The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback
Chapter 9

Chapter 9:

Hank's sudden voice caused a jolt in Alicia, making her withdraw her hands as if she had seen a ghost. But Caden, who just moments ago was in agonizing pain, wasn't going to let it get away that easily. His hand shot out, holding her as he barked at the door: Let him in.

All the color drained from Alicia's face.

Caden, you're crazy, she hissed, panic in her. the voice.

The two were in a mess with their clothes messed up. If Joshua walked in now and saw them like this, he would never agree to the divorce!

Caden, still in pain, kept his face cold and unyielding.

Now you're afraid You weren't so timid when you tried to break me the cock before.

Alicia looked at him in disbelief, her rebellion rising to the surface.

You were the one who got me into this mess in the first place!

< p>Before Couldn't say anything else, the door opened and Hank's footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Without thinking, Alicia turned to flee, but Caden's strong arm wrapped around her waist, immobilizing her. between him and the desk.

Desperate, Alicia attacked. He grabbed Caden's hand and sank his teeth hard into it.

It wasn't a playful bite, it was a ferocious bite. Caden's brows furrowed in pain as his grip involuntarily loosened.

The footsteps grew closer, each one eroding Alicia's composure. With no other option, he pushed Caden away and knelt, scurrying under the desk.

As soon as Joshua entered, he found a disheveled Caden slumped in his chair, his hair disheveled and an unreadable expression clouding his features.

Being a man, Joshua didn't take long to put things back together.

Caden, I'm sorry; I've arrived at a bad time

Under the desk, Alicia curled up into a ball, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She could practically feel Caden's gaze burning in its hiding place, half expecting him to expose her at any second.

A dense, tense silence hung in the air for a few moments.

Then Caden slowly leaned back, his chair creaking under the movement, and grabbed a tissue to press against the bleeding bite mark on his hand.

His voice, like ice, pierced the room. silence.

Of course. A minute earlier and you would have witnessed something much more… interesting.

Joshua laughed. I thought you didn't get involved with women.

That depends on the woman, Caden replied, his voice cold, almost lazy.

Alicia's body stiffened, a familiar tension. climbing up his spine.

Joshua, trying to lighten the mood before talking business, forced a smile. Oh So what kind of woman could make you break your own rules

Caden let out a low, almost sinister laugh, his eyes narrowed. You really want to know

The sudden change in his tone sent a ripple of unease through the room.

Joshua's confidence wavered and his smile faltered. Who is the girl, he asked.

For a brief moment, the air between them crackled with tension.

Alicia could almost hear Joshua's mind at work, connecting the dots that pointed to she. But Caden enjoyed playing with his stepbrother.

He let the question hang in the air for a little longer before casually changing the conversation.

So, what brings you here?

Joshua swallowed, the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.

He pulled Lilliana to his side, using her presence as a shield.

I came to talk about the entertainment company that "You recently acquired it," he said, his voice a little too strained. Caden, I know you just got back, and I know you probably have an elaborate plan in motion, but Lilliana's situation… is delicate. If you're willing to back out of the deal, I'll pay you double.

Alicia's heart sank. I had not thought that Josué, as shameless as he was, would have the nerve to parade his lover in public.

Lilliana

It was the same name that Monica had mentioned… the name of the person who had bought the drug.

He struggled to catch every word, his pulse racing. Lilliana, carefully composed, began to speak in a soft, practiced tone as she explained her case.

But Caden hardly seemed to notice her words. His attention was on Joshua, a cold smile at the corner of his lips.

Double, huh A very generous offer. What exactly is your relationship with her for you to be so charitable

She's my girlfriend, Joshua responded without missing a beat.

Caden's smile deepened, his gaze dangerous. He went from Joshua in front of him to Alicia under his desk.

Your wife, huh That explains a lot. He leaned back, the sneer in his smile as sharp as a knife. But tell me, Joshua, before you make such a generous offer, you shouldn't consult with your wife.

Alicia never interferes in these matters, nor does she have the right to, Joshua said flatly.

< p>At this, Caden cast a lazy glance at Alicia, who was curled up under the desk, trying to make herself invisible.

Alicia hugged her knees to her chest, her face drained of color.

The poor thing seemed so fragile.

Caden tossed the bloodstained handkerchief aside with a casual movement, his voice icy as he addressed Joshua.

Enough. Your money means nothing to me.

Joshua expected it.

He remained calm and quickly proposed a counteroffer.

Then I'll triple it, if that's it. what you want.

A teasing smile tugged at the corner of Caden's lips.

You must really treasure your precious lover, huh.

His devilish charm and undeniable attractiveness made that even Lilliana would blush.

Joshua's expression hardened. He pulled Lilliana and his voice dropped to a dangerous tone.

If you have any problems, talk to me. Leave her out of this.

Caden's gaze didn't waver.

You're not important enough for me to bother.

A flash of frustration crossed the Joshua's face, but he knew better than to argue.

Caden had always towered over him, casting a shadow that Joshua could never escape. Pushing further would only open more opportunities for Caden to humiliate him.

Lilliana, sensing the tension, smiled softly, trying to smooth things over.

Mr. Ward, I apologize. We have gone too far. Since the deal is already done, it wouldn't be fair to ask him to step back. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will continue on our way.

It was an elegant exit, saving Joshua from further misfortune.

But as they turned to leave the office, Joshua's gaze focused on something: a familiar bag on the table. It was from Alice.

.

.

.