Chapter 21

Adrian’s POV

“Where do you think you are going?” I picked up my pace and stood in Briar’s way.

She looked taken aback. My first thought was to let things slide and stick to my plan, but it seems she is playing with me and I cannot let that slide. Briar needs to understand I am not a fool. My silence doesn’t mean she is winning.

Her eyes thinned angrily at me. “I need you to get out of my way, sir. You must really have a knack for harassment.” Briar fumed.

I scoffed, taking a closer step towards her. She staggered to the back a little before maintaining her stance and staring me in the face, unflinching. She is bold.

“Listen carefully to me, Miss Smith. I have looked you up and I know how shady you are.” No reaction, so I continued. “If you think you can come in here and make a mess of everything I have worked for just to prove a point, then you have got something else coming. Since you have chosen to remain here despite everything, I will make you leave without a penny to your name. This dumb act of yours, I will tear it down.”

To my astonishment, Briar laughed coldly. Her eyes are not leaving mine. There is something defiant about the gaze, it lacked fear and seemed challenging.

“You do talk a lot for someone who only plays petty. If I am truly shady as you say, you can send me right out of your business this minute, instead of playing this childish game. I am not just good, but amazing at what I do sir. Leaving here won’t stop me from reaching the top. And if you try anything funny, remember we are in the media age. I won’t stop at any length to destroy you. If you truly have something against me, say it! Stop cowering away behind your position. It’s getting boring.” She kissed her teeth and pushed past me.

I blinked in shock before laughing to myself like a maniac. Did Briar just talk back at me without hesitating? What did they do to her? It took me a brief moment to get myself together. When I looked around, she wasn’t anywhere close. That is bold of her to talk so blankly when she is the one who has committed a fraud. Talking to me like I am some idiot makes me enraged. What the hell is she playing at?

I cursed out repeatedly, almost kicking the air. But my eyes caught sight of the CCTV and changed my mind. She will regret this, I will make sure of it. I will not be made a fool of. I had been thinking about taking it easy on her. But seeing how unperturbed she is. I will turn the heat so high that she won’t think twice before coming clean. With that decided, I stomped towards the exit, driving down to my mum’s for dinner.

“Do you not like the food? You have barely touched your plate.” Mum questioned.

I heard her but my brain is too preoccupied to provide a response. Briar! Her name keeps repeating in my head. She is really different now. No longer cautious nor meek. I could sense her irritation towards me. She wasn’t putting up a front. Her feeling is exactly how she chose to act. Boasting in front of me after fooling not just me but hundreds of others is quite shocking. I never thought she would become this sort of person. I guess there is a lot that can change in five years.

“Adrian!” Mum called out loudly, jolting me out of my thoughts.

I huffed. “I am eating, mum.”

She glared, her eyes judging me. “What is going on with you? You have been acting really strange lately. Isadora also mentioned that you haven’t been taking her calls. She is miles away from home because of you.”

“She is away because of her job. Something she will get paid for. Why is she reporting me to you?”

“We were just talking, Adrian. I complained to her and she had to say something. What is going on, Adrian? Why are you always cranky when Isadora’s name is mentioned? She is the closest person to you aside from Eric.”

“Maybe if you quit trying so hard to matchmake me with her, I might act cool.”

Mum rolled her eyes, stabbing at her food. “Maybe if you also think about your future, I wouldn’t have to keep meddling. You think I enjoy doing this?”

“One hundred percent, mum. I am very sure you enjoy it.” I sucked my teeth, dropped the cutlery, and rubbed my forehead slowly. “Mum, can we just go back to having dinner and hanging out without you hassling me for marriage or a relationship?”

“Except you give me a grandchild. I might pedal slowly.”

I laughed softly. “You are impossible, mum. Can you just let me be?”

She sighed, reaching for my hand. “I know you can’t love another woman like you loved Briar. But….”

I snatched my hand from her grip. “What are you talking about now? What love?”

Mum blinked, her face a mask of confusion. “Am I wrong? Didn't you love Briar? Isn't that why you have refused to let go of her memory and move on to another person? Moreover, there is no need to act all defensive in front of me. I am your mother.” She snickered.

“I don’t know what you are talking about, mum. That's just plain nonsense.” I sniffed, pushing my plate forward.

She laughed, shaking her head. “Will it kill you to admit to your truth? Is this what you did when she was alive? Acting indifferent?”

As if Briar is dead. I wonder what Mum will feel when she finds out the person we mourned is actually hale and hearty.

“Am I supposed to lie about something that isn’t true?”

“You are so much like your father. Cruel for nothing. Anyway, Isadora will be back this weekend. You should try to spend quality time with her. She really likes you, Adrian. And I think you two know each other well enough to make things work.”

“I guess that is my cue to head home,” I said standing up.

“Adrian!” Mum hollered.

I walked towards her and kissed her forehead. “I love you, mum. Goodnight. Thanks for dinner.”

“You barely ate a thing!” She called after me.

I didn’t respond and just headed to my car, dialing Eric on my phone. He answered on the third ring just when I thought he wasn’t available.

“What took you so long to get the phone?” I questioned.

“Aww, did you miss me?” Eric mocked.

“Just shut the hell up. I am heading to our regular spot. Want to grab a drink?”

“Will be right with you.” He replied.

“Cool.” I sniffed. Hung up and drove the car out into the street.