?<strong>Chapter 130:</strong>


    “If you had cut ties with the Lloyd family sooner, Joelle and the child wouldn’t be in this mess today!” Irene spat. Adrian acknowledged his role in the cmity, his head bowed, choosing not to contest Irene’s usation. Momentster, Irene summoned Joelle.


    As Joelle entered, she nced at Adrian, detecting no telltale signs of distress in his demeanor, leaving her puzzled about the cause of his earlier outburst. She had braced herself for Irene to use her of conspiring with Adrian against Spencer, but such allegations never came.


    “Don’t worry, Joelle. Erick will face justice for his actions. No mere prison term will suffice for harming a Miller,” Irene dered with a fierce undertone.


    Catching Adrian’s eye, Joelle felt a pang of sorrow, fully aware of the significance the Lloyd family held for him. The resolution would hinge on Adrian’s decision regarding Erick. Joelle had borne her share of mistreatment from the Lloyds. Now, the thought of her child enduring the same was unbearable.


    “I’d like to hear Adrian’s stance on this first,” Joelle stated firmly.


    Irene nodded, perceiving Joelle’s intent to gauge Adrian’s loyalty. “Very well. Adrian, your course of action?”


    Adrian’s response was grave. “Turn him over to the authorities. I’ll respect whatever sentence they impose.”


    Irene expressed her approval, relieved by Adrian’s clear judgment on such a critical matter. “Joelle, do you hear that? Adrian acknowledges his missteps. Let’s afford him the opportunity to rectify them.”


    Joelle’s emotions faltered with each nce at Adrian, his allure reigniting the embers of her youthful affection. Yet, the history of hurt she bore couldn’t be mended by mere chances, nor could they erase the scars or promise a seamless resolution.


    With a gentle smile tinged with sadness, she shook her head, her eyes glistening. “Irene, it seems you’ve forgotten why Adrian returned.”


    Irene’s demeanor stiffened, the memory of Reba momentarily slipping her mind. Adrian’s return had been out of concern for Reba. Her expression darkening, Irene challenged, “Adrian, you’ve always shielded Reba. Now, with her brother’s actions, do you still intend to protect her?”


    Adrian’s posture stiffened, his brow furrowed in conflict. “Grandma, Reba is all that’s left of the Lloyd family. Her mother’s back in their hometown, and Reba’s health is failing. With Erick gone, she’s alone.”


    “It’s not your responsibility anymore. Remember, you’re married!” Irene snapped sharply.


    Adrian’s gaze shifted to Joelle, herposure serene yet distant. “Joelle, is your heart truly closed to Reba?”


    “Enough!” Irene’s anger red. Joelle had been nothing but a devoted spouse, yet Adrian’s fixation with the Lloyds overshadowed his duties to her. She really didn’t know what the Lloyd family had done to make him so concerned about them.


    Joelle, tired of the fruitless discussion, cut to the heart of the matter. “No wife would tolerate her husband harboring another woman. If he can’t stay away from Reba, I refuse to waste more of my life here.”


    “Joelle, leave this with me. I’ll handle it,” Irene reassured, takingmand of the situation. She was resolute. With a definitive gesture, she summoned two aides.


    “Take Reba back to her hometown immediately. The Miller family has extended enough generosity. Her fate is no longer our concern!”


    “Grandma!” Adrian protested.


    Irene’s gaze on Adrian was icy as she admonished, “Adrian, you’ve erred gravely here. Remember, Joelle bore your child and became your wife legally. Is Reba worth the ruin of your marriage?”


    Adrian’s hands balled into fists. Without his support in her hometown—bereft of adequate medical care and necessary funds—Reba’s chances were slim. Erick was rightfully jailed, yet the thought of failing Reba haunted him. He had promised her father and brother to protect her.


    In a harsh tone, Adrian retorted, “My influence failed to save my father or my child. Must I also stand by powerless to protect Reba?”


    Joelle felt the urge to leave. Why stay when Adrian so clearly prioritized Reba over their vows? Her heart ached at the thought: his stubborn devotion rendered Reba a tragic figure, and herself a neglected counterpart. Did he not cherish her at all, after all they’d shared?


    Biting back tears, she dered, “If that’s the case, I need to go.”


    “Mrs. Miller!”


    The interruption came as an elderly servant burst through the door, halting Joelle’s next words.


    “What’s the urgency?” Irene responded with evident annoyance.


    “Salome Lloyd is here!”


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