Chapter 87: Chapter 87



Joelle had anticipated this response from Adrian, but she couldn’t help but press on. “Are you sure? A lot of couples change after having kids.”

Adrian scoffed, “It only makes things worse.”

Joelle forced a bitter smile. “Can it really get worse than where we are now?”

Adrian turned away, his eyes cold. “Joelle, stop daydreaming. Having a child with you is just to fulfill my grandmother’s wish. Do you really think having a baby will make up for what you did before? Using a child as leverage proves you don’t deserve to be a mother.” Joelle didn’t bother to argue about the past. Her heart had died slowly, not all at once.

“I get it.”

A few days later, it was time to visit the Miller Mansion. At the mansion, Joelle met Fiona, who looked somewhat like Lacey but had a completely different demeanor. Quincy’s family had gathered, all dressed in formal attire. Even Spencer had toned down his usually gloomy presence.

Adrian had recently promoted Spencer to a managerial role, and with promising prospects ahead, Spencer was in high spirits. He even greeted Joelle with a smile.

“Joelle, this is Fiona. Fiona, this is my cousin’s wife, Joelle.”

Fiona wrung her hands nervously. “Nice to meet you, Joelle.”

At the Miller Mansion, Joelle and Adrian always put on the appearance of a perfectly loving couple. Otherwise, Irene would find out.

Today, Irene was in high spirits and came downstairs to join everyone for dinner. Quincy supported her as she made her way down. “Mom, were you eager to meet Fiona?”

“Of course. With Spencer settling down, Katie will be engaged soon, too.”

Blushing, Katie replied, “Grandma, I’m not ready for marriage just yet! I want to spend more time with you and take good care of you.”

“Oh, you are such a sweet girl.” Irene’s face beamed with affection.

Meanwhile, Amara was sitting on the other side, seemingly displeased. It was clear to anyone paying attention that this cheerful scene was being put on for the Hudson family’s benefit.

After some casual conversation, Fiona seemed to relax and even began to smile more comfortably. During dinner, Irene turned her attention to Spencer. “Spencer, since you’re settling down, it’s time to step up and support your cousin at the company. A man’s main focus should be his career. If you and Adrian manage the company together, I can have peace of mind.”

Spencer nodded. “I understand, Grandma. I won’t let you down.”

Just then, Amara dropped her fork, causing a brief pause at the table. Irene stayed calm and said, “Bring Amara another fork.”

After dinner, Amara pulled Adrian towards a room. “What was Irene trying to imply? Why should Spencer have anything to do with the company? Does she actually expect you to share power with Spencer? He’s completely useless.”

Adrian stood by the window, appearing far more composed than Amara. “Spencer’s getting engaged to Fiona. Grandma just wants to make sure he keeps his pride intact. The Hudsons are watching closely. From what Lacey mentioned, Fiona was sent by the Hudson family to test the waters.”

Lacey had mentioned that her father was playing both sides strategically. He kept a good relationship with Adrian while also getting close to Spencer. This way, no matter who Irene decided to pass the family business to, the Hudson family would stand to gain.

Amara sat on the sofa, rubbing her temples in frustration as she listened to Adrian. “So, it still boils down to you and Joelle not giving Irene a great-grandchild to win her favor.”

Adrian’s gaze turned icy. “Even if Joelle and I had a child, it might sway Grandma a little, but cutting Spencer and his family out completely isn’t realistic.”

Irene had already lost one son, and despite Spencer’s shortcomings, she would still look out for him.

Amara scoffed. “I’m not letting them get what they want.” Meanwhile, Joelle sat quietly in the living room, catching bits of the conversation around her.

“By the way, Joelle, how is Rebecca doing?” Lyla suddenly asked, drawing everyone’s eyes to Joelle.

Irene frowned at that. “What does Rebecca have to do with Joelle?”

“You haven’t heard, have you?” Lyla, who had kept this to herself for a long time, felt emboldened now that her son was getting engaged to a Hudson and had secured a role in the company.

Irene looked at her sharply. “What are you talking about?”

“Adrian brought Rebecca back home to take care of her!” Katie couldn’t resist adding more fuel to the fire. “Yes, and isn’t it just so generous of Adrian and Joelle to look after the driver’s daughter like that? The three of them are living together now, like one big happy family!”

Spencer and Quincy kept quiet, observing the brewing tension. Fiona’s gaze flicked between Joelle and Lyla, curious about the story behind Rebecca. Despite the scrutiny, Joelle kept her cool.

“Lyla, that’s a bit dramatic. Rebecca is still young and dealing with health issues. Adrian has always been kind to those he cares about, and I’ve grown fond of Rebecca too. We agreed it would be best for him to bring her home where she can be properly looked after.”

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