The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 99:

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Joshua's secretary was shaking with anxiety.

She longed to escape but felt paralyzed.

Observing Lilliana's domineering behavior, Joshua's displeasure increased and he ordered his secretary, "Go away now!"

The secretary rushed out immediately.

Lilliana, frustrated, snapped at Joshua, “What are you saying? Am I not allowed to direct your secretary?” Her voice rose sharply, echoing with anger, and her expression contorted with frustration.

Joshua silently closed the office door.

He faced Lilliana calmly and firmly, containing his irritation. “Do you realize that the entire office is under surveillance? If your outbreak today is filmed, what will you do? Are you not interested in going out into the public eye again?”

Lilliana sneered disdainfully. “If I decide to return to the limelight, I need only speak to my father. I am not intimidated by any of these minor players. Is your concern for me genuine, or are you trying to divert attention from some misconduct on your part?”

Under Lilliana's piercing, accusatory gaze, Joshua clenched his fists in frustration. “What are you implying?”

“What am I implying?” Lilliana replied as she stood up and closed the distance between them, her eyes narrowed. “If I hadn't visited today, I wouldn't have noticed how many attractive women work here. It must be quite a daily pleasure, surrounded by so much beauty, right?”

Joshua's expression soured. “Their employment here is not my decision. Why take out your frustrations on them?”

“I just can't stand it. What does it matter? It's just a few employees. Find others to hire. And look at you – so gloomy. You’re really angry with me, aren’t you?” Lilliana challenged.

Joshua closed his eyes, choosing to remain silent.

Lilliana, finding no evidence of infidelity but speaking harshly, insisted: "Joshua, I don't want any women in your office, including your secretary. Do you understand?"

Completely exasperated, Joshua replied, “She has been with the company for years, performing her duties excellently. We have an agreement that she cannot be fired without just cause. Have you thought about the repercussions if I fire her just because you demand it?”

Lilliana's voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, happy with your performance? “How exactly?”

Joshua's expression darkened even further. “She's married, Lilliana!”

“When you were involved with me, weren't you married to Alicia?” Lilliana snapped. Her voice hardened as she continued, “You were unfaithful to me. It’s not unthinkable that you would do it again.”

Joshua looked at her with eyes filled with jealousy and anger, realizing that the tender understanding they once shared had vanished… perhaps it had never existed.

Before Joshua could respond, Lilliana escalated the situation. “Joshua, either you fire all the employees today or our commitment is off. “It’s up to you.”

This ultimatum visibly affected him.

Fear gripped Joshua, mixed with a deep sense of regret.

Acting more out of necessity than desire, he took Lilliana's hand firmly, not as a gesture of affection, but as a show of control.

Losing the support of the Green family was not an option he could afford.

"I'll take care of it immediately," he said, his voice rough with exhaustion.

Lilliana's anger cooled considerably, despite knowing that Joshua felt compelled to obey.

However, that pleased her.

“I'm aware that you're still upset about our last disagreement. It was my fault,” Joshua admitted, surprising himself with his own words. “Firing them is a drastic measure. I will instruct the PR team to frame it as a measure to ensure your comfort during pregnancy. I will take full responsibility. It will not reflect badly on you.”

Hearing that, Lilliana's attitude softened.

She leaned towards him, seeking reassurance. “Tell me honestly, did you cheat or not?”

Joshua replied firmly, “No.”

“Swear it,” Lilliana demanded.

"I swear. If I'm unfaithful, I'll have a terrible ending," Joshua declared, feeling a tightness in his chest.

He remembered the day he married Alice, how grateful he had been for her support. Standing at the marriage registry counter, he had made a grave promise. “If I ever mistreat you, may it come to a terrible end.” At that moment, Alice had blushed and quickly covered her mouth, reprimanding him for such dark words.

She had smiled warmly. “Joshua, I will always trust you.”

But now, Lilliana's reaction was entirely different. Instead of silencing him, she added coldly, "I have sacrificed a lot for you. If you betray me, I will make sure my father makes you pay for it."

Joshua didn't believe much in karma, but he couldn't help a growing feeling of unease.

The tension was momentarily dissipated when Lilliana, no longer angry, leaned in to kiss him.

Joshua had not felt inclined to kiss her for days, disgusted by the situation. However, he hid his disgust well, feigning charm to win her over without any real affection.

Just as the moment was escalating, Lilliana's assistant burst in, exclaiming, "Mr. Yates!"

Witnessing the intimate moment, the assistant's face flushed red in embarrassment, and she quickly apologized, turning around. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry.”

Lilliana released Joshua, visibly upset.

"Haven't you learned to knock?"

As she released him, her gaze shifted accusingly to her assistant. “You said his name so lovingly. What is it you want?”

His assistant, crying slightly, turned round and replied: "I was looking for you everywhere and came to ask Mr. Yates if he had seen you."

Suspicion rising, Lilliana cast a wary glance at Joshua, her confidence evidently shaken.

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