Semua Bab The Ultimate Cure: A New Husband: Bab 61 - Bab 70

Adriana's eyes burned with determination. "Better to try than give up now."Alex understood her reasoning and felt for her—she was once again caught in the middle, maneuvering carefully for Chris's sake."Is it really connected to Dean?" he asked."Francesco is still investigating."Of course, Francesco had no intention of continuing. This had nothing to do with him. Adriana's words were meant for Joan. She didn't believe Joan had returned to Chris out of love; even if there was love, it could only be partial.If Joan had truly been loyal to Chris to the end, she wouldn't have let her family manipulate her like that back then.Chris had overestimated his charm and underestimated Joan's cunning.While Chris remained unconscious, Adriana personally visited several board members who had close ties with him. Unfortunately, corporate interests outweighed everything else. Even if they spoke up for him, they would still be unable to counter the majority of directors.Adriana twirled t

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 derision."Adriana, what exactly is our relationship? Why would I help you?"She opened her mouth, and a gust of cold wind swept in, stabbing through her chest and belly like icy knives. At this moment, even a small favor from him would have been a blessing; yet she dared to hope he would lend her a hand. She wouldn't have come if she had any other options."As an exchange, I'll do anything for you," she said earnestly.Francesco let out a short, humorless laugh. "Mrs. Slater, and what exactly could you do for me? I don't need a woman to push my wheelchair, and I don't need a woman to cook for me. Aside from that… what else could you possibly do?"She lowered her gaze. In Francesco's e

Chris looked at Joan. "Joanie, go home and take care of Edward. I'm fine now."Joan pursed her lips, scowled, and left without another word."You okay?" Adriana asked.Chris didn't answer, just reached out his hand.Adriana hesitated for a moment, then offered hers. He shook his head.After a beat, she leaned down closer.Chris's hand brushed her cheek. "You've lost weight… I'm sorry. I didn't protect you.""You jumped into the river for me. How much more protection could you give?" Adriana's eyes held genuine gratitude, tinged with a faint guilt."If that night I had insisted on leaving with you… none of this would have happened," Chris murmured, withdrawing his hand. Even though she was safe, he still felt a heavy pang of regret.Adriana, however, felt no resentment. None of them could have predicted her being abducted outside the welfare center. And besides, she wasn't meant to live forever under Chris's protection. She had to stumble and fall to truly grow up."What do yo

"Adriana, come with me to a business dinner tonight."Adriana froze. This was the first time Chris had asked her to attend an event with him."Let Joan go with you," she said hesitantly. "I want to stay home and work on some drawings."She didn't want to go, especially not as Chris's wife. With less than a year left before their divorce, what was the point of appearing at a social event under the title of "Mrs. Slater"? Very few people actually knew whether the real Mrs. Slater was alive or already divorced. She might as well remain the "unknown" woman in the public eye.Chris's usually bright eyes darkened the moment he entered the room. He placed the dress bag on the coffee table."Adriana, this is your duty as my wife. Don't make me angry.""Chris, I…""One hour. We leave in one hour," he cut her off, voice firm, leaving no room for discussion.Adriana could only grab the bag and go upstairs to get ready. Inside was a black little dress in classic Hepburn style: elegant with

The man's smile was confident, as if he were used to bringing beautiful women to these kinds of parties. But after a few rounds of wine, most men forget not only themselves, but also the women they brought along."The wine here isn't sold commercially, miss. You might as well have a few more glasses."Adriana shifted slightly in her seat. "Sorry, I can't drink any more.""Miss, do me a favor," the man insisted, draping an arm over her shoulder and tipping the wine toward her lips.Half-sober, Adriana struggled violently. The music was loud, the guests dancing in the brightly lit hall, leaving the shadowed corner entirely unnoticed.He forced most of the glass into her mouth, making her choke. Desperate, she grabbed a wineglass from the table and smashed it against his head, then bolted toward the exit."Chris!" Several guests who had stepped outside to sober up looked at her oddly, but she ignored them.She realized her hair was a mess and quickly tried to fix it. Searching ar