Chapter 15:

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The next morning, Lilliana saw Alicia's message, and fury boiled inside her. She stormed into the room, her voice sharp and cutting as she confronted Joshua.

“Explain yourself. What did you want me to ‘think carefully’ about?” His words dripped with accusation. “What kind of shady business have you gotten yourself into this time?”

Joshua, who had spent the entire night preparing his excuse, remained calmly calm. He knew she would attack him like this.

"She's impulsive, you know. After what happened, I was worried she might cause a scandal on the Internet, so I paid her to keep quiet."

Lilliana’s eyes narrowed, skepticism etched on her face. “And why didn't you think to talk to me about this first?”

Joshua used his usual charm, pulling her close, wrapping his arms around her like a comforting blanket.

“Don't make a big deal out of it, my love. If I was interested in her, do you think I would have gone to all this trouble?” His voice was soft, almost pleading, as he gave her a tender kiss on her lips.

His explanation seemed reasonable, and despite her doubts, Lilliana was inclined to believe him.

Little by little, the tension in her shoulders dissipated and she let herself be carried away by the warmth of his embrace.

“It's okay,” she whispered after a moment, resting her head on her chest. “But don't contact her again.”

“Of course.” Joshua, sensing victory, reassured her with a quick nod. “Besides, I paid Caden a fortune to keep him out of our way. “This is all… for us.” His words worked like a charm.

Pouting like a spoiled child, Lilliana snuggled into him and murmured, “It's okay, I forgive you.”

But in her mind, Alice was far from forgiven. She would give that bitch a piece of her mind in due time.

Those two slaps, satisfying as they were, had nearly given Lilliana a concussion.

Alicia knew Lilliana wouldn't let it go, and to avoid dragging Monica into the inevitable storm, she quietly rented a new apartment. As she packed her bags, Monica hovered nearby, looking worried.

“Are you sure you have enough money?” Monica asked, looking at Alicia with concern.

He knew full well that Alice had left her marriage with nothing, so he pulled out his phone and started typing. “Here, let me transfer you some money.”

Alicia quickly squeezed Monica's hand, stopping her. “I’m fine,” she assured her friend with a soft smile. “Remember, I did some side hustle work before all this.”

with sudden recollection. "Oh,

she remembered something else. “Guess what? Yesterday, Gerry Hopkins

were shining with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Well, considering how famous she is, it’s no wonder she works

dare she? She's way over her

raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief on

Monica's hand and offered her a reassuring smile. “I have to go. Try not to miss

into her new apartment, Alicia quickly sent her polished resume to

for her phone to ring and Gerry's

“Are you really trying to challenge Lilliana about the music? Did you lose

release date. By then, you'll have to choose between the two of us. Treat it

haven't changed, Alice: you're still competing with everyone, just like in the old

shrugged lightly. “I’m just here to make money,

“But I don't have enough time to indulge in your little games. What’s a

her voice as she said

this time a little more

with a

Gerry called was Caden, the playful glint in his eyes evident in his tone. “Guess what? “He’s going to

“Has

his

of

his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. “You've got to be kidding me. Have you lost

"I have my reasons."

about to burst out laughing, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he continued, “You'll

this point, Caden's patience had run out. Not wanting to

Gerry's number flashed

was full of defiance, of daring. “How about this, Caden? Let's make a bet. I'll bet on Alicia, you'll

practically oozed through the phone, making

“Fine,” he said, his tone firm. “Your

yet. I was just

“Don't bother.

a few days ago. But now, with Alicia entering the mix, Caden's approval was

so without hesitation, Alice headed there as

building. Thinking it would be a quick visit, she headed for the elevators, intending to go straight to see Caden. However, the receptionist on the first floor stopped her on

me, miss, do you

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