Chapter 226: Chapter 226



Paula had been on edge for days. She constantly felt like she was being followed, and every time she threw out the trash, someone seemed to rummage through it. Additionally, strangers bombarded her with friend requests. One day, upon returning home, she found a threatening note on her floor just inside the door. “Stay away from my son, or you’ll regret it!”

Startled, she grabbed onto the shoe cabinet for support, her hands shaking as she dialed Adrian’s number. However, it was his assistant, Callan, who picked up.

“I need to speak with Mr. Miller immediately!”

“Miss Todd, Mr. Miller is currently unavailable. He can’t take your call.”

“This is an emergency!” Paula insisted.

“If it’s truly urgent, I would advise you to contact the police. Mr. Miller is preoccupied with other pressing matters.”

A cold fear washed over Paula, causing her teeth to chatter. “Please, just tell Adrian that someone is threatening me!”

“I’m sorry, I don’t follow,” Callan said, his voice indifferent, and then he ended the call abruptly.

“Hello? Hello!”

Paula paced her apartment, increasingly agitated. No wonder the other women always said that wealth was worthless if you couldn’t live peacefully. Sure, being associated with Adrian had its advantages—easy access to money and a glamorous lifestyle—but with the easy money came significant risks. She had felt the sting of these dangers firsthand, and what scared her the most was not knowing who was behind them.

Was she destined to die without ever knowing why? Consequently, Paula spent the next three days confined to her apartment, clutching a frying pan for protection. Nightly knocks rattled her, but peering through the peephole only showed the flickering hallway light and an empty corridor.

Eventually, her refrigerator bore nothing but empty shelves. Fearing the vulnerability of ordering takeout, she braced herself to venture outside. Repeated attempts to reach Adrian failed, always thwarted by his unyielding assistant.

Resolved not to remain a sitting duck, she decided to find Adrian at Miller Group. She dressed carefully, opting for public transport to blend in. Yet, she was halted at the reception desk.

“Sorry, you can’t go up without an appointment.”

Paula’s frustration neared its peak. “Are you serious? Do you know who I am? I’m Adrian’s girlfriend!”

The receptionist kept a courteous but firm demeanor. “I apologize, ma’am, but many people claim to be Mr. Miller’s girlfriend. We’ve received no confirmation that Mr. Miller is seeing anyone.”

How could she seek help if she couldn’t even see him? Just then, her phone rang—it was Rebecca.

“Rebecca, are you the one trying to harm me?”

Rebecca’s voice was cool and measured. “It seems like Amara has been keeping a very close eye on you lately.”

“Are you calling just to mock me?”

“Absolutely not.” Rebecca spoke slowly, her voice low and compelling. “Paula, if you help me with one more thing, I’ll ensure you’re clear of this mess.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“What other choice do you have?”

Paula, who had left school early to weave through various jobs, had become as opportunistic as they come. She loved money, certainly, but her life was of far greater value. Survival trumped all. “Fine, what do you need me to do?”

Rebecca sent her a location. “Meet me at this place later.” Suspicious, Paula didn’t fully trust Rebecca. Hence, she hired two bodyguards from a reputable security agency for protection.

The given location led to a derelict shack under a bridge. As Paula pushed the door open and stepped inside, a hand covered her mouth and nose with a white towel. To her horror, it was the bodyguards she had hired who assaulted her.

In her fading moments of consciousness, she struggled to keep her eyes open and saw Rebecca, clad in a pristine white dress, stepping out from the shadows. Rebecca’s voice was icy as she said, “Foolish girl, you walked right into my trap.”

“Bitch…”

“Once you’re out of the picture, Adie will never suspect I orchestrated this!”

Realization dawned on Paula too late. She couldn’t even muster the strength to fight back.

“Sell her to some brothel abroad!” Rebecca commanded, her tone dismissive and cruel.

Over the weekend, Adrian paid a visit to Rebecca and Salome. Salome had prepared an elaborate meal, and Rebecca had taken great care with her appearance.

“Adrian, it’s been such a long time since your last visit.” Salome quickly interjected, “Adrian is swamped with work. Let’s not burden him unnecessarily.”

Rebecca blushed slightly and took a seat next to Adrian. “Adie, I’ve been picking up so many new things lately.”

“Mm,” Adrian murmured, distractedly fiddling with his phone, which thudded against the table each time he flipped it.

Salome noticed his distraction and exchanged a concerned look with Rebecca.

“Adrian, is there something on your mind?”

Adrian glanced up. “Salome, did you call Joelle three years ago?”

Salome offered a strained smile. “No, I didn’t. I hardly know her. Why would I call her?”

Adrian’s expression remained skeptical. “Think again, please.”

A moment later, Joelle said, “Salome Lloyd.”

“No way!”

Initially, Joelle had been too distressed to think clearly, but upon later reflection, she sensed something amiss and, after investigating, pinpointed Salome as the instigator. She was certain Adrian wouldn’t believe her. His expected reaction still struck her as deeply ironic.

“Then, I have nothing else to say.”

“Don’t judge Salome unfairly. You don’t understand her.” Joelle didn’t want to argue with him anymore. “Adrian, if you don’t leave now, I might just think you’re still not over your ex-wife.”

With a cold snort, Adrian climbed off her bed. As he left the hospital, he dialed Michael, suggesting they grab a drink.

Michael asked, “Can we meet in an hour? I’m tied up right now.”

Adrian’s irritation flared. “What’s keeping you?”

“I’m with Lacey. She’s had too much to drink, and I need to get her home first.”

Adrian’s frustration grew. It seemed everyone had someone, except him. “Alright, see you in an hour.”

He went to Flex Club first, where he had a private room. The manager saw him come alone, asking if he wanted some company.

“What kind of company?”

“We’ve just hired some new girls. They’re really quite something…”

Before the manager could continue, Adrian dismissed him. He had no patience for such distractions. When Michael finally showed up, Adrian was found nursing a drink alone.

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