Chapter: 278

Though he never showed much interest in her during their two years of marriage, Joshua had never let her endure this level of mistreatment.

“The Gray family really went too far this time."

Alicia lowered her eyelids, looking tired. "Just let it go. You already have enough on your plate."

"This is different." Joshua genuinely believed she was in pain and was showing her kindness. “Have some of the soup. Do you want me to feed you?"

"I don't have an appetite," Alicia muttered, closing her eyes.

At that moment, footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Alicia instantly recognized them as Caden's and let out a forced cough.

She hoped that he would get the signal not to come inside.

Joshua patted her back. “Why are you coughing? Are you alright?"

"You hear him, right, Caden? Don't come in. Don't come in!" she thought desperately.

However, it seemed like Caden didn't care.

As soon as he realized Joshua was in the room, not only did he refuse to avoid the situation, but he quickened his pace and walked straight in.

They quickly found themselves face to face.

Alicia's heart sank, feeling the tension in the room spike instantly.

Joshua stood up. "Caden?"

Caden calmly set down the shopping bag he was carrying. "It seems like word gets out fast. You made it here in no time."

Joshua shifted uncomfortably, sensing something off.

For some reason, the atmosphere made it feel as though Caden and Alicia were the couple, and he was the outsider.

“Seems like we're both quick," Joshua said, glancing at the bag.

"Since when did you and Alicia get so close?"

Alicia didn't want Caden to say anything that might escalate the situation, so she quickly spoke up. "He was at the Gray family's place when I got hurt. He brought me to the hospital afterward."

Caden shot her a cold glance, making it clear he wasn't interested in playing along.

Joshua maintained his polite demeanor. "Is that so? Thanks for that, Caden."

Alicia spoke up quickly, trying to send Caden away. “Mr. Ward, if you have other things to take care of, you can go ahead. Thanks for today."

Before Caden could reply, Joshua interjected, "What's the rush? We rarely get a chance to catch up."

He pulled a chair over to Caden and smiled. "Caden, why don't you sit?"

However, it seemed Caden had no interest in playing along.

"We don't have to. I'm too busy for that," he replied.

Joshua moved to the bedside and took Alicia's hand. "I wanted to ask you about her condition. Is she seriously injured?"

Caden's eyes lingered on their joined hands.