MasukNow, Adriana no longer needed to rely on anyone to obtain the things she wanted.Bella raised her glass with a carefree grin."To being single!"After finishing her drink, she leaned forward and lowered her voice conspiratorially."A younger guy confessed to me recently. I said yes."Adriana arched a skeptical brow."Another athlete from the sports university?"Bella rolled her eyes."He's a top student at Heatherton University Law School. A junior. He's already been guaranteed admission to a combined master's and doctoral program."She glanced around before continuing."We met at the gym. Don't let his fair, scholarly face fool you—he's surprisingly strong. Especially that waist..." She clicked her tongue appreciatively.Seeing the somewhat shameless grin on her best friend's face, Adriana silently leaned back in her seat."Use protection.""You can relax." Bella waved a hand dismissively. "Fun is fun, but I have principles. I'd never do anything that would affect his fut
When Adriana returned home, she immediately reminded Heidi to keep a close eye on the children and never allow strangers near them.Heidi nodded repeatedly."Don't worry, Miss. I'll be extra careful whenever I take them out from now on."Adriana trusted Heidi completely.What she didn't trust was the endless ingenuity of people with ulterior motives.She still didn't know what Anna was after, but being cautious could never hurt.Fortunately, the following weeks passed in peace. Nothing unusual happened.Francesco came to see her several times, hoping for a chance to meet the children, but she refused every request.To his credit, he didn't continue pestering her.According to Mars, nearly all of Paradigm Group's business operations in Mitaly had collapsed. Francesco was now occupied with expanding into other overseas markets.By the time spring drew to a close, Adriana's project at Sanctity had also come to a successful end.After finishing her final day of work, she removed
Adriana gave a soft nod."Mm."She chose not to share the suspicions weighing on her mind.Chris's health was fragile. The last thing he needed was more worry."Then I'll head home first."Chris nodded and stood where he was, watching her car until its taillights disappeared completely into the darkness.Only then did he get into his own car."Amethyst Residential Complex," he instructed the driver.The car made a U-turn and slipped into the deepening night, carrying him to Anna's apartment.When he arrived, he walked straight to her door and knocked.Anna opened it and stepped aside to let him in. She seemed to have expected his visit. There wasn't the slightest trace of surprise on her face.Chris entered without a word.Before long, he found the second phone.He opened the gallery, then the chat records.Everything was empty.No photos.No messages.Nothing of value remained.Leaning against the doorway, Anna let out a self-mocking laugh."How wonderful. First, th
Chris's gaze swept across the room before finally settling on Adriana.Now that he was here, there was no point hiding anything from him.Adriana could only tell him the truth, recounting every detail of what had happened from beginning to end.As he listened, Chris's expression darkened.When she finished, he strode over to Anna and looked down at her with icy eyes."Francesco put you up to this, didn't he?"Having spent enough time around her son, Anna immediately understood the meaning behind his words.It wasn't a question.It was a suggestion. A hint for her to admit that Francesco had been the one directing her actions.The purpose was obvious. He wanted to drive a wedge between Adriana and Francesco.He was just like her. Just as despicable.Unfortunately, she couldn't do it. She couldn't allow Chris and Adriana to grow any closer, nor did she dare truly offend Francesco."No. They're framing me. I never took photos of the children. Everything I said on the phone was
Adriana removed Anna's number from her blacklist and immediately called her.Anna's leisurely voice drifted through the line."Adriana, to what do I owe the pleasure?"Keeping her guard up, Adriana discreetly turned on the call recorder.Then she got straight to the point."Why did you secretly photograph my children?""The whole world says they're Chris's children. As their grandmother, isn't it perfectly normal for me to go take a look?"Remembering Francesco's warning, Anna kept the truth to herself.Adriana's tone turned icy."My children are not Chris's. Stay away from them from now on. Do not go near them again."Anna let out a mocking laugh."Adriana, where is all this hostility coming from? Don't tell me you're the one who encouraged Chris to cut ties with me.""Anna, Chris cut ties with you because of your own actions. I'm not being hostile. I'm being cautious. After all, you're the one who secretly took photographs of my children first."If Anna merely wanted to
Anna didn't dare say another word. She could only send him the original photos.The moment his phone vibrated, Francesco snatched it up.As soon as he saw the children's picture, pure elation swept through him.Throwing himself back against the sofa, he burst into loud laughter.The sound drew Bianca over."Cesco, what are you laughing about?"Francesco immediately locked the screen and pressed the phone against his chest, laughing so hard he could barely stop.They were his children. His and Adriana's children.Bianca stared at him as if he'd lost his mind."Cesco, is something wrong with your brain?"Francesco sat upright, his face glowing with delight."Bianca, I'm in a great mood today. Whatever you want, just name it. I'll buy it for you."Without hesitation, Bianca blurted out, "I want an amusement park! A cute, magical amusement park!"Francesco agreed immediately."Done. I'll have people start planning it.""That's wonderful! When it's finished, I'm going to invi
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
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 stepped forward with calm composure. "Dean, gentlemen, this really isn't such a big deal. I'm sorry you had to make the trip."Dean got straight to the point. "Where's Chris?""He's in his ward. The doctor has instructed that no one disturb him for now, and he doesn't wish to see anyone."
Alex skimmed through the two articles in the newspaper, then crumpled it into a ball and tossed it into the trash.If Chris saw the second article, he would only get angry all over again."And this Francesco… his remarks are completely inappropriate.""Achoo!"Francesco, lounging against the edg







