Chapter 94: Chapter 94



As Adrian retreated to the wardrobe to change into his pajamas, Joelle steadied her trembling right hand by grasping her wrist. She ate mechanically, her thoughts elsewhere. Adrian reemerged, his tone casual yet probing. “Have you given any thought to Lacey’s request?”

Joelle realized that Adrian’s recent kindness was motivated by his concern that she might refuse Lacey’s request. It dawned on her that their interactions often seemed transactional, their mutual commitment reduced to bargaining chips. Was such a relationship beneficial, or was it demeaning? She wasn’t sure.

Joelle reassured herself of Adrian’s true nature and resolved not to falter. “I’ve spoken with Lacey. I’ll help her. Don’t worry.” Her meal continued joylessly.

After watching her quietly for a moment, Adrian said, “If you’re reluctant to get involved, just say no. I can handle it with Lacey.”

Joelle understood this as a test of her loyalty. He had hinted that declining Lacey’s request could adversely affect both Shawn and her father. Defiance was not an option.

“There’s no need. It benefits you if Quincy’s family loses influence. The more powerful you are, the more stable my life remains. I know what’s best for me.” Her rationale was clear, even pragmatic.

Days later, when Joelle brought lunch to Adrian’s office, she inevitably encountered Spencer. “Hey, Spencer. Have you eaten yet?”

Spencer paused, slightly taken aback by Joelle’s approach, but responded, “No, I was just about to.” Joelle slid the lunch box towards him. “Eat this.” Realizing the lunch was intended for Adrian, Spencer hesitated. “Isn’t this for Adrian?”

Joelle offered a guileless smile. “He had to rush out for something urgent. It’d be a shame to let it go to waste. Eat, I made it myself.”

As Joelle walked away, Spencer stood there, puzzled, holding the lunch box.

The following day, the scene replayed. Spencer tried to return the lunch box, but Joelle insisted, “Keep it. Did you enjoy the meal yesterday?”

Spencer clenched his fists, suppressing a cough. “Yes, it was excellent.” He glanced at Joelle appreciatively. “You’re quite the cook. Adrian’s lucky.”

“I’m glad you think so,” she replied, nudging the lunch box back towards him. “Adrian’s tied up again today. Please, eat.”

As Joelle turned to leave, Spencer called out to her. “Joelle, what’s this about?”

Puzzled, Joelle looked back, feigning confusion. “What do you mean?”

Stepping closer, Spencer lowered his voice. “Why are you being so kind to me?”

“Isn’t this how I always am?” Joelle answered without missing a beat. She flashed him a warm smile. “We’re family, Spencer. I’ve always considered you one of us.”

Spencer glanced around nervously. “Is that supposed to mean something?”

Joelle was momentarily taken aback. “You’re overthinking it.”

On the third day, Spencer visited the hospital to see a client and unexpectedly encountered Rebecca entering a ward. Curious, he discovered it was Erick’s room. Erick’s father and big brother had been drivers for the Miller family. Neither Spencer nor his parents had ever taken the Lloyd family seriously.

He deduced that Erick’s stay in such an expensive hospital must have been arranged by Adrian. Peering through the door, he saw Adrian in a suit, sharing a laugh with Rebecca. Their closeness was evident.

Capturing the moment, Spencer took a photo, intentionally excluding Erick, and sent it to Joelle, curious about her reaction. Unexpectedly, Joelle showed up at the hospital.

Joelle responded tersely, “My husband is in there laughing with another woman. Shouldn’t I at least ask what’s going on?”

He tried to caution her. “Joelle, it’s not the first time they’ve been seen like this.”

With tears welling up, Joelle admitted, “You’re right. It’s not the first time. You can’t imagine how long I’ve put up with their behavior!”

Observing her distress, he sympathized, “It must be hard being his wife.”

“Every family has its issues,” Joelle murmured, taking a deep breath. “Thank you, Spencer. Let’s pretend I was never here today.”

Watching her retreat, Spencer felt an unexpected pang of empathy.

A few days later, Adrian took Joelle back to the Miller Mansion. Under the dinner table, Joelle accidentally kicked Spencer’s shin.

She offered a quick smile. “I’m sorry.”

Spencer returned the smile. “No worries.”

After dinner, as rain began to fall, Amara summoned Adrian to her room for a familiar lecture, which always soured his mood. Amara often repeated her grievances about Lyla, consumed by resentment that seemed to disregard Adrian’s feelings entirely.

“Mom, I know,” Adrian replied, trying to reassure her. Amara grasped his shoulders, looking up at him. He had grown taller and broader over the years.

“Adrian, I’m doing this for your benefit as well. Remember, your father was—” Her words were abruptly cut off.

From outside, Joelle’s scream pierced the air.

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