked onto hers, tension rising between them.

He knew she had caught wind of something-rumors that might destroy everything.