Chapter: 241

Shelia's face twisted in irritation. “Damn it! I spent over six hours making that, and now it's completely ruined!"

The assistant immediately crouched down, guilt washing over her as she scrambled to clean up the mess.

On the other end of the phone, Joshua's voice came through. “What happened?"

Shelia huffed, "The soup spilled. I made it especially for you since you're not feeling well. Honestly, nothing's been going right for me lately."

Her tone sharpened, “And did you hear what I said earlier? Cut ties with Alicia already. I'm tired of seeing her around every day. I can't take it anymore!"

The assistant's breath hitched.

She recognized Shelia to be Lilliana's future mother-in-law.

And Alicia...

Wasn't she Joshua's ex-wife? Weren't they divorced?

But the assistant didn't dare linger. As Shelia hung up the phone, she murmured, "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I'll pay you back for the trouble..."

Sheila, already simmering with frustration, noticed the fresh slap mark on the timid assistant's cheek. The sight barely fazed her, and money wasn't her concern today, so she just turned around and left.

The assistant, dazed by the series of unfortunate events, stood frozen in place.

An audacious idea quietly sprouted in her mind, taking root despite her initial hesitations.

Later that evening, after the day's work was done, Alicia sank into her chair, casually scrolling through the news.

Her eyes skimmed over headlines until one caught her attention-Joshua had dismissed all the female employees from his office.

Something in her gut told her there was more to the story, so she dug deeper into related reports; it didn't take long to piece together the story.

Just then, Joshua called to warn her to steer clear of the Yates Mansion for the time being, claiming it was a “sensitive period."

Alicia could hardly contain her excitement, though she kept her tone neutral, giving only a simple, "okay" in response.

Joshua lingered on the Line.

His voice softened, carrying an unusual vulnerability, almost like he was seeking some comfort. “Alicia,” he murmured, "I'm so tired."

Alicia's lips curled into an incredulous smirk.

"Tired? Isn't this exactly what you wanted?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Silence followed. Joshua, caught off guard, was at a loss for words.

In that pause, he felt the weight of nostalgia pressing on his chest.

He longed for the days she used to greet him warmly after long, grueling day at work.

But those days were over.

When he finally spoke again, his voice was quieter, almost hesitant.

“Why aren't you saying anything?"

Alicia pressed her lips together, suppressing a laugh.

“Oh, I'm just worried," she said, feigning concern. “Wouldn't want your fiancee getting suspicious, now would we?"