Chapter: 9

“Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia.

Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring.

That voice...

Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze—Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you."

Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law."

The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a slap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her.

Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable.

And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua.

Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand, as if scrubbing herself clean from his dirty touch.

“Looks Like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust.

Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this.

"It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation.

Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. “If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild."

At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes.

Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. “Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet."

Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade.

She quietly excused herself and strode off, the sensuous sway of her hips catching Caden's attention.

“How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. “Doesn't seem Like she's pregnant."

Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month."

The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement.

Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration.

Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead."

Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush."

Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves.

Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again.

"Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously.

The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring."

"Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?"

“I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients."

Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?"