Joshua chuckled lightly. “We were married for years. Bonds like that don’t just disappear.”

Jerald, ever in tune with his son, understood without needing words. He waved a hand dismissively, recalling his own past. “It’s just women. Have your fun if you want. I won’t get involved.”

Joshua turned serious. “As for the Green family, I’ve got it under control. There won’t be any issues.”

Jerald nodded. “As long as you’re sure.”

His thoughts then drifted to Caden, a frown forming. “Caden holds grudges. I lost my temper today, and I’m not sure what he might do next.” The way Caden had looked at him earlier reminded Jerald too much of Caden’s grandfather—intense, cold, and unsettling. At just twenty-five, Caden seemed ready to take on the world.

Joshua, sensing Jerald’s worry, reassured him, “He’s your son. What can he really do? If he had real power, he wouldn’t have walked out without a fight.”

Jerald closed his eyes briefly, considering his son’s words. Joshua handed him a glass of water and continued, “I’ve been digging into Caden’s overseas assets since he came back. He’s hidden things well. I suspect he’s keeping some secrets.”

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Jerald’s brow furrowed. “What kind of secrets?”

“Something big. Financial issues or something worse. His pride wouldn’t let him come back just to compete for an inheritance unless there’s more to it.”

Jerald’s expression softened as the idea sank in. It made sense. Besides, given the scope of the Yates empire, why would Caden willingly give up the inheritance?

Still, as long as Jerald remained in control, Caden could do nothing.

“We have his mother to thank for that,” Jerald muttered, “giving me everything she had.” He looked over at Joshua, offering a rare bit of praise. “Alicia reminds me of her.”

Joshua smiled. “Thanks to your guidance, Dad.”

Jerald took a sip of water, reflecting for a moment. He knew Joshua had a knack for pleasing people, but he also knew deep down that Joshua wasn’t quite on Caden’s level.

With a dismissive wave, Jerald said, “Go down and eat. I’m feeling better. You don’t need to push yourself so hard at the company anymore. I can handle things.”

Joshua’s eyes darkened briefly, but he concealed any emotion.

“Alright, Dad,” Joshua replied calmly, masking his thoughts. As he exited the study, he spotted Alicia leaning against a hallway pillar, clearly lost in thought.

“Alicia? What are you doing here?” he asked, walking toward her. Noticing something was off, he added, “Were you scared?”

Alicia wasn’t pretending; she was genuinely shaken. “You were talking in there, but why did Jerald get so angry all of a sudden?”

Joshua shrugged, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “Caden has a bad temper, and he always manages to irritate Dad. It’s nothing new.”

“I see,” Alicia murmured.

Outside, the rain pounded against the windows, the sound deafening. The thunder rumbled loudly, making Alicia’s face grow even paler.

Joshua noticed her reaction and found himself amused. “It’s just thunder,” he said with a chuckle. “Come on, let’s go eat.”

Alicia, seeing how unaffected he was, asked casually, “Do you like this kind of weather?”

“Yes,” Joshua replied, his smile widening. “I like anything that Caden fears.”

Alicia’s heart sank at his words.

She pressed, “How could someone like Caden be afraid of thunder?”

Joshua, in a chipper mood, replied, “Do you know how his mother died?”

Alicia clenched her fingers together. “No,” she muttered quietly.

Joshua nearly laughed, clearly entertained by his own story. “Over a decade ago, his mother died giving birth in the hospital. It was raining like this, and Caden stood at the hospital entrance, drenched and nearly struck by lightning.”

Alicia froze, a chill running down her spine.

Images of a similar scene flashed through her mind.

She felt an unexpected wave of sympathy for Caden. To witness the sudden death of someone close was a pain that could never be forgotten, yet Joshua seemed to find amusement in it.

In that moment, Alicia realized she no longer recognized Joshua. His coldness made him almost repulsive.

Joshua noticed she had stopped walking. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling alright?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Alicia’s grip tightened, her fingers turning pale. “I’ve caught a cold, and my stomach isn’t feeling great. You go ahead and eat. I’ll rest for a bit,” she whispered.

Joshua’s gaze softened as he asked, “Is a little cold really that troublesome?”

Alicia hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

Joshua gave her a knowing look. “How about a little surprise tonight?” he suggested, his tone laced with insinuation.

Alicia felt a surge of anger rise within her, but before she could react, his phone buzzed.

Seeing Lilliana’s name flash on the screen, Joshua gestured for Alicia to stay quiet.

Alicia lowered her head, biting her tongue, and walked downstairs.

Joshua seemed pleased by her silence but, to be cautious, retreated to the bedroom to take the call.

Alicia wandered into the living room, a knot of unease tightening in her chest.

The house was alive with activity.

Everyone was preoccupied with dinner preparations.

No one noticed her.

Silently, Alicia grabbed a black umbrella and slipped out the door.

She hailed a cab and instructed the driver to follow a familiar route.

Halfway through the ride, her eyes caught sight of Caden’s Maybach, parked haphazardly on the street.

She had the cab stop near a pharmacy and quickly ran inside to buy something.

When she returned, the Maybach hadn’t moved. She paused for a moment, deliberating, before finally approaching the car. She knocked gently on the window. It took a few moments, but eventually, the window rolled down halfway.

Caden’s expression was blank as he looked at her. “What’s up?” he asked flatly.