Chapter 62: Chapter 62



Joelle sat in Katherine’s office, eagerly awaiting news that Adrian had finally been ousted. But as Katherine entered, she grabbed Joelle, ushering her towards the door. “What’s happening?”

Katherine was visibly irate. “Five hundred million dollars a year! Why persist in your stubbornness? Just return with Adrian!”

“What? Five hundred million dollars? What are you implying?” Joelle asked, baffled as Katherine pulled her to the reception room. “Kathy, surely you aren’t switching allegiances so abruptly?”

Katherine then relayed Adrian’s recent declarations verbatim. While such promises might seem hollow coming from others, Adrian was known for his integrity. If he committed to realizing Joelle’s aspirations, he would undoubtedly do so.

Katherine, ever the pragmatic businesswoman, viewed emotions as secondary. In her eyes, Adrian alone could afford Joelle a lavish lifestyle.

Joelle listened in silence, then spoke. “I’m not clinging to him for his wealth, nor am I seeking a divorce merely for theatrics. Kathy, I’m trying to stand up for myself. Can’t you see that?”

“Stand up for yourself? How?” Katherine retorted. “Is tirelessly earning a meager salary truly your idea of standing up for yourself? Is opting for a decrepit apartment over a luxurious mansion really your notion of independence? Joelle, that’s not standing up for yourself. In Adrian’s view, that’s merely inviting trouble. It’s imprudent. Only by cementing your role as his wife and ensuring no one can contest it can you genuinely stand up for yourself!”

Joelle faced her. “Does that mean I have to bear Adrian’s child?”

Katherine placed her arm around Joelle’s shoulders. “Men are unreliable. A divorce can always be an option, but a child remains yours forever.”

Joelle paused, then decisively shook her head. “No, I refuse to let my child have an untrustworthy father.”

“Then set your conditions,” Katherine advised, leveraging her sharp business instincts.

Joelle realized Katherine’s perspective was sound. Disconnecting her emotions from Adrian would simplify things. She also had to consider Shawn. During the wait, she had checked in with him and learned about troubles at Watson Group. Shawn was dealing with a critical client abroad and wouldn’t return for some time. Knowing her brother’s dedication to supporting their family deeply moved Joelle.

After mentally preparing herself, Joelle pushed the door open and entered alone.

Adrian was standing at the window, his back to her, engaged on a phone call. His tall silhouette was accentuated by a perfectly tailored dark grey suit.

Joelle had always cherished the sight of his back. Adrian had evolved into a strikingly independent man.

Joelle paused at the entrance. Once Adrian noticed her, he quickly ended his call. Turning to face her, he asked, “Katherine briefed you, right?”

Joelle nodded, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “Yes, but I have my conditions.”

Her demeanor was serene, her gaze steady, yet a hint of resolve shone through. “I can return home with you, but you must not interfere with my career or complicate my life further.”

“Agreed.” Adrian stood with one hand in his pocket, his expression unreadable. Even in stillness, his presence commanded attention, each word he spoke laden with authority. “But you’re not allowed to teach anyone from the Walters family, and you must keep your distance from them, especially Rafael.”

Joelle was puzzled. “Why?” Rafael had been a childhood friend. Adrian’s demand seemed harsh and unreasonable.

“There’s no why. I said no, and that’s final.”

Joelle, accustomed to Adrian’s assertive ways, didn’t press the issue.

Later that day, she returned to their home with Adrian.

“Adie, you’re back!”

Rebecca, hearing the commotion, descended the stairs. To the unacquainted, she might be mistaken for Adrian’s wife. Joelle offered her a mocking smile, causing Rebecca’s expression to stiffen. “Joelle, you’re back?”

Leah, busy in the kitchen, hurried out upon hearing their voices. She wiped her hands on her apron and took Joelle’s suitcase. “Mrs. Miller, it’s wonderful to have you back! A home isn’t truly complete without its lady. It’s great to see you again. Now, we won’t have to tolerate someone who doesn’t know her place lurking about all day!”

Leah’s comment, clearly directed at Rebecca, made Joelle smile, though she avoided looking at Rebecca’s scowl. To her, Rebecca was insignificant, hardly worthy of notice.

“Leah, please take my suitcase to the guest room.”

“The guest room?”

Leah, already lifting the suitcase, hesitated, setting it back down as she glanced at Adrian and cleared her throat. “Mrs. Miller, don’t worry. I maintain the master bedroom immaculately every day. I ensure it remains closed to anyone who might tarnish its cleanliness.”

The insinuation was unmistakably directed at Rebecca.

Rebecca clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The insinuation from Leah—that she was somehow unclean—stung deeply, especially in front of Adrian.

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