?<strong>Chapter 83:</strong>


    The ss door of the bathroom was clouded with steam. Joelle crossed her arms defensively, her cheeks flushed with difort. Adrian entered, and upon seeing him, she asked, “Could you step outside for a moment?”


    Catching her embarrassed tone, Adrian scoffed, “You once drugged me before. Why act innocent now?” Joelle bit her lip, speechless. No matter how often she rified that incident, he never believed her.


    Resigned to his misconceptions, she decided to let it be. She grabbed a bath towel and wrapped herself as she stood from the bath. “I’ll be waiting for you in the bedroom,” she said icily, brushing past him.


    As Joelle moved, Adrian caught a glimpse of her naked body, momentarily losing his train of thought. Her cool demeanor made his heart race unexpectedly. Though he harbored no love for her, his physical desires were undeniably strong.


    Anticipating their imminent intimacy, he felt no rush. While Joelle sat drying her hair by the window, Adrian’s phone vibrated. It was Reba calling.


    Joelle cast a wry smile towards the sound of running water from the bathroom and answered the phone. “Hello? Adie? Where are you?”


    Joelle feigned an apologetic tone. “I’m sorry, Reba. Adrian is in the shower. He won’t be able to join you for dinner. I tried persuading him, but he’s not interested.”


    “Joelle…” Reba’s voice broke into a sob. “Please, I need to speak with Adie. Something’s happened to Erick…”


    When Adrian emerged from the bathroom, Joelle was still processing the news. She handed him the phone, saying, “Reba needs to talk to you. It’s about her brother.”


    Adrian epted the phone with a skeptical look, his brow furrowing at the sound of Reba’s crying. Wanting no part in their conversation, Joelle stood and was reaching for the door just as Adrian ended the call. “I need to step out,” Adrian announced abruptly.


    “Okay.” Joelle’s reply was dismissive, her tone detached. She had braced herself for this moment from the second Reba’s call came through. The man she hadn’t been able to hold on to for three years wasn’t any more hers now than he had been then.


    Adrian hurriedly changed, casting a fleeting nce at Joelle, who was reading on the bed. “Wait for me,” he said.


    “Okay,” Joelle responded, her smile hiding her indifference.


    As soon as the door closed behind Adrian, she turned off the light and crawled into bed. Arriving at the hospital, Adrian was met by Reba’s loud cries.


    “Erick took a job at a construction site to pay for my treatment. Today, he fell from a height. Adie, they’re still trying to save him. What am I going to do?” She copsed against him, burying her face in his arms. Reba had endured the loss of her father and brother, so her distress over Erick’s ident was palpable.


    Adrian remainedposed, holding her arm and easing her slightly away from him. “Don’t worry. I’ll ensure nothing happens to Erick.” Tears cascaded down Reba’s cheeks as she sped her hand over her mouth, then threw herself into Adrian’s arms. “Adie, I’m so worried!”


    Despite Adrian’s efforts to detach, Reba clung to him, leaving him no choice but to stand firm while he contacted the hospital’s director.


    The director approached hastily, his voice anxious. “Mr. Miller, we are doing everything we can to save Mr. Lloyd!” Adrian nodded firmly. “Ensure he receives the best care. I will cover all costs.”


    The director stole a nce at Reba, noting Adrian’s evident concern for her. “Understood, Mr. Miller.” After the director departed, Adrian nced at his watch, mindful of Joelle waiting at home.


    “Reba, if you need anything, speak to the director. I must leave now.”


    “Adie!” Reba’s grasp tightened on his arm. “Please don’t leave. I can’t bear to be alone right now!” A flicker of impatience crossed Adrian’s eyes, but he maintained a steady tone. “I have obligations elsewhere. Call me if Erick’s condition changes.”


    Reba sensed his urgency to return to Joelle. She couldn’t fathom why Adrian, who once preferred hotels over home, now hurried home daily. Was Joelle no longer seeking a divorce?


    With clenched fists, she reluctantly let him go, aware that Adrian disliked persistence. Adrian had only taken a few steps when a thud echoed behind him. He turned to find Reba copsed on the floor.


    In the past, he would have rushed to carry her without a second thought, and this time was no exception. Yet, as he lifted her, doubt crept into his mind. Did Reba faint intentionally each time?


    He carried her back to her ward, and after half an hour, Reba stirred. “Adie, why are you here?” she murmured groggily, her memory seemingly scrambled upon awakening.


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