Chapter 15:

? ? ? ? ?

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, yes,

something else. “Guess what? Yesterday, Gerry Hopkins announced his new movie, and Lilliana is

were shining with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Well, considering how famous she

scoffed. “I mean, how dare she? She's way over her head.

a hint of mischief on her face. “That's

reassuring smile. “I have to go. Try not to miss

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

phone to ring and Gerry's

and amused. “Are you really trying to challenge Lilliana about the music?

curling into a smile. “There's still a long way to go until the release date. By then, you'll have to choose between the two of us. Treat it

changed, Alice: you're still

lightly. “I’m just here to

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

exhaled softly, lowering her voice as she said something

a moment of silence, he spoke again, this time a little more seriously. “Okay, I’ll

a slight smile at the corner of

Caden, the playful glint in his eyes evident in his tone. “Guess what? “He’s

in disbelief. “Has she gone completely

then his tone changed, surprising

of

rolling his eyes as he leaned back in his chair.

"I have my reasons."

glint in his eyes as he continued, “You'll never guess

point, Caden's patience had run out. Not wanting to waste time with Gerry's trivial games, I abruptly hung

flashed on his

Gerry's voice was full of defiance, of daring. “How about this, Caden? Let's make a bet.

oozed through the

agreeing. “Fine,” he said, his tone firm. “Your turn. Have you told him

I was just

“Don't bother.

their contract a few days ago. But now, with Alicia entering

these things worked, so without hesitation, Alice headed there as soon as she was

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

miss, do you

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