Chapter 16
z was clear without a word. Texa’s heart raced with panic. She didn’t speak, but her hand instinctively tightened around Adrian’s arm. Her meaning was clear
After Calista’s earlier remarks and observing the Cole siblings reactions, the crowd realized this wasn’t the kind of drama worth lingering for. They quickly and tacitly dispersed, breaking off into small groups.
It’s not a misunderstanding Connor asked, his face full of suspicion.
“Ms. Terell is right. It was a misunderstanding Adrian replied, suppressing his irritation. His face had already returned to its usual gentle, polished
look.
That single statement was enough to put an end to the issue, leaving no room
“Adrian_“Tessa called out, still unwilling to accept the outcome.
For further argument
But as she looked at Adrian, she saw that while his expression remained calm, the look in his eyes behind his glasses was undeniably tinged with anger as he glanced at her.
As his sister, Tessa knew Adrian’s temper too well to misread that look. She quickly shut her mouth, Jowering her head, hiding the dissatisfaction that flickered in her eyes.
Connor, being sharp, sensed that while he didn’t know the whole story, now was the time to de–escalate
The crowd had dispersed, leaving just the four of them, and the most embarrassed one was undoubtedly Tessa.
But since Adrian had already declared it a misunderstanding. Connor was more than happy to act as if nothing had happened.
He thought. As long as my own side doesn’t suffer, who will refuse the chance to let things slide?”
“My sister isn’t in a state to stay any longer. Mr. Halls, if you ever visit Stonebridge. I’ll be your host, Adrian said in a calm, measured tone. His thin lips curved into a polite smile as he spoke the pleasantries.
Calista glanced at Adrian’s faint smile and returned it with one of her own, but she remained silent
Connor, eager to keep things amicable, beamed back “Of course, I’ll make sure to visit
Adrian then grabbed Tessa by the wrist and started to walk away. As he passed Calista, his gaze lingered on her briefly before he quickened his pace, leading Tessa may.
Once the Cole siblings were out of sight, Connor finally leaned in and asked, “Calista, what exactly happened back there? Are you alright?”
Since Calista was someone he had brought along, Connor naturally felt responsible and showed more concern, his eyes filled with a hint of apology.
“It’s nothing, just a minor conflict, Calista smiled as she gave a brief explanation of the clash with Tessa, but she felt a touch of regret in her heart
If she had clarified in front of everyone that she and Connor were just friends. Tessa’s dramatic accusations would have surely left her, with all that makeup on her face, even more mortified.
If there were a hole in the ground, Tessa might have jumped right in. It would have been quite a scene to watch.
But with Adrian there, Calista couldn’t be bothered to clear things up. Explaining her platonic relationship with another man in front of her ex- fiance—it was an idea that felt weird and awkward, even thinking about it made her uncomfortable.
Connor said. “Who would’ve thought Ms. Cole, who looks so harmless, is actually, as you would say, a real bitch”
Calista, still feeling a bit down, was amused by Connor’s comment. She couldn’t help but smile and praised him, “Mr. Halls, your grasp of phrases is getting really good.”
The two of them exchanged a knowing smile
Inside the Rolls–Royce, Tessu, wrapped in a bath towel, felt uneasy. She could sense the heavy atmosphere hanging in the car.
“Adrian.. she tried, testing the waters.
Adrian didn’t look at her. He simply adjusted his glasses and took out his phone, dialing a number
Seeing him make a call, Tessa pressed her lips together and stayed silent.
The call connected quickly, and Adrian spoke in a calm voice, I need the surveillance footage from tonight’s banquet at the Wellington Grand Hotel. The original file, not a copy. Specifically, the area around the outdoor pool from an hour ago.”
い
Chapter 16
“Understood, Mr. Cole.”
“Adrian, what are you doing?” Tessa asked, stunned by what he had just instructed.
“You’re a member of the Cole family. There’s no reason for any evidence to remain behind in Zandora”
Tessa felt a flicker of relief, but when she noticed Adrian’s tight expression, without his usual warmth, her heart sank, ‘Adrian is still angry!”
She bit her lip and softened her tone. “I know I was wrong to argue with her tonight, but after seven years, she suddenly comes back, and all I could think about was what happened back then. I just couldn’t let it go…”
“And just because you couldn’t let it go, you thought it was okay to publicly slander someone and demand an apology from someone who did nothig wrong” Adrian’s tone was stern.
