MasukAdriana: [I call that killing two birds with one stone.]As she sent the message, she made no effort to hide it from Heidi. In fact, she deliberately angled the screen toward her so they could read it together.After reading the exchange, Heidi asked worriedly, "Will Master Chris's health really recover?"Although Chris had made some foolish mistakes in the past, she had watched him grow up. Ever since his car accident, she had been worrying about him constantly."It definitely will."Setting down her phone, Adriana spoke with complete certainty."Alex has been coordinating a customized treatment plan for him with some of the world's top medical experts. He's already much better than before.""Then tomorrow, I'll go to the estate and prepare his bedroom. There are servants there, but I'm worried they won't be attentive enough.""That was actually my plan too, but I was afraid it would be too much work for you.""It's not work at all. Master Chris has always been particular abo
Adriana froze for a moment before the corners of her lips lifted slightly. There was little real amusement in her eyes."Bianca, Sophia and I can't be friends. I'm sorry."She held no hostility toward Sophia. Yet whenever she saw her, memories inevitably surfaced—memories of the wounds Francesco had left behind.She was only an ordinary person. She simply couldn't calmly face her ex-husband's current wife.A trace of confusion flashed across Bianca's face, but when she noticed Adriana's expression darken, she quickly apologized."I'm sorry."Adriana squeezed her hand gently and said in a soft voice, "Bianca, you don't need to apologize. This has nothing to do with you."Beside them, Oliver stepped in at just the right moment."Bianca, stop introducing so many friends to Adriana. Otherwise, she won't have any time left to hang out with us."Realization immediately dawned on Bianca.So Adriana already had too many friends, and her good intentions had only created trouble.What
On Monday, Adriana went to the laboratory as usual.The moment Oliver saw her, he frowned, looking utterly helpless."You have maternity leave anyway. Why not stay home and get some proper rest instead of coming here and wearing yourself out?""I want to save my maternity leave for after the babies are born so I can spend more time with them."Adriana walked past him and settled into her chair behind the desk.As her body grew heavier by the day, her feet had begun to swell. She could no longer stand for long periods, and even sitting down took noticeably more effort than before."Besides the government-mandated maternity leave, our company also provides additional internal leave. Altogether, it's more than enough time for you to rest.""Oliver, please stop trying to persuade me."Adriana looked up, her gaze unwavering."No one cares more about these two children than I do. If I ever feel that I can't continue working, I'll take leave on my own."Oliver sighed. Knowing there
"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
Francesco rose and sank into the sofa. "Sit."Adriana took the seat across from him. "May I ask what kind of meeting this is?"The clock pointed to eleven. Most of the office staff had already left. She suspected his intentions weren't about the meeting at all, but about cornering her.Francesco'
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







