Mag-log in"It's no trouble at all. I take care of Bianca because we're friends, not because she's your sister," Adriana said lightly, her tone distant and her expression unchanged, as though she were speaking to nothing more than an ordinary acquaintance.Nothing cut deeper than such calm, polite detachment. No anger, no accusation—even disappointment was absent.Francesco would have rather she shouted at him, even if it meant a full-blown argument. At least that would have proven she still cared.But he knew Adriana was not that kind of person.If she was truly heartbroken, she would only leave in silence."Adriana, can you peel me an apple?"Chris's voice from the screen interrupted his thoughts, warm and natural, almost intimate."Alright. Bianca, what fruit do you want?" Adriana replied.She picked up a fruit knife and lowered her head to peel an apple for Chris, treating Francesco as though he were completely invisible.Keeping distance was her way of protecting herself.Now that
Adriana looked at Bianca, who had instinctively moved to hide behind her, and gently took the girl's hand, signaling her not to be afraid."Chris, Bianca is the only one who came to Heatherton City. She'll be staying at the Stanley residence from now on," she said calmly. "You should know her situation. She's new here and needs company from someone she trusts. I can't just ignore her."Bianca's mental age was only that of a child. No one could remain indifferent to a child asking for help.Besides, it had been Bianca who had once taken her in at the Este family castle, protecting her in her own way."Come in first," Chris said after a brief pause, his expression softening as he stepped into the ward."Bianca, let's go in," Adriana said, holding her hand as she followed behind him.Bianca stayed unusually quiet, seemingly still shaken by Chris's earlier reaction.Chris glanced at her timid expression and then handed her the snacks Adriana had left in the room."Take whatever you
The plane landed in Heatherton City late at night, and a driver took them back to the Stanley residence.Richard had been traveling back and forth and was exhausted, so he went straight to his room to rest, leaving Bianca in the care of the servants.Everything had been arranged in advance, so Bianca could go straight to bed after a shower.At this hour, she would normally already be asleep. But tonight, she lay awake for a long time.She had always come to Heatherton City with Francesco before. This was the first time she had arrived alone.Along with excitement came an unfamiliar sense of nervousness and fear. She stared at the soft yellow bedside lamp, quietly crying, and secretly sent several messages on her phone.Adriana saw Bianca's messages the next morning.Bianca: [I'm at Papa Richard's house, but I'm a little scared.]Bianca: [If you see this, can you come keep me company?]Bianca: [I kind of miss Cesco. He used to always be with me.]After checking the time the me
Bianca pouted again, saying dejectedly, "But Cesco and Sophia don't seem to be going to Heatherton City. I really want them to come with me."Adriana fell silent for a moment, then curved her lips into a reassuring smile. "It's okay. You'll make more friends in Heatherton City."Bianca nodded. "Mm-hmm. And you and Oliver are there too. I haven't seen Oliver in a long time—I'll come find you guys when I get back."It was already late, and both of them were early sleepers by habit. They didn't chat for long before ending the video call and going to bed.Bianca, unable to hold onto worries for long, quickly fell asleep.Adriana closed her eyes, but her mind remained unusually clear. She was slowly coming to terms with the fact that she had completely lost Francesco—and she was certain that, soon, she would be able to fully accept it.When Bianca woke, the sky was only faintly bright. She did not linger in bed, instead urging the servants to pack her belongings.As she thought about
Francesco did not become angry. Instead, he let out a faint laugh.This version of Adriana actually reassured him. She was no longer the kind of woman who would quietly endure being bullied.He had hurt her deeply, so it was only right that she had a temper.In his view, simply blocking him and keeping her distance was far from enough.She should not have just learned martial arts like taekwondo or boxing. She should have learned how to shoot, and then found a chance to put a bullet through him.A warm drop of water hit the phone screen.Outside the window, a violent wind howled. Tree branches slammed against the glass in sharp, frantic bursts, as if whipping directly at his chest.He leaned back, one hand pressed over his heart, silent tears sliding down his slightly contorted face.As the heir of the Este family and the successor of the Stanley family in Heatherton City, power had always been within easy reach.Yet, the one thing he wanted most kept slipping further and furt
In Francesco's eyes, there was not the slightest trace of desire—nor even any extraneous emotion at all.And yet, Sophia still remembered it clearly: that chance encounter in the church in Heatherton City, where she had seen Francesco's eyes—lost, hollow, and quietly in pain."Come in."Francesco's voice had already returned to calm.Sophia pushed the door open and saw shattered porcelain scattered across the floor.She did not question him. Instead, she first called for the servants to clean it up.Only after they had withdrawn did she speak."What were you thinking about last night?""Bianca," Francesco replied lightly, brushing it off."You were thinking about Adriana," Sophia said bluntly, cutting straight through his excuse.She stepped closer. "You divorced her, drove her away, and then turned around and married me. Even if we separate, do you really think there's still any possibility between you two?""It has nothing to do with you. Once my father takes Bianca away,
Adriana hesitated, then stole a quick glance at Francesco. His expression remained cold and detached, revealing no trace of emotion."Could we use cooperation as leverage… to make them leave Chris alone?" she asked softly.Francesco tilted his head, not even bothering to hide the faintest smirk of
Adriana relied purely on survival instinct as she made her way down the mountain. Along the way, two more cars passed, neither slowing down.After more than half an hour, a car suddenly came speeding up from below. In the glow of its headlights, she saw who was inside and nearly screamed in relief.
Francesco's hand froze as he raised the wine glass to his lips, long fingers brushing idly along the rim. He extended the glass toward Adriana in a mock salute before tipping it back and draining it in one smooth motion."Today, we truly meet, Mrs. Slater."The words were deliberately emphasized—e
Heidi hadn't just made soup—she'd also made some chicken tacos for Adriana.Chris, at some point, had taken a seat across from Adriana. He poured some red sauce in a little saucer for her."Edward suddenly had a sharp stomachache, so I rushed him to the hospital."Adriana nodded. "It wasn't serio







