Chapter 236: Chapter 236



In the two days following Rebecca’s death, Adrian had uncovered many past events. For instance, when Joelle was abducted, she had taken a dagger intended for him, injuring her right hand. That was the hand she used to play the violin, which was her passion.

Since that incident, she had not returned to the stage. Joelle had endured so much because of him, and he wasn’t aware of it until now.

Aurora, puzzled, looked up at him and questioned, “Why are you apologizing? Did you do something wrong?”

“Yes,” Adrian responded in a rough voice, his gaze fixed on Joelle. “I’ve made many mistakes.”

“My mom says when we mess up, we need to say sorry and try to fix it!”

Adrian gave a bitter smile. Was it even possible for him to make amends? Joelle was Rafael’s wife now. The best Adrian could do to rectify things with Joelle was to leave her life undisturbed.

He gazed at Aurora somberly, realizing he might never hear her call him Dad.

Just then, Rafael descended from upstairs. Joelle quickly dried her tears and managed a smile. “Adrian, you’re here. Why don’t you join us for dinner?”

“No, thanks.”

They watched as Adrian drove away.

After he left, Rafael smiled at Joelle and asked, “Were you crying?”

Joelle playfully patted him, a bit embarrassed. “He just apologized, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.”

“Don’t shed tears over him anymore. Joelle, it’ll make me jealous.”

“Alright.”

Feeling a wave of relief, Joelle smiled and leaned into Rafael’s embrace. “Rafael, I don’t feel as much resentment towards Rebecca anymore. I’ve come to realize she’s just not that important to me now.”

“Okay.”

A few days later, Joelle was swamped with wedding preparations. She was too busy to tend to the kids, so Gina often stepped in to assist.

“Joelle, your father’s condition has improved recently.”

“Really?” Joelle’s face brightened. “Is he going to wake up?”

Regrettably, Gina shook her head. “It’s still highly unlikely.”

Joelle fell silent momentarily, then quickly revived her spirits. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

That afternoon, Joelle and Gina took Aurora and Ryland to the shopping mall’s playground. Gina snapped many photos, especially of Aurora. While heading to the restroom, Gina was approached by a man in a suit.

“Miss Robles, our CEO would like to see you.”

He escorted her to a VIP fitting room in a boutique, complete with a sofa and a wine cabinet, and had the attending staff vacate the area. Seated on the sofa was Adrian. Nervously clutching her bag, Gina asked, “Mr. Miller, how can I assist you?”

Eyeing the phone in her hand, he said, “Do me a favor.”

Pointing to herself, Gina inquired, “Me? Are you sure I’m the right person to help?”

With a stoic expression, Adrian said, “You see Aurora often. I’d appreciate more photos of her. I want to keep track of every moment of her growth. Can you manage that?”

Gina was in a dilemma. After changing the posture of crossing his legs, Adrian picked up the wine glass on the end table leisurely and said, “If you agree, I’ll compensate you with five hundred thousand a month. If not, I’d appreciate it if you keep your mouth shut and don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Five hundred thousand?” Gina’s face lit up, clearly enticed by the offer. Human nature wasn’t always so noble. If it had been just five thousand dollars, perhaps Gina’s principles would have stood firm. But half a million dollars could make anyone hesitate.

Yet, the Watson family had been good to her, leaving her torn about whether to help Adrian.

“Mr. Miller, you know Joelle prefers you not to be too involved with Aurora.”

“That’s precisely why I approached you,” Adrian replied. “All I’m asking is for you to take some photos and videos of Aurora. I promise it won’t harm the Watson family.”

“Well…”

Adrian cut her off. “Aurora is my daughter too. As her father and someone who didn’t succeed as a husband, this is the only way I can stay connected to her.”

His plea sounded so heartfelt that Gina felt compelled to agree.

Over the weekend, Belle and Liza visited Joelle and Rafael’s home. Belle headed straight for the kitchen, while Liza made her way to find Joelle on the second floor.

“Joelle, my mom wants to cook for you. What would you like to eat?”

Joelle looked at Rafael and responded, “Belle wants to cook? I don’t think that’s necessary. Kristi can handle dinner.”

Descending back to the kitchen, Liza said, “Mom, Joelle said that you don’t need to cook, and that Kristi’s cooking suits her taste better.”

Belle stopped and asked, “Did she really say that?”

“Yes.”

Liza patted her on the shoulder. “Joelle just doesn’t want you to go to any trouble.”

Belle felt slightly offended but reminded herself that Joelle had come from a wealthy background, which might explain her particular ways. “Alright.”

Belle removed her apron. “I’ll go see Aurora and Ryland.”

Liza held her back, saying, “Mom, Joelle said you can visit them, but please don’t touch them. She’s concerned about germs. Kids have weaker immune systems, and any exposure could be harmful.”

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