?<strong>Chapter 122:</strong>


    When Reba saw the photo, her first reaction was to get Adrian to see it.


    “Erick, follow them closely. I’ll bring Adrian and catch them in the act!”


    Erick was unable to hide his excitement. “You can count on me!”


    Joelle had just wrapped up a gaming session with Rafael. “Let’s go,” she suggested.


    Rafael matched Joelle’s pace as they walked side by side. As they left, they unknowingly passed Erick, who was lurking in a nearby shadow, his back to them.


    With a smile, Rafael suggested, “How about we grab a bite? Feeling hungry?”


    Joelle agreed with a bright smile. “Sure.”


    As Joelle climbed into Rafael’s car, Erick quickly followed in his own vehicle.


    They headed to a secluded, upscale restaurant, out of reach for the average patron. Unable to follow them inside, Erick concealed himself in the bushes, watching as Joelle and Rafael entered. He then made an anxious call to Reba.


    “Is everything set on your end?”


    Reba replied from Adrian’s office, “Almost. I’m convincing Adie to join me for lunch at that restaurant soon.”


    About thirty minutester, Erick spotted Reba and Adrian arriving.


    Reba, dressed elegantly in a white dress with a bandage wrapped artistically around her head, moved with ethereal grace.


    “Adie, thanks for joining me for lunch. I’ve heard great things about this ce.”


    Adrian, his face unreadable, asked bluntly, “Who told you that?”


    “Netizens.”


    The two entered the restaurant, and the manager approached them with a respectful smile. “Table for two?” Reba naturally linked her arm through Adrian’s, her tone sugary. “Could we have a seat by the window?”


    “Certainly. Please, follow me.”


    Once they werefortably seated, Erick, lurking outside, rubbed his hands together, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.


    Just then, he felt a tap on his shoulder.


    Turning around in confusion, he was met by two imposing men in ck suits.


    One of them asked, “You’re Erick Lloyd, right?” Erick quickly averted his gaze, stammering, “You’ve got the wrong guy.” Before he could bolt, the men seized him, their grip firm and unyielding.


    Cornered, Erick forced a nervous smile. “Guys, let’s just talk this through. I swear, I’m not Erick.”


    “Why try to run if you’re not?” one of them countered.


    “Save it forter.”


    “Hey! Wait! Hold on!”


    The men effortlessly hauled Erick into the restaurant, one gripping each arm.


    Meanwhile, the manager was leading Adrian and Reba to a window seat, enthusiastically highlighting the restaurant’s specialties when suddenly, amotion behind them drew everyone’s attention.


    “Hey! Isn’t that Joelle?”


    Joelle and Rafael were also seated by the window. Joelle’s face registered brief confusion, but she quicklyposed herself.


    Adrian’s expression hardened as he surveyed the scene. Noticing the red rose in the vase on the table, he realized the restaurant catered to couples, creating an intimate, romantic ambiance.


    The thought that Joelle hade to such a ce behind his back made his blood boil.


    He wanted to shoot her a look that conveyed his disapproval, but Joelle responded to Reba’s remark.


    “What a coincidence. You two on a date too?”


    “A date?” Rebaughed lightly. “You’re hrious. Adie’s just keeping mepany for lunch. But you…” Joelle’s smile remained unwavering. “What were you about to say?”


    Reba tapped her head yfully. “Silly me. Of course, you must have cleared it with Adie beforeing here alone with a man. For a moment, I thought you were meeting a man without Adie knowing!”


    She turned to Adrian. “Adie, let’s go eat! We shouldn’t intrude on Joelle and her date.”


    Joelle set down her cutlery and licked her lips. “What I do is none of Adrian’s business.”


    Adrian, his hand shoved into his pocket and his jaw clenched, couldn’t tear his gaze away from Joelle throughout the entire exchange.


    Herposure only fueled his frustration.


    This was not the behavior of a married woman.


    “Joelle, go home with me right now.”


    Joelle slowly turned to face Adrian, her eyes drawn to the arm Reba clung to—such a bitter irony in that moment.


    “Adrian, what right do you have to demand that of me?”


    “Right?” Adrian’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You want to discuss rights with me?”


    Joelle stood up, her resolve unshaken as she locked eyes with him. “There are things I’ve been meaning to say for a long time. I don’t care what you do with Reba behind my back, but the fact that you’re trying to y both sides—acting all affectionate while demanding I bear your child… It’s absolutely revolting.”


    Her gaze dropped, a faint smirk of disdain curving her lips.


    Adrian followed her gaze and realized how it must have looked, Reba clinging to his arm.


    He had only meant to be courteous, knowing how fragile her health was, but seeing the hurt in Joelle’s eyes made his chest tighten with guilt.


    Rafael, sensing the tension, stood up as well, his concern evident.


    Adrian sneered, “Now you know how I felt when I was forced to marry you, don’t you?”


    The moment the words left his mouth, Joelle grabbed a ss of water and threw it in his face.


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