Chapter 78: Chapter 78



After Adrian departed, Leah turned to Joelle, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned lunch.”

Joelle shook her head dismissively. “It’s fine. Adrian is just looking for ways to complicate things.”

Leah exhaled deeply. “Then I’ll bring lunch to your office at noon so you can have it with him.”

“Thank you, that would be helpful.”

After breakfast, Joelle headed to work. On the bus, her phone rang—it was Amara.

“You should go for a hospital check-up soon,” she suggested.

Joelle was cautious, remembering a recent incident. Just days ago, Lyla and Katie had unexpectedly visited and found Rebecca at the villa. Joelle was unsure if they had mentioned this to Amara. If they had, she was bound to face more criticism.

“A check-up? What for?” Joelle inquired cautiously.

“For your uterus, of course,” Amara responded with a click of her tongue. “You’ve been married to my son for three years, and there’s still no sign of a pregnancy.” Joelle breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Lyla hadn’t spoken of the incident to Amara.

Reflecting further, she considered why Lyla might remain silent. Spencer was angling for a position at Miller Group, and Lyla wouldn’t risk offending Adrian before that was secured.

Joelle retorted calmly, “Why should I be the one checked? If we haven’t conceived, perhaps your son is equally responsible.”

Amara’s voice sharpened. “Are you suggesting my son has a problem?”

“I didn’t say that. You’re the one speculating.”

“Joelle, what absurdity is this? My son is in perfect health! Any issue lies surely with you!”

“Do you have evidence to back that claim? As a woman, aren’t you aware of how deeply your words cut?” Joelle, uncharacteristically bold, left Amara momentarily stunned, prompting her to glance at her phone to confirm it was indeed Joelle she was conversing with.

“What’s come over you? I’m Adrian’s mother. How dare you address me with such disrespect?”

Fearless, Joelle understood that a harmonious relationship with Amara was beyond reach. If gentleness failed, then it was time for firmness. If she didn’t assert herself now, she’d only suffer more later.

“Amara, sometimes I pity you. You lost the love of your life, and your son is too engulfed in his work to attend to you. But why direct your bitterness at me? Aren’t we both women? Did Irene ever treat you this way?” Amara, gripped by rage, clutched her chest. “How dare you mention Adrian’s father? Joelle, who do you think you are? My son wouldn’t choose you even if you were the last option on earth! What right do you have to judge me?”

Joelle’s voice remained even. “Your acceptance is irrelevant. As long as Irene sees my worth, that suffices. And remember, it’s your son who is eager for a child with me. Continue this hostility, and I assure you, Adrian will remain heirless!”

With that, she ended the call and took a deep breath to steady herself. It was liberating not to be obligated to please anyone. At noon, Leah delivered her lunch and arranged a car to take her to Adrian’s office.

The receptionist, not recognizing Joelle and noticing the lunchbox, delivered a routine message. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Miller is currently out of the office.”

Joelle responded with a nonchalant shrug, “Then I’ll just sign in. Please inform Adrian that I brought the lunch, but I was allowed in.”

The receptionist eyed her curiously, her tone suggesting surprise as if Joelle was implying that Adrian had implored her to come. While signing in, Joelle felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Michael.

“Joelle, it really is you,” he remarked, glancing at the lunchbox. “Bringing lunch for Adrian? Let me escort you upstairs.”

Now, with Michael having spotted her, Joelle realized leaving would send the wrong message to Adrian, possibly suggesting she was avoiding him. She accompanied Michael to the elevator, which whisked them to the top floor.

As the doors closed, Michael asked casually, “Joelle, have you seen Rafael recently?”

Joelle nodded. “Yes, I have.”

Michael gave an awkward smile. “What’s the matter?” she inquired.

“Well, nothing really. It’s just that we’ve been trying to get him to join us lately, but he’s been elusive. It’s hard to catch him these days. I’m surprised you’ve managed to meet him.”

Joelle sensed an underlying tone in his words, stirring a faint unease within her. So she queried, “Yeah. So, are you familiar with Rebecca?”

Michael’s expression changed noticeably.

As the elevator doors slid open, Joelle flashed a smile. “Rafael and I are merely friends. However, Adrian and Rebecca’s relationship seems suspicious. Perhaps you should address your concerns to Adrian instead.” Frankly, all of Adrian’s friends were loyal to him.

Michael had urged her to keep her distance from Rafael, yet Joelle felt that Rafael was the only one who genuinely looked out for her interests. Stepping out of the elevator, Michael hesitated, trailing slightly behind her.

Ahead lay Adrian’s office, marked by imposing double gray doors with sleek silver handles. As Joelle reached for the handles, memories flooded back—the last time she had been here was three years ago. Back then, she often spent hours in Adrian’s office, enjoying snacks and films.

But those carefree days with Adrian were now irretrievably lost.

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