Chapter: 240

Alicia was becoming a real threat.

However, the more dangerous the situation was, the more he wanted her; the challenge only stoked the fire in him.

“Alright then," he said with an unsettling calm. “Do what you want. I have work to do."

As he walked away, Lilliana's eyes followed him, her suspicion simmering beneath the surface. She snapped her fingers, summoning her assistant.

“How many times have you been here?" Lilliana's tone was sharp, laced with accusation.

The assistant froze under her gaze, her voice trembling. “Miss Green, I swear, this is the first time I've ever been here. I lost sight of you earlier and panicked-so I went to Mr. Yates's office."

Lilliana's eyes narrowed, amusement flickering as she watched the assistant squirm anxiously. “Do you really expect anyone to believe that pathetic lie?"

"Miss Green, I'm not—"

A sharp crack cut through the air.

Lilliana's hand lashed out, leaving the assistant reeling from the sting.

Her cheek burned as tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her face despite her best efforts to hold them back.

Though she had long grown used to Lilliana's outbursts, the pain and humiliation stung, and she couldn't help but tremble like a frightened child.

Lilliana, unbothered by the aftermath, casually shook her hand as if brushing off dust, her chin lifted in defiant arrogance. “Wipe that pathetic expression off your face," she sneered. “I'm pregnant now, and I won't tolerate any sly Little temptresses lurking around, hoping for an opportunity-especially not the ones hovering close to me!"

The assistant, her voice trembling with frustration, pleaded softly, "Miss Green, I didn't-"

"Too bad you caught me in a bad mood today," Lilliana cut her off, her tone icy and dismissive.

With a flick of her wrist, she pulled a wad of cash from her purse, tossing it carelessly at the assistant's feet. “Take this-and keep your mouth shut."

The assistant stood frozen, biting her lip to stifle her humiliation as the money fluttered to the floor, her pride bruised as deeply as her cheek.

She didn't want to pick up the money; the mere thought made her stomach churn. How degrading!

Lilliana's lips curled into a sneer. "What's the matter? Suddenly found a sliver of courage, have we?" Her eyes glinted with mockery.

"Or have you conveniently forgotten about your sister clinging to life in that hospital bed?"

Her assistant's face drained of color, each word tightening the noose of shame and fear around her.

Lilliana, growing more smug, continued, “If it weren't for the generous paycheck I provide, how exactly would you cover those medical bills? Let's face it. if you can't handle this, then quit. Do you think anyone else would dare hire you after you walk away from me?"

Her assistant's eyes glistened with unshed tears, a storm of hatred and helplessness swirling beneath the surface, but she dared not let it show.

Swallowing the bitter taste in her mouth, she whispered, “I'm sorry, Miss Green. It was my mistake."

Lilliana waved a dismissive hand. “Now, get out of my sight."

"If you don't need me anymore, I'll head back to the office," the assistant said in a small voice.

After a brief pause to collect herself, she hurried away, stopping only to splash cold water on her face.

Meanwhile, Shelia had just reached the company entrance, balancing a thermos in one hand, phone in the other.

Engrossed in her phone conversation, she didn't notice the assistant walking out.

The inevitable collision happened in a flash; the thermos hit the ground with a clatter, spilling soup everywhere.