?<strong>Chapter 80:</strong>


    Adrian and Joelle were nestled close on the sofa when an unexpected knock at the door broke the moment.


    Joelle instantly tensed, pushing against Adrian to create distance between them. “Get off me! Someone’s there!”


    Adrian remained as unruffled as ever. “Are you going to the hospital or not?”


    Joelle bit back a retort, knowing this wasn’t the time to argue. Thest thing she needed was someone walking in on them.


    “Fine, you win! Now, move!”


    Adrian finally relented, standing up just as the door swung open. Joelle’s eyes caught something unusual about his lower half—a reminder of the passion they’d just shared.


    “Adie!” Reba’s voice rang out as she entered the room. The sofa hid Adrian’s lower half, and Reba, oblivious, failed to notice Joelle lying there.


    Reba’s voice sent shivers down Joelle’s spine, freezing her in ce. It took a moment for the reality to sink in. As Adrian’s wife, Joelle had to check in at the front desk every time she visited, yet Reba could waltz in and out as she pleased, even barging into Adrian’s office unannounced. Joelle couldn’t control Adrian’s behavior, but Reba was another matter entirely.


    She sat up, casually smoothing her disheveled clothes. “Adrian, you hurt me earlier.”


    Reba’s smile faltered as she registered Joelle’s presence. “Joelle, I didn’t see you there.”


    “What? What’s so strange about me being in my husband’s office?”


    Reba shifted ufortably under Joelle’s stare, clearly caught off guard. She had never expected to walk in on such a scene, least of all in Adrian’s office.


    “No, no.”


    Joelle ignored her, and Adrian remained indifferent. He knew he hadn’t actually hurt Joelle, and even if he had, she wouldn’t mention it in front of someone else. Despite her talk of divorce, Joelle’s jealousy over Reba was unmistakable. She was a walking contradiction.


    Adrian, however, seemed oddly pleased by the situation. He turned to Reba. “What brings you here?”


    Reba’s smile returned, though a bit strained. “Adie, the doctor said my condition has improved. I wanted to share the good news with you!”


    Adrian’s cold demeanor softened, if only slightly. “You could’ve just called me!”


    Blushing slightly, Reba replied with a shy smile, “I wanted to share the good news with you in person, Adie. Do you have a moment? I’d love to treat you to lunch as a way of thanking you for all your support.”


    Trying to conceal her true intentions, Reba extended the invitation to Joelle as well. “Joelle, why don’t you join us?” She was certain Joelle would refuse; the request was too humiliating. The thought of having Adrian all to herself made Reba inwardly pleased, until Joelle responded calmly, “Sure, I’d be happy to!”


    Reba’s smile nearly faltered. “Okay, let’s go, then!”


    “No need.” Adrian loosened the top button of his shirt and rxed on the sofa. “Joelle’s already bringing me lunch. You can head back.”


    Disappointment washed over Reba. “Adie…” His gaze met hers, firm. “I’ve told you before. Don’t call me that!”


    Reba blinked, feigning innocence. “Did you? My memory isn’t the best, you know that. I’ll make sure to remember next time.”


    Adrian, not wanting to embarrass her further, let thement pass in silence. Joelle couldn’t help but roll her eyes, but she quicklyposed herself, her tone deliberately pointed. “Adrian, don’t disappoint Reba. If lunch is off the table, why not supper instead?”


    She turned to Reba with a subtle smirk. “Reba, we’ll leave the evening ns in your hands.”


    Feeling as though she had just been handed orders like a servant, Reba replied awkwardly, “Of course!” Joelle didn’t leave her any room to retreat. “And please, close the door on your way out.”


    She picked up a piece of chicken and offered it to Adrian. “Adrian, try this.”


    As soon as the door clicked shut, Joelle dropped her pretense. Setting down her fork, she said coldly, “Don’t thank me! You and Reba can enjoy your date tonight. Leah and I won’t wait for you for supper.”


    She began to rise, but Adrian caught her hand, pulling her off bnce. Joelle stumbled over the armrest and fell into hisp. His strong arms held her firmly in ce.


    “Why are you so jealoustely?” he asked.


    Joelle took a steadying breath. “I’m not jealous. I’m just helping you and Reba spend more time together. Understand?”


    Adrian chuckled. “You’re being considerate now?”


    Joelle shed a sharp smile back. “I have many great qualities. It’s a shame you’re too blind to see them.”


    Adrian’s gaze darkened with yful intent. “Oh, I’ve noticed. You’re flexible, and you sound pretty good in bed too. Those are definitely qualities.”


    Joelle’s face med with embarrassment, anger sparking in her eyes as his words hit their mark. She raised her hand to p him, but Adrian caught her wrist before she could make contact. “Calm down,” he said, his tone teasing. “Tonight, I’ll take my time to discover what other great qualities you have.”


    “Aren’t you spending the evening with Reba?”


    Adrian shrugged nonchntly. “That was your idea, not mine.”


    Joelle narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “If you don’t go, Reba will be really upset.”


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