âWho are you?â Joelle inquired.
The man smiled warmly. âThree years ago, you were my childâs teacher! Thank you for all your hard work back then!â
Joelle had taught over thirty students, many of whom went on to attend prestigious music academies. âThe praise truly belongs to your childâs dedication. Their hard work is what made the difference.â
âMiss Watson, you have a way with words!â The man rubbed his hands together and shifted the conversation. âWhere are you off to next? Would you like to join me for a meal?â
âSheâs occupied.â Adrian stepped forward from behind the man, his presence radiating a protective air that intimidated the man.
âMiss Watson, Iâll take my leave now.â The man left rather quickly, clearly intimidated by Adrian.
Joelle maintained her politeness with strangers, but with Adrian, she was noticeably colder. She disregarded him and continued on her way.
âJoelle,â Adrian called out in a tone of annoyance. âAre you ignoring me?â
Joelle kept moving without stopping.
Adrian followed her. âIt seems youâre pushing me to go directly to Aurora.â
Aurora was a sensitive subject for Joelle, sure to provoke a reaction. âAdrian, keep away from Aurora and stop interfering in our lives!â
Adrian looked on coldly as he watched Joelleâs frustration. âAlright, then hand over my daughter. You and Rafael can live your lives as you wish.â
Joelle was about to respond when she noticed a woman hurrying towards them with bags in hand.
Paula leaned against Adrianâs arm. âAdrian! How could you buy so many things for me? I canât possibly carry them all. You owe me one tonight!â
The scene was so annoying that Joelle couldnât stand to watch for even a second longer. âAdrian, stop offending my daughter.â
Paula seemed to finally notice Joelle. âMiss Watson, itâs been a while!â
Joelle had no desire to engage and turned to leave.
As Joelle reached the parking lot and was just about to enter her car, someone grabbed her arm and spun her around. Her back slammed against the car door, and her initial reaction was to call for help, but then she locked eyes with Adrianâs intense gaze. âWhat are you upset about? Are you jealous?â
Joelle wished she could show Adrian how absurd he looked. âAdrian, be with whoever you please! Itâs none of my business!â
âYouâre still claiming youâre not jealous?â Adrianâs expression was taunting as he leaned closer, almost as if he intended to bite her neck. âCalm down; Iâve only been with you.â
âBastard.â Joelle lifted her hand.
Adrian caught her wrist. âYou think Iâm bad? Let me show you what a real bastard looks like.â
Suddenly, Joelleâs vision blurred, her lips felt an unexpected pain, and then she felt the sharp sensation of a bite.
Her eyes widened, and her high heels scraped against the parking lot, but no matter how much she struggled, Adrianâs grip held her tightly.
His tongue entered forcefully. Joelle clenched her teeth and bit down hard.
In pain, Adrian released his hold, and Joelle seized the moment, delivering a sharp slap across his face.
âAdrian, my wedding to Rafael is imminent. I am his legitimate wife, and what we had is finished. Respect my space! Cross the line again, and I wonât hold back!â
âHe sleeps with my ex-wife; I get close to his. Seems fair.â Blood tinged Adrianâs lips. He placed his hand firmly on the back of Joelleâs head, compelling her to face him. The force he applied was so intense that Joelle found herself gasping for air.
Adrian said seriously, âJoelle, hear me well. We are not done until you return my daughter to me.â
He then wiped the blood from his mouth with his thumb and opened the car door for Joelle. âIf you understand, then go.â
Joelle climbed into the car, eager to escape the volatile man.
Meanwhile, Paula received a call from Rebecca. âI donât care what you have to do, even if itâs illegal, just make Joelleâs life miserable! Otherwise, youâll regret it!â Rebecca demanded.
Paula was just beginning to enjoy the benefits of being close to Adrian, including VIP treatment. Who did Rebecca think she was, speaking to her in such a manner? Did she truly believe she was someone of consequence?
Paula decided to confront her. âRebecca, do you think Iâm an idiot? Are you targeting Adrianâs ex-wife and using me as a tool in your scheme? Do I really appear that stupid to you?â
As long as she remained loyal to Adrian and maintained her status as his girlfriend, she could consistently receive bags and gifts.
Rebecca snorted derisively. âDo you actually think I canât deal with you? Trust me, a few words to Amara and youâre finished!â
Paula noticed Adrian walking towards her.
âWho are you trying to intimidate? If I face any trouble, Adrian will protect me. Rebecca, you no longer hold any significance to him.â
With that, she ended the call with a victorious flourish.
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