Chapter: 438

Caden had orchestrated the bank to impose strict controls on Joshua's accounts, permitting only withdrawals.

That fifty million dollars was already long gone.

Joshua's expression hardened. “I'll transfer the funds back to the original account by the end of today," he declared.

Alicia pressed her lips together tightly.

Without missing a beat, Caden interjected coldly, “That's too long. You have ten minutes."

Joshua noticed the hesitation flickering across Alicia's face.

He stated, "Let's get one thing straight, Caden. The painting belongs to Alicia. What authority do you have here?"

Caden's Lips curled into a subtle smile.

His eyes, however, stayed cold, with a hint of danger lurking within them.

Knowing that Caden was growing impatient, Alicia glanced at him and said, "Caden is handling the painting now. He makes all the decisions."

Upon hearing that, Caden eased up.

Alicia clasped Caden's wrist firmly and glanced at his watch. "Your ten minutes begin now," she announced.

Joshua stood there, momentarily at a loss for words.

He knew full well he couldn't produce the money in such a short amount of time.

Driven by pride, he felt compelled to attempt repayment within the allotted time, despite his empty pockets.

He retrieved his phone and began making urgent calls.

As each minute passed, a scowl appeared on Joshua's face.

Caden tapped his fingers calmly on the table, seemingly unbothered.

"If it's too much pressure, don't strain yourself. Just say the word, and I'll lend you whatever amount you need," he said with a grin.

Joshua gnashed his teeth.

"You bribed Randolph and schemed with Mr. Wade to trap me, all because you wanted to see me humiliated, isn't that so?" he retorted sharply. "I'll return the deposit, Caden. Even if it doesn't reach your account in ten minutes, there's nothing you can do about it. Resorting to such petty tactics to make me bow down? You underestimate me!"

Caden's smile broadened, though his eyes remained cold. "Oh? And what methods would you deem sophisticated?"

He continued in a measured tone, "Perhaps you're referring to the funds Alicia poured into your startup, or maybe those illicit deals you've been orchestrating behind the scenes?"

Joshua frowned.

“What are you insinuating?" he asked.

Caden met his gaze steadily. “I'm referring to the actions you've taken," he replied.

A tense expression crossed Joshua's face. “You're claiming that Alicia invested money in me. Do you have any evidence to support that?"

"Randolph is essentially under my control now," Caden said with a confident smile. "Where do you think the proof resides? Of course, that alone isn't enough to bring down someone like you. But don't worry, I have plenty more up my sleeve. Shall I list the taxes you evaded during your startup years, the funds you embezzled, and the officials you bribed?"

With every word Caden spoke, Joshua's face grew increasingly grim.

He never realized that Caden delved so deeply into his affairs, uncovering secrets he thought were well-hidden.