Chapter: 433

“Mistress? Who said anything about a mistress?" Monica said loudly.

"No one called Lilliana a mistress."

The expression on Lilliana's friend's face shifted awkwardly. "I was trying to say..."

“Right, right. Isn't it true that Joshua was unfaithful during his marriage and got Lilliana pregnant before he ended his first marriage? It's common knowledge. Let's not harp on it."

Lilliana's friend was left without words and quickly turned to Lilliana.

"Lilliana, I didn't mean it like that"

The onlookers nearby began to whisper more intently.

Lilliana's expression grew stormy, and she shot her friend a fierce look before leaving.

Monica stood with her hands on her hips. "Thinking she can be so superior while she's the one causing trouble? That's just ridiculous."

Alicia soothed Monica with a gentle pat on the back.

"Relax. There's no need to be so upset."

After calming Monica, Alicia's thoughts returned to Caden.

How long would he take to start confronting Joshua?

In the meeting room, Joshua was deep in negotiations with Mr. Wade.

The deal was set to be finalized today, and once the contract was signed, the money would be transferred.

“Let's wrap this up quickly," Joshua urged concisely. "You understand my situation."

Mr. Wade remained composed. "Mr. Yates, I regret to inform you that I cannot transfer the funds."

Joshua's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He was now struggling to control his anger. "I've handed over the painting, and now you're refusing to pay?"

Mr. Wade detailed the issue. “Just today, the police contacted me. They've raised concerns about the ownership of the painting you sold. Apparently, it's not registered under your name."

Joshua's gaze grew intense. “How could it not be mine if it was in my possession?"

"The police investigated and determined that the painting is actually owned by your ex-wife, Alicia."

"It was indeed hers, but it was included in our joint property. She didn't take anything when she left."

"Then why did she report it?" Mr. Wade asked. "She alleges she owned the painting before your marriage, and it's entirely unrelated to you."

Mr. Wade confronted him. "Mr. Yates, this wasn't right. This amounts to theft. I was going to pay 20@ million dollars, and now I'm at risk of being sued. What have I ever done to deserve this from you?"

Joshua struggled for breath.

He had suspected Alicia might eventually discover the sale.

However, he hadn't anticipated her finding out so quickly.

And with both Mr. Wade and the police taking her side so swiftly, it must have been Caden's doing.

With his finances already tight, this latest problem stretched him to his breaking point.