Meanwhile, Ryan was in his room, lying on the bed, one knee bent and the other stretched out. He was viewing something on his phone – Adele's picture. The angry man from earlier was all smiles now, zooming in and out of her face, her curves, and letting his mind wander until his crotch bulged. “You're beautiful,” he mumbled. “Who is beautiful?” Julia asked, stepping into the room. “Are you seeing another woman? Is that why you're easily irritated these days?”Ryan lowered his phone, watched her for a while until her skin broke out in goosebumps before his gaze returned to his phone. “Stupid woman,” he said. “Ryan,” Julia breathed. “If you're going to treat me like this, then I'm going back home to my daughter.”“You're not going anywhere.”“What?” “I said,” he threw his legs off the bed, rising and striding towards her. “You're not going anywhere. Until Roman returns my shares, you're going to remain here.”“But my daughter–”“Doesn't she have a nanny? Or did you forget you have
Ryan~Well, nothing he did made her confess. He knew Julia. If she'd done anything, she wouldn't deny it. After all, it was eight years ago.Then if it wasn’t him, and it wasn’t Julia, who was it? He was certain it wasn’t Adele.Eight years ago, Adele was still very much his doll. She never went anywhere without his permission. She barely spoke to anyone. Every thought, every step, every smile, was for him. She didn’t even leave the house unless he told her to or brought her out.So no, Adele would never do something like that. She wouldn’t open her legs for another man either, not then, not ever.Unless…Like he had told himself before, unless that child was his. But the resemblance to CEO West made him doubt again.Could it be that someone planned it? Was it that person who gave them fame in exchange for Adele's child? Was Adele used as a vessel? And if so, could that person be from the West family? Did they already know Adele’s real identity – that she was a Harrington?His jaw tig
Julia~It had been two days since she came to Ryan’s hideout. Her complexion had improved; she was drinking less now, more awake than she had been in weeks. And that was because, first, she’d cleared her debt to Adele’s lawyers. Second, she and Ryan were back together. And third, he had promised to marry her, leave the country, and start afresh abroad if things got out of hand. It meant her children would finally have their father.As for Roman, she'd set him free. Julia was all smiles, humming softly as she set the table for dinner, a transparent lace robe draped over red lingerie. Her hair was gathered into a messy bun, loose strands framing her glowing face – she'd prepped herself for Ryan's return. After eating the meal, he'd eat her too. Just then, her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, her smile deepened. She answered the call, grabbing the fruit plate on the table and heading for the living room. “Ma’am, I’m calling to inform you that our application for the World Fashion Gal
Ryan~Thirty billion.She was willing to give him thirty billion. At first, it felt suspicious. Knowing the kind of person Adele had become, watching her grow sharper and wiser, seeing her dine with the likes of her mother-in-law, and even the First Lady begging for a day with her, he knew she wasn't the same Adele he used to know. She had become refined, strategic, and unpredictable. There was no way she would hand him thirty billion without a reason.If she had said she wanted to help him because she believed in him, or that his company was worth saving, or any of those obvious lies people told when pretending to care, he would have immediately known she was scheming against him. But when she hinted that she wanted him back, that she wasn’t happy in her marriage, he believed her.It made sense.He already knew she wouldn’t be happy as a West. Adele wasn’t built for that kind of world. She might have developed some courage in the last few months, but not enough to survive the icy per
Adele~ His eyes widened. “T–thirty… billion?” I shrugged lightly, pretending to think it over. “Well, you said temporary loan, right? I’m assuming you need something substantial enough to shake the board’s doubts. Or am I wrong?” He blinked rapidly, like a man trying to decide if he’d just been handed salvation or poison. “N-no, you’re right. That would be more than enough,” he said quickly, his voice trembling with hope and disbelief. “Adele, that would save everything.” “Would it?” I asked softly, still swirling the water in my glass. “Because saving everything and you are two very different things.” His smile faltered a little. “What do you mean?” I met his gaze and smiled slowly, sweetly, dangerously. “You said you wanted to rebuild, right? Then maybe it’s time you rebuilt without breaking anyone else in the process.” He frowned. “I don’t understand.” Of course he didn’t. Ryan was the kind of man who only ever understood when the blade was already halfway through. “Tell m
Ryan's jaw tightened. “He never forgave me for having an affair with Julia. He was only waiting for the right time to strike.” That's what you get for sleeping with your friend's wife. I mused. Anyway, I'd set the fire that consumed their friendship. How giddy! But the bastard forgot to add that Roman wasn't Sophia's father. But why would he, when he probably didn't realize that just like me, Roman found out too. Still, I tilted my head with soft sympathy, even lowered my lashes a little. “Oh, Ryan… that must’ve been devastating.” He sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. “You have no idea. It’s been hell. I’ve lost investors, credibility, everything. The board’s on my neck. I’m drowning, Adele. I thought—” He paused, his gaze lifting to me with that familiar mix of arrogance and helplessness. “I thought maybe you could help me. You’ve always believed in me.” Hmmm… I thought I'd die and be buried before we finally reach here. I smiled faintly, leaning back. “Help you?” He nod