Chapter 215: Chapter 215



Shortly afterward, Joelle exited the police station alongside her lawyer.

“He destroyed the evidence, but thankfully, he’s agreed to a public apology. That should halt the cyberbullying.” Joelle expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for advising me to record everything. Without that, I would have had no defense.”

“You’re welcome, Ms. Watson. You managed this with clear thinking and kindness, understanding the man’s difficult situation without demanding a large payment.” Joelle shook her head and said, “To me, money is just a number. But pressing someone too much can turn dangerous, can’t it?”

Later, as the situation cooled down, Joelle received a call from her studio’s business manager.

“Joelle, someone wants to buy our most prestigious violin!” This violin was the product of two years of Joelle’s dedicated craftsmanship.

“Who is the buyer?”

“The customer’s last name is Miller.”

Joelle hurried back to her studio. Upon arrival, she saw the manager assisting Adrian. “Joelle, you’re back!”

Relief was evident in the manager’s voice; the deal was too significant for her to handle on her own. Adrian wasn’t just interested in the priciest violin; he was looking to buy all the remaining violins in stock. It seemed almost like a grand gesture.

Joelle gave Adrian a stern look and said to the manager, “Please, give us a moment.”

Once the manager left, only Joelle and Adrian remained. “Adrian, what exactly are you trying to do?”

“To purchase violins.”

“We’re currently not open for sales.”

“But you do have violins available, right? I’m willing to buy everything you have, and I’ll pay triple the usual price.”

Joelle was not a fool. If she couldn’t see through his intentions now, then all her experiences amounted to nothing. Taking a deep breath, Joelle fixed her gaze on him. “Are you trying to pity me?”

Adrian locked eyes with her, unflinching. “Yes, so what? Will you take my help?”

“I won’t.” Joelle didn’t even think about it. “You’re divorced. I don’t need your pity or your money. Please leave.”

“Do you really think I’m doing this for you?” Adrian scoffed. “If Aurora wasn’t living with you, I wouldn’t bother giving you a second glance. You might think you can manage on your own, but I won’t let you compromise my daughter’s life.”

“That’s not your concern!” Joelle stood up abruptly. “The hardest times with Aurora came about because of your interference. Leave now!”

In the past, Joelle might have lacked the boldness to defy Adrian. But now, just seeing him stirred a surge of anger and resentment.

Adrian wasn’t accustomed to such defiance. “Joelle, do you really despise me that much?”

“Yes, I do.”

Of course, she hated him. During her most critical moment in labor, bleeding heavily, he was on a flight, accompanying Rebecca for her treatment. The resentment she felt from those times had reached its breaking point. The reality was that Adrian had never truly loved her. Having accepted this truth, she no longer wanted any involvement with him.

Adrian stood up, his attitude like a beast ready to break free, his eyes filled with anger. “You hate me? Why? Because of the drug you gave me that led to our marriage, leaving you alone at home for three years? Or because I didn’t know you ran off with our child, getting remarried while I was desperately looking for you? You took my daughter, married my friend, and even had a son with him. Joelle, I feel like strangling you. Do you understand that?”

Joelle managed a bitter smile. “In the end, you just can’t bear to see me with Rafael, can you? You feel I’ve embarrassed you, right?”

Adrian gave a cold snort. “Why bother asking if you already know the answer?”

“So, what do you want from me? Adrian, I owe you nothing.”

Adrian’s expression remained unreadable. “I want custody of Aurora.”

“In your dreams!”

“Fine, then,” Adrian said, pressing his tongue against his cheek. “Then divorce Rafael and marry me again.”

Joelle crossed her arms and said, “Are you trying to rekindle a flame that’s long since died? Aren’t you worried about hurting the one you love?”

“My true love is my daughter. She’d be delighted to see her biological parents together again!”

He grasped Joelle’s chin, but she met his gaze steadily. “In her eyes, Rafael is her father.”

“That’s about to change.” Adrian’s lips curled coldly. “If you refuse to cooperate, I’ll go and tell Aurora myself that I’m her real father. It might be tough for her, but she deserves to know the truth eventually, doesn’t she?”

Joelle looked at him unwillingly. Accepting Adrian’s offer would be an admission that she couldn’t support her child alone. In custody battles, financial stability often played a crucial role. Yet, if she declined, what would happen if he actually approached Aurora?

After a few tense seconds, Joelle gave in. “I’ll take your order. After all, it’s just money.” She then gestured for the manager to come back and start the paperwork.

“Joelle, are you certain about this? Isn’t the price too unreasonable?” The price for each violin had skyrocketed, becoming hugely inflated.

“It’s okay. He can afford it.”

She rationalized the steep cost as a form of child support for Aurora.

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