Chapter 39: Chapter 39



Joelle no longer had the strength to resist Adrian. It was futile. Underneath the blanket, she was wearing only a camisole and shorts. The overwhelming physical difference between them left her no choice but to concede.

“Adrian, you’re trespassing.” Adrian gripped her chin, and his lips curled into a triumphant smile. “Leah let me in. How can you call that trespassing?” Joelle frowned in frustration. “I’ll have Leah fired soon.”

“I’m afraid you can’t do that.” Adrian lowered his head and kissed her. His lips were soft and had a subtle woody scent—a scent Joelle had once been obsessed with. She believed he felt something too in those moments when their breaths mingled.

Joelle broke away from the kiss and stated coldly, “You’re filthy.” Adrian’s smile froze. “Say that again.” Joelle shoved him away and repeated sharply, “I said you’re filthy! Don’t touch me with the hands you’ve touched Rebecca with!”

Adrian stood motionless. For a moment, the room fell into an unbearable silence. Joelle didn’t regret a single word she had said, but she did regret provoking him. As expected, Adrian’s lips twisted into a faint, chilling smile the next second. He harshly turned her face toward him and sneered, “Filthy? Weren’t you the one who climbed into my bed back then?”

Joelle shook her head in resistance. She no longer relied on this erratic man for her safety. “Leah! Leah, help me!” Adrian pinned her wrists above her head. Joelle’s sobs grew louder, even echoing through the floors above and below. Just then, Leah found the bedroom key and unlocked the door. She entered with her head bowed and did not dare to meet their eyes.

“Sir, you cannot force her.” Leah braced herself to be thrown out of the house. But Adrian, though still shrouded in a dark mood, released Joelle and strode out of the room. His departure ignited a blaze of intense anger within himself.

Joelle dabbed at her tears as she straightened her clothes. Leah approached, her expression one of guilt and concern. “I’m so sorry. I never imagined Mr. Miller would treat you this way.” Joelle’s face was pale, streaked with tear stains. She sniffled and responded, “Leah, you can go. I don’t need you here anymore.”

Leah realized her well-intentioned actions had only made things worse, and she couldn’t defend herself. Before leaving, she said, “Ma’am, I’ve been with the Miller family since I was a teenager. I even met your mother a few times back then. Once, I accidentally knocked over an expensive vase. Selling me wouldn’t have covered the cost, but your mother stepped in and helped me out of that mess. Both she and you have such kind hearts. I’ve seen how much you cared about Mr. Miller over the past three years. I genuinely hope you two can work things out.”

It was the first time Joelle had heard Leah say those words, and it shifted her perception of Leah. She had always thought of Leah as a spy for the Miller family, but she now realized there was more to the story. Joelle nodded, feeling utterly drained from Adrian’s torment. Despite her exhaustion, she patiently explained to Leah, “I understand now. Leah, I’m not asking you to leave because I’m upset with you. It’s just that having you here gives Adrian an excuse to visit, and what happened today could happen again.”

“I understand,” Leah replied with disappointment. “Ma’am, I’ll go back and keep an eye on Rebecca for you. Please take care of yourself.”

“I will,” Joelle reassured her.

After leaving Joelle’s apartment, Adrian headed to a party. Michael Frye, one of Adrian’s friends, noticed Adrian’s dour expression as soon as he arrived and sensed that something was amiss. Although he didn’t want to get involved, he had to show some concern.

“What’s wrong? Who ticked you off this time?” Adrian remained silent and just puffed on his cigarette. Even in the dim lighting and lively atmosphere, Michael noticed scratch marks on Adrian’s collarbone. “Wow. Who scratched you? Joelle?”

The mention of Joelle’s name only deepened Adrian’s irritation. Lately, that woman had been constantly seeking attention. She used to be upset when he didn’t come home. Now, even when he did, she was still unhappy. It was impossible to please her.

At that moment, Rafael arrived and took a seat opposite Adrian. Adrian momentarily pushed thoughts of Joelle aside and fixed his gaze on Rafael. His expression sharpened as if he’d found some prey. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Joelle lately.” His tone was neither inquisitive nor accusatory. It was a statement, and more pointedly, a warning. Rafael recognized that.

Rafael met his gaze calmly. “We grew up together, and she’s been teaching Josiah the violin recently. It’s normal for us to be around each other.” Michael, who had been listening nearby, chimed in, “Violin? Joelle? Adrian, she’s working now?” Adrian knew that Rafael had a cousin, Josiah, who was deaf and mute. However, he was unaware that Joelle had been teaching Josiah the violin. Now that he thought of it, he realized he had never even asked Joelle about her current job. And why hadn’t he asked? Well, he didn’t care.

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