Chapter 6: The Secret Behind the Wheelchair

The gala was over, but Sarah could still feel the excitement from the night.

By the time the Rolls-Royce entered the underground garage of Adrian’s private home, she was exhausted. She now had the exclusive contract for Starlight Brocade, and that was a huge victory for her fashion business.

Sarah quietly followed Adrian into the private elevator.

When they reached the penthouse, the place was dark except for the city lights shining through the huge glass windows.

“You handled Elena very well tonight,” Adrian said.

As the elevator doors opened, he loosened his silk bow tie with one hand.

“Victoria is probably very angry right now. But when people like her lose one battle, they usually plan something bigger for the next one.”

“I’m ready for them,” Sarah replied.

Then she gave a small yawn.

“But right now, I just want a glass of water.”

Adrian moved his wheelchair closer to the kitchen counter and picked up a glass bottle.

He poured some water and handed the glass to her.

Their fingers touched.

It was only for a moment, but Sarah suddenly felt a strange feeling in her chest.

She looked into Adrian’s dark eyes.

His eyes were focused on her lips.

Sarah’s heart jumped.

They were supposed to be business partners. Their marriage was supposed to be fake.

But whenever Adrian looked at her like that, it became harder to remember that their marriage was only a contract.

“You should get some rest, Sarah,” Adrian said quietly.

His voice was softer than before.

“The board meeting is tomorrow morning. Victoria will probably use your family’s bankruptcy against you. She may try to convince the board that you are a financial problem for the main branch.”

“I’ll be ready,” Sarah promised.

She drank some water and placed the glass down.

“Goodnight, Adrian.”

“Goodnight, my clever wife.”

A small smile appeared on his handsome face.

Sarah turned away, trying to ignore the strange feeling in her heart.

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Hours later, the penthouse was completely silent.

It was three in the morning when Sarah woke up with a dry throat.

She put on a soft silk robe over her nightgown and quietly walked toward the kitchen.

But as she reached the living room, she suddenly stopped.

The large curtains were open.

Moonlight filled the room.

Someone was standing in front of the glass window.

Sarah stared at the tall figure.

Her eyes widened.

The man was standing.

On his own two feet.

His shoulders were broad, and his back was straight. He looked strong and powerful.

He did not look like a man who could not walk.

He looked like a powerful king standing above his kingdom.

Sarah's breath caught.

It was Adrian.

A small gasp escaped her lips.

The sound broke the silence.

The man froze.

Then he slowly turned around.

Moonlight fell across Adrian's face.

His dark eyes looked completely different.

There was no fear in them.

There was no surprise.

He looked calm.

Dangerously calm.

And there was no wheelchair beneath him.

Adrian was standing.

Sarah stared at him in shock.

The man everyone believed was a crippled heir could walk.

He had been hiding it.

“Sarah,” Adrian said quietly.

He sounded completely calm.

“You're awake.”

Sarah slowly moved backward until her back touched the wall.

Her heart was beating hard.

“Your legs…” she whispered. “You can walk.”

Adrian took another step toward her.

“You've been lying to everyone.”

He kept walking until he stood directly in front of her.

Sarah felt trapped between him and the wall.

He gently lifted one hand and touched her jaw.

She looked up at him.

“I told you on our first night, Sarah,” Adrian whispered. “I know everything that happens under my roof.”

He leaned closer.

“A man in a wheelchair makes his enemies feel safe. They talk freely when they think the tiger cannot fight back.”

Sarah's eyes widened.

Adrian gently lifted her chin.

“Now you know my biggest secret, my dear wife.”

His eyes stayed on hers.

“The question is… can I trust you to keep it?”

Sarah swallowed.

Her body was trembling from shock.

This was not the Adrian she knew.

The weak man everyone thought he was did not exist.

This was the real Adrian Vance.

Strong.

Dangerous.

Powerful.

And completely in control.

“We signed a contract, Adrian,” Sarah said.

Her voice was quiet but firm.

“I don't break my word.”

Adrian's eyes became darker.

A small smile appeared on his face.

“Good.”

He moved his hand away from her face.

“Because if you betray me, Sarah, I won't only destroy your enemies.”

He looked directly into her eyes.

“I will destroy you too.”

Sarah stood frozen.

Adrian turned and walked back into the darkness of the penthouse.

Sarah remained against the wall, staring after him.

Her mind was racing.

The man she thought was disabled could walk.

The man she thought she understood had been hiding a huge secret.

And now she was the only person outside his family who knew the truth.

Their contract marriage had suddenly become much more dangerous.

And Sarah had no idea what Adrian Vance would do next.