LOGINSometimes, Chris couldn't even tell whether Adriana truly cared about him, whether she was merely using concern as an excuse to reduce the chances of seeing him, or whether she was constantly reminding him that he was nothing more than a sickly cripple.Now, even when the children fell ill, the first person she notified was Francesco.Was it because Francesco was strong and healthy? Or was there another reason?Seeing him standing motionless by the door, Adriana assumed something was wrong with him. She immediately stood up, concern flashing across her face."Chris, what's wrong?"Chris tugged the corner of his lips into a smile."Are the children all right?"Seeing that he looked fine, Adriana let out a quiet breath of relief and sat back down."It's infant roseola. Their fever has already gone down. The doctor said it's nothing serious."Chris nodded, but his gaze darkened."Why didn't you tell me the kids fell sick?""I was just worried you'd be anxious," Adriana explaine
Adriana slept deeply. When she groggily opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Francesco leaning over the small crib, grinning foolishly at the two children.The usually sharp and imposing features between his brows had softened completely.She glanced at the time and was stunned to find that she had slept until after nine in the morning. During all that time, the children hadn't cried or made a fuss even once."How are the children?" she asked as she sat up."They developed a rash. The doctor checked them already. It's nothing serious, so don't worry."As he spoke, Francesco stood up and went to retrieve the breakfast on the table."Daniel and Heidi both brought breakfast over. I'll heat it up for you."Adriana was indeed hungry, so she didn't refuse. She softly thanked him before leaning over to look at the two babies in the crib.Both children were awake, their little eyes wandering curiously around.To help develop their ability to focus, she usually deliberately gav
Adriana's face inexplicably heated. She answered half-heartedly, "Barely passable."He really was…But thinking about it carefully, this was exactly Francesco's style. He always prepared for everything in advance and handled things meticulously.She had to admit, his incredible ability to execute plans was something she respected.Francesco handed her one of the bottles."We'll each feed one."Adriana accepted it.They were obviously her children, yet at that moment, she was somehow the more awkward one.Francesco, on the other hand, was completely calm and natural, as if he had been born knowing how to do this.To cultivate the children's habit of focusing while feeding, the two of them silently fed the babies without saying a word.After they finished drinking, they each picked up a child and patted their backs to help them burp.Adriana secretly watched Francesco from the corner of her eye. His movements were even more practiced than hers. Milo lay quietly in his arms, ne
Adriana slipped her toes into the soft slippers, rubbing them back and forth a few times.She lowered her eyes and said in a muffled voice, "I'm sorry, but please don't disturb our peaceful life."All she wanted was to raise her children well and focus on her career. She had no energy left for matters of love.Francesco opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing. He silently stayed by her side, keeping watch over the children's small beds.The room fell quiet, leaving only the sound of the children's breathing.Adriana had been drinking earlier. After working all day and then staying at the bar until midnight, exhaustion finally overwhelmed her. Leaning against the edge of the baby's bed, she slowly drifted off without realizing it.She didn't know how much time had passed before she suddenly woke from her sleep.Only then did she realize that at some point, she had leaned against the side of the bed.Francesco was supporting her.One hand gently held her chin while the
Adriana stood up and said apologetically to Alex, "Sorry to trouble you so late at night, Alex.""We're good friends. There's no need to say that. Let's get the children settled in the ward first."Alex helped Adriana carry one of the children and escorted them to a VIP room. He also arranged for two nurses to stay dedicated to monitoring the children's condition."Adriana, children with fevers can become restless and fussy. Why don't you leave them to the nurses and get some rest in the room next door?"At a time like this, how could Adriana possibly think about resting? It wasn't a serious illness, but until the children's fever went down, she couldn't feel at ease."No, thank you. I'll stay with them.""Alright then. I'm on duty at the hospital tonight. Call me if anything happens."Alex opened the door and stepped out, only to run into Francesco, who had just finished the admission procedures and was rushing back.Francesco looked hurried.The moment he entered the ward, h
Francesco tightened his grip around her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze."It'll be okay," he said in a low voice.Adriana wanted to pull her hand away, but she didn't move. It was as if her body no longer obeyed her.Only when Maeve whimpered weakly in her arms did she suddenly snap back to reality. She quickly lowered her head and gently touched the baby's burning forehead."Maeve, Mommy is here. Don't be afraid."Maeve's delicate, fair little face was flushed red. Her breathing was heavy, making her look painfully pitiful.Adriana's voice choked as tears instantly blurred her vision. At times like this, she missed her mother more than ever. If her mother were still alive, she would have taught her how to be a good mother. She would have told her exactly what to do in moments like this.A hand suddenly reached over.Francesco's fingertip brushed against her cheek, wiping away her tears. His voice was close by."I'm here. Don't be afraid."Adriana gave a muffled "mm" and hug
Francesco sent Adriana a location from the airport.Francesco: [Arrive before 10 a.m. Private jet.]He didn't mention who would be traveling with her—probably couldn't be bothered.Adriana checked with the company. Charlie confirmed that she would be the only one officially on the trip, though th
"I'm going to take a bath."Adriana sank into the bathtub, letting the warm water envelop her. It was soft, comforting, and alive with a gentle warmth. She closed her eyes, letting herself slowly slide under the surface, her body sinking, merging with the water.Until she could no longer hold her
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'
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







