Chapter 26
The following day, Caden allocated a substantial amount of money to promote Lilliana’s new song. Thanks to the prior efforts of the Green family, the news spread quickly.
Lilliana felt overwhelmed by the unexpected support and decided to buy a gift to show her appreciation.
“So, Mr. Ward, you really believe in me this time?” she said, her joy evident as she basked in the praise from her fans. “I promise I won’t disappoint you. I will definitely win.”
Caden maintained a neutral expression, continuing to review documents without offering a response.
At that moment, Hank entered with a cup of coffee. “Mr. Ward…”
Lilliana quickly took the coffee from Hank. “Let me handle it, Hank.”
Hank hesitated but eventually handed over the cup and left the room.
Let your mind wander with gⱯlnσν𝒆𝓁s﹒𝓬𝓸𝗺
Lilliana set the coffee down next to Caden and, in a sweet tone, said, “Mr. Ward, enjoy some coffee.”
Caden remained expressionless. “You may leave now.” His blunt demeanor left Lilliana briefly stunned. Knowing Caden was always serious while working, she didn’t press her luck and exited after a quick greeting.
The office fell silent for a few moments.
Caden called Hank back into the room with a stern look on his face.
“Throw that fucking cup away,” he grunted. “If a woman touches my belongings again, you’ll find yourself in the trash along with that cup.”
Realizing his mistake, Hank quickly disposed of the coffee and asked quietly, “I’ve noticed Miss Bennett has been spending more time with you. So, is your condition improving?”
Caden shot him a sharp glance.
“Are you probing into my personal life?”
Hank almost nodded but quickly shook his head when he saw the look on Caden’s face.
“It’s Mrs. Ward who keeps asking about you,” Hank said cautiously. “You know she’s getting on in years and is very concerned about your health. Since you never answer her calls, she messages me every day.”
Caden frowned.
“Keep matters regarding Alicia to yourself. Do not let my grandmother find out,” Caden ordered firmly.
Hank nodded in understanding. Due to Caden’s unusual illness, Ciara Ward, his maternal grandmother, had become overly concerned and often tried to push women toward him. If she discovered that Alicia had slept with Caden, she would stop at nothing to ensure they were tied together.
“Sir, the madame said that…” Hank began but stopped short when he noticed a mark on Caden’s face. His curiosity piqued, he asked, “Mr. Ward, what happened to your face?”
Caden maintained a neutral expression. “I was scratched by a stray cat.”
“But, sir, that doesn’t look like a scratch. It looks more like a bite mark,” Hank replied, his concern growing.
Caden’s eyes narrowed, sending a clear warning that made Hank shudder. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Hank quickly sealed his lips and left the office.
The following day, Hank reported that Joshua had doubled his investment in promoting Lilliana’s song.
Caden smirked. “Then we’ll match that amount.”
Hank immediately understood the plan and set to work. Once they doubled their investment, Joshua responded by increasing his funding again. The rivalry escalated, each striving to outdo the other.
Within hours, Lilliana’s song soared to the top of various entertainment charts, becoming a sensation overnight. Her fan base exploded, and her popularity skyrocketed. The entire internet buzzed with excitement, eagerly anticipating the release of her song.
The outcome exceeded all of Lilliana’s expectations, and she couldn’t resist boasting to Joshua for an extended period. Joshua, however, sat in his quiet office, showing little enthusiasm.
“By the way, Joshua, has Iris sent you the song yet?” Lilliana inquired. “We only have three days left to report to Gerry. Don’t screw this up.”
Joshua replied casually, “She mentioned she would deliver it to me tomorrow.”
Lilliana dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand, shifting all the responsibility onto him. “Just keep an eye on it for me.”
“Sure,” Joshua replied, growing accustomed to Lilliana’s carefree demeanor. He was no longer bothered by it.
Lilliana settled on his lap, wrapping her arms around him affectionately. “Thank you, darling. I didn’t expect you to invest so much in my song.”
In addition to the promotion, various other expenses piled up, reaching astronomical figures.
Joshua let out a soft chuckle.
He decided against revealing his secret rivalry with Caden to Lilliana. Instead, he reassured her, “What matters most is your happiness, no matter the cost.” He knew the Green family would ultimately cover the expenses.
Lilliana, still enchanted by him, radiated joy. “It’s still early in the day. Abigail just released a new line of haute couture dresses. Would you join me to pick one out, Joshua?”
Joshua readily agreed with a nod.
As they drove to the boutique, he held Lilliana close, feeling content.
Upon entering the store, something familiar caught his eye. He stopped abruptly, recognizing Alicia in the crowd.