LOGINThe plane touched down, and a driver was waiting.Adriana sat in the car, peering out at the familiar scenery. They were clearly heading toward the cliffside villa."Francesco, I'll find a hotel for myself," she said cautiously. The memory of being alone with him at the villa last time was still fresh—she didn't want to repeat that awkward, uncontrollable tension.Francesco, wearing dark sunglasses, was looking down at his phone, replying to someone. At her words, he glanced up."We're here for business, not sightseeing. Work discussions are continuous—do you really think separate lodging makes sense?"Adriana offered softly, "Maybe we could just have a video conference."Mars interjected, "Miss Adler, my boss doesn't like video conferences.""So staying at my place feels like an inconvenience?" Francesco diverted his gaze, the words dripping with sarcasm, his fingers still flying over the keyboard.…"I just thought it would avoid misunderstandings," Adriana explained. In sit
Adriana had just presented the draft version to Francesco; if he asked for revisions, she was ready with the second, polished version she had prepared in advance."There are a few details that still need refinement," she said. "I'll send you the updated version before we land."There was no sense in letting her efforts go to waste, and to handle Francesco, she had deliberately left a few minor flaws in the draft."No need," he said, taking the folder from her hand and placing it in front of him. "This is fine. Rest well on the way there.""Okay," Adriana replied, sinking into the wide, comfortable seat and leaning back, enjoying the moment.Even though Francesco said no changes were needed, by his standards, the draft would never pass. She would pull out the second version once they landed. For now, she allowed herself to enjoy the journey.Sliding the window shade up, she gazed outside. The plane was flying over a stretch of undulating mountains. Thin clouds draped like gauze ab
Francesco sat alone in his study, dressed in dark green loungewear. His long, slender fingers rested casually on the keyboard, while his deep-set eyes remained fixed on the computer screen.On the monitor were photos of Adriana and Chris, laughing and interacting with intimate ease. They seemed entirely unaffected by the public uproar over Chris's affair.A bitter smile flickered across Francesco's face. Adriana truly loved Chris. The proud, independent girl he had once known had now completely lost herself for the sake of a man.He had once believed he should respect her choices, whether right or wrong. He trusted her resilience and clarity of mind; she wouldn't stray too far from what was right.But now, he regretted that.If Adriana had made a mistake, he would correct it himself. Even if she came to hate him, things could not be worse than they were now.Monday arrived, and Adriana received notice of a business trip to Mitaly. She had no objections—business was business."Fr
Joan followed closely, her stance firm. As long as Edward stayed, everything Chris did in the future would still belong to Edward. Chris's health was fragile, and aside from how long he would live, whether he could have more children was uncertain."Fine."Chris considered the request reasonable—and beneficial for Edward's upbringing—so he agreed.Joan watched the father and son drive away, then left Starry Villa herself, heading straight for Rosewood Avenue.Recently, Chris's health issues, combined with the scandal surrounding his affair, had significantly elevated Dean's status within the Slater Group. When Joan pushed open the door, he was leisurely sipping wine, utterly at ease."Want a glass?"Joan set down her bag, kicked off her heels, and took the half-full glass from Dean, downing it in one gulp."When are you getting divorced?" she asked."Frustrated with Chris?" Dean refilled his glass, sipping slowly."I've never wanted him—only his assets. Now that our child is o
"I want Mommy! I want to be with Mommy! Waaah!"Edward clung to Joan, sobbing uncontrollably, tears and mucus streaking across his face.Chris watched, torn between frustration and heartache. He sank onto the sofa, reaching for a cigarette—but then paused. Seeing Edward still here, he put it back in the case."When's your flight? I'll have Jimmy take you to the airport."After Joan's involvement with Joshua in harming Adriana came to light, he had investigated her past actions. It turned out she had always deceived him, taking advantage of his attempts to make amends. Now, she was using Edward's attachment to her to manipulate him again. He hated himself for being blind, for letting Joan drive Adriana away."What flight?"Joan froze, her crying abruptly stopping."You were going to take Edward abroad, right? Fine. I'll let you—give up custody. I don't need to raise him. Besides, Adriana and I will have children anyway."Chris's tone was cold, detached, and indifferent.Joan fe
Though Heidi couldn't help worrying about Chris, she knew, in terms of right and wrong, he had overstepped. The truth was, she didn't want to stay there to care for Edward any longer.She didn't want to care for the boy whom Chris had acknowledged as his own. Today, Chris was hosting a family gathering to officially announce the boy's recognition into the Slater lineage."I'll come stay over this weekend. You can stay at the family estate," Adriana said.The Slater family estate was her ideal place to live, but it was too far from work; she hated wasting time commuting. The staff there had been in place since Grandma Rosie was alive, and Adriana hadn't changed a thing.She pushed open the door to her old room. Everything was exactly as it had been—neat, orderly, as if someone had always been living there. Seeing the familiar surroundings, a pang of "things remain, people change" swept through her heart."Madam, are you still staying in this room?"Heidi stood behind her, her hear
If this were about money, Adriana had been missing for nearly two days. Chris's payment should have arrived by now—unless the price they demanded was one even he couldn't afford.The men guarding her remained silent throughout.Adriana felt despair settle in. Their professionalism was unmistakable
In the car, Chris sent an email to the sender, demanding proof of Adriana's current condition.A response arrived quickly.In the photos, Adriana's hands and feet were covered in wounds, smeared with dried and fresh blood alike.Her face was deathly pale. The clear, bright eyes she once had were
The charity gala was held in the grand auditorium of the Disabled Children's Welfare Center. Adriana and Oliver arrived early, checking to see if any help was needed.The children at the center were well cared for—bright, cheerful, and full of life.A girl with amputated legs had prosthetic limbs
"Chris, Edward has a surprise for you. He's waiting in the bedroom—go take a look," Joan urged.Chris thought about it for a moment. Adriana was probably asleep already; it was better not to disturb her. He withdrew his hand, and Joan pushed his wheelchair away.…The next day was Saturday. Joan







