?<strong>Chapter 53:</strong>


    After dinner, Joelle and Adrian got ready to leave. But before that, Amara called Adrian into the study.


    “Adrian, you need to start nning for a baby with Joelle as soon as you can. Ideally, you’ll have two within the next three years. That way, we’ll secure arger portion of your grandmother’s inheritance.”


    The family branch they belonged to was falling behind Quincy’s in numbers, but having children could tilt the bnce in their favor in the inheritance stakes. It wasn’t just a matter of cunning—Quincy’s branch was plotting simrly.


    “I overheard L nning a marriage for Spencer,” Amara continued, her tone disdainful. “Quincy’s even hoping for a grandchild by next year. They think having more kids will better their im on the inheritance. As if!”


    Despite her contempt for Quincy’s methods, Amara knew she had to do the same. “This year is crucial, Adrian. Joelle must get pregnant.”


    Adrian stayed silent as Amara rambled on.


    “It’s been three years of marriage and no news. Maybe Joelle can’t have children? You should take her to the hospital for a checkup. If there’s an issue, address it immediately. If she can’t have children, you’ll need to find someone else.”


    Adrian’s frustration boiled over. “Mom, would you ept Dad speaking about you in this manner?” Amara froze, then slowly met his gaze.


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    In a swift motion, she pped Adrian, leaving a stark handprint on his cheek. Adrian was no stranger to her outbursts. Ever since his father’s death when he was twenty, any mention of him triggered her.


    “If you hadn’t been so foolish as to fall for Joelle’s maniptions, would I need to resort to such extremes? What right do you have to mention your father?” Amara snapped, her voice harsh. “He was my protector, and what have you done?”


    Adrian lowered his gaze, a bitter smile touching his lips. Amara gripped his shoulders firmly, though her hands could no longer fully encircle the breadth of his grown frame.


    “Adrian, my good boy, listen carefully. You must crush Quincy and his branch, im everything your grandmother left behind. Do you understand?”


    After years of conflict with Quincy’s branch, Adrian had grown numb, but he knew fulfilling his mother’s wishes was paramount. Since losing her husband, joy had been scarce for Amara. Her life had revolved around this familial struggle. Adrian recognized that supporting her cause might help restore her spirit.


    A few momentster, he responded, “Okay.” He then drove Joelle away from the Miller Mansion.


    After navigating through a couple of intersections, Joelle dropped her act. “Let me off up ahead.” Adrian didn’t reply, nor did the car slow.


    Joelle’s voice grew stern. “Adrian, I need to get out.”


    He abruptly mmed on the brakes, but the doors remained locked.


    Joelle’s re was fierce. “What do you want?”


    Adrian’s hands were steady on the steering wheel, his expression unreadable. “Have you been taking birth control these past few days?”


    The tension in the car escted with Adrian’s icy demeanor. Joelle instinctively tightened her grip on her purse, responding tersely, “No.”


    Adrian’s eyes narrowed as they swept over her face, then lingered on the purse in her hands. Joelle instinctively tried to pull it back, but it was toote. Adrian snatched the bag and withdrew a box of birth control pills.


    His eyes, full of unspoken questions, fixed on her. Joelle’s breathing quickened.


    Momentster, Adrian crushed the box in his hand, rolled down the window halfway, and threw it outside.


    “Adrian, what gives you the right to throw away my things?”


    His response was icy. “You want a divorce, don’t you?”


    Joelle steadied herself. “What are you implying?”


    “Give me a baby.”


    Joelle’s lips pressed into a thin line, a pause hanging in the air before she retorted, “Adrian, you’ve lost your mind.”


    She attempted to exit the car, but Adrian pulled her back. Joellended heavily on the seat, her body reeling from the abrupt movement.


    Adrian’s tone remained cold, unyielding. “Give me a baby, and I’ll let you go.”


    A bitterugh escaped Joelle. “Are you that desperate for someone to bear your child?”


    “Yes.”


    Silence fell. Joelle had adored this man for eight years—how could she not discern his foul mood? Yet, what did his turmoil have to do with her? She wasn’t the source of his upset.


    “Then divorce me and find someone else. You can have as many children as you wish with whomever you choose.”


    Adrian tightened his grip on her wrist. “You refuse to have my child?”


    Joelle offered a faint smile. “Of course. But I know someone would be eager to have your child—Reba.”


    “I want you to be the one!”


    In a sudden move, Adrian pulled her close and kissed her forcefully. His presence overwhelmed her, invading every sense.


    Soon, Joelle tasted blood in her mouth. Adrian rxed his hold slightly, his lips stained with blood from where she had bitten him.


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