LOGINOliver agreed to let Adriana participate in the investigation, but during the morning shareholders' meeting, several major investors criticized Neo for favoritism, demanded Adriana be fired, and called for her to be held accountable.Neo did not respond immediately. Instead, he summoned Adriana and asked her what she wanted to do."Adriana, no matter which part of the process went wrong, if you want to stay at Sanctity, I can protect you," he said."Please don't hide me away. Let me participate in the investigation. If the issue lies in the R&D stage, I'll willingly leave Sanctity," Adriana replied, her eyes clear and resolute. She had already accepted the situation—her focus now was finding the problem."Adriana, with me here, you don't have to do this," Neo said gently. Adriana's stubbornness reminded him of her mom.But being part of the investigation meant confronting questions and criticism head-on. The pressure from outside could crush even the strongest resolve."When you
Bella's entrepreneurial focus was on the pet care industry. She had loved animals since childhood, and with her family's support, that passion had naturally grown into a career.Adriana nodded with a smile. "Technically, it might be a bit challenging, but the principles are the same. It should work.""That's great! Once my business stabilizes, I'll talk to Sanctity about a collaboration—and I'm specifically requesting you to lead this project.""I can work for you for free."Over the years, Bella had always been by her side. When her parents passed, when Grandma Rosie passed, and even after her breakup with Francesco, Bella had never left her.Adriana loved her Bella deeply—the cheerful, steadfast, occasionally clumsy little Bella who made life lighter.Bella squeezed her thigh playfully. "Don't worry, I'll definitely take advantage of you for this."They shared a laugh, a quiet moment of connection. In that instant, the city where they were born and raised felt like home in a w
"Adriana, don't go near Francesco again."Inside the moving luxury car, Bella sat in the passenger seat, turning toward Adriana with a worried gaze. Her voice was gentle.She had witnessed the entire story of Adriana and Francesco—from their first meeting to falling in love—and she had seen how that relationship ended in bitter disaster.Outsiders assumed Adriana had long since moved on. Only Bella knew the turbulence she hid beneath her calm exterior.Adriana's eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead. Neon lights from the city reflected across her face. She wore a red off-shoulder knit sweater, her long black hair falling freely over her shoulders. Her profile caught the light, sharp and striking, a vivid beauty that left an impression."I know."Her voice was quiet, and her fingers unconsciously gripped the steering wheel.She didn't dare admit she had never truly abandoned the thought of being near Francesco again. Over the past six months, the delicate distance between them had
Chris's eyes held a rare warmth as he took her hand, his fingertips brushing gently over the back of it.If this could keep Adriana close, he was willing to yield. Normally cold and aloof, he was showing a fragment of tenderness now."Um… I'm going to the airport to pick up Bella. I should get going." Adriana pulled her hand free.A slap and a candy—that's not love. It's taming.For over five years, Chris had been taming her. With his cold detachment, punctuated by the occasional sign of care, he had kept her perpetually off balance. She had only recently realized this. She had once thought his emotional restraint was due to the car accident, that he simply couldn't express feelings.But his favoritism toward Joan and his doting on Edward proved he knew exactly how to love.Bella was returning tonight from visiting an international dog-breeding facility. To avoid Chris, Adriana had arrived at the airport early. She parked and went straight to the public arrivals hall.The moment
"Sorry, Tony didn't mean any harm—he's just overly protective of me," Keisha stepped forward, smiling as she gently grabbed Adriana's hand."Adriana, we're family. Don't be upset."Family?"I don't have family like you." Adriana pulled her hand back, expression icy.Someone who had wanted to ruin her since childhood—what kind of family member is that? Only an enemy."Oliver, I'm heading out." She didn't want Oliver to be caught in the middle, since they both worked in the lab."Oliver, please transfer me to another lab. I refuse to work alongside someone who constantly bullies my girlfriend."Tony adjusted his glasses, jaw tight with tension.Oliver sighed in resignation. "Submit your request tomorrow; I'll approve it."Keisha reached out to touch his arm. "Oliver, don't blame Tony entirely. My cousin…""I'll ask Adriana myself," Oliver interrupted, grabbing his coat from the chair back and leaving in a hurry.Not long after Adriana had walked away, a Land Rover pulled up be
No wonder Chris had acted that way last night—it all made sense now. The entire ordeal had been a calculated scheme between him and Joan. She had merely meddled where she shouldn't have."Adriana, our score isn't settled yet," Joan said, lips curling in triumph as she assumed the posture of a victor, gliding away on her heels with effortless grace.Adriana's gaze followed her retreating figure, eyes growing colder by the second.Indeed, it wasn't over. She intended the same.For now, she set aside the issue of Joan's intrusion into her marriage—Chris bore far greater responsibility. But the abduction and the drugs… if not for Francesco's timely intervention, either could have destroyed her.Add in the covert photography and the rumors circulating about her, and the list of offenses became unforgivable. Each transgression left scars that no apology or explanation could erase.After work, Adriana headed to the lab for overtime. The custom walker she was designing for Chris was near
"What do you think?"Joan let out a haughty snort, stepping back half a pace—right onto his polished leather shoes."When we were abroad, we could still meet often. But now that we're back, it's nearly impossible to see each other."Dean's usual calm, composed demeanor shifted; a playful, almost
Adriana felt nothing. She had no desire to have children with him, and she didn't need his belated concern either.Chris lowered his head, slowing his tone."Six blisters from the burn… I'll transfer 600,000 dollars as compensation for the pain. How about that?"Adriana lifted her injured hand an
When Chris's gaze met the sadness in Adriana's eyes, it felt as if an arrow had pierced his chest."One year. If, after a year, you still want to leave, I'll let you go. But during this year, no more talk of divorce."He didn't believe she could truly walk away from him. It was only the sudden app
Grandma Rosie had once told Adriana she dreamed of Adriana's parents, Roger and Samantha, imploring her to take care of Adriana. To be entrusted is to be faithful. Adriana's sense of responsibility toward Chris likely stemmed from the influence of Grandma Rosie throughout her childhood.She crouc







