?<strong>Chapter 138:</strong>


    Adrian’s eyes were unreadable as he looked at Shawn. “Are you hinting at something, Shawn?”


    “Absolutely not,” Shawn responded, extinguishing his cigarette. He pivoted slightly, seizing Joelle’s wrist. “I just believe that now the divorce is settled, it’s best for both of you to move on without looking back.”


    Shawn positioned Joelle in front of Adrian, flicking away an imaginary speck from Adrian’s jacket. “Adrian, I trust this decision won’t be one wee to regret.”


    With a firm step, he walked past Adrian, ushering Joelle forward. Adrian watched in silence as the siblings climbed into their car and pulled away.


    Before entering the car, Joelle nced back at him. Her expression held less hope than before, the sparkle in her eyes noticeably faded.


    Adrian didn’t feel regret. He felt guilt. His guilt extended not just to Joelle but to the unborn child as well. It was an offense he couldn’t absolve himself of. Since the divorce’s initiation, guilt had engulfed himpletely. Yet, the idea of prostrating himself to beg Joelle’s forgiveness was beyond him.


    Cutting off the financial support to Watson Group was his desperate attempt to draw Joelle back. Despite his efforts, nothing had changed.


    He turned and, assisted by a staff member, proceeded toward the ward of Austin Watson, Shawn and Joelle’s father. The attending doctor had already updated him on Austin’s condition. To be precise, it hadn’t changed much over the years. “Mr. Watson’s prognosis remains grim, yet I urge you to hold on to hope.”


    Adrian paused silently at the doorway of the hospital room, surveying the scene within. Austiny there, his breathing aided by an oxygen mask, surrounded by the humming machines that sustained his life. As Adrian lingered, his thoughts drifted not to Austin but to how Joelle would react to this heart-wrenching sight.


    “Your dedication is truly appreciated,” he remarked to the doctor, then turned to leave.


    On the drive back, Shawn briefed Joelle on his recent business achievements. Joelle was taken aback. “Shawn, are you suggesting you’ve entered the ranks of the world’s top 50 wealthiest?”


    “Shh, let’s not draw attention. unting wealth isn’t my style.”


    Feeling almost surreal, Joelle touched her forehead to check for a fever—no. She was indeed incredibly wealthy now.


    Shawn reclined, his voice measured. “It’s fair to say we owe Adrian a nod of gratitude. His generous financial backing was instrumental in my sess.”


    While the Miller family’s wealth still surpassed Shawn’s, the difference was now marginal. Shawn harbored some guilt, yet he couldn’t forget that his sister had endured much in her marriage to Adrian. With newfound wealth, Joelle’s first desire was independence.


    Currently residing with Katherine, where they enjoyed a cordial rtionship, Joelle still felt the constraints of living under another’s roof. Shawn had space for her at his residence, but given his adult status, the dynamics could beplicated should he have romanticpany.


    The perks of being rich meant that Shawn let Joelle pick any property she wanted in the city. The next day, they visited a real estate office.


    Joelle initially selected a residence close to public transit. Shawn clicked his tongue. “You know, your brother’s made it big. You don’t need to worry about catching buses anymore.”


    “Oh, right, of course.” Joelle tapped her temple, chuckling. “I suppose simplicity is in my bones. Adapting to a wealthy lifestyle is still a bit foreign to me.”


    At her admission, a look ofpassion crossed Shawn’s face. “Joelle, ever since our parents passed, I vowed to give you a life even more splendid than before.”


    Joelle shook her head, her smile unwavering. “Shawn, having a home and a car already sets me above many. I’m happy with what we have.”


    While unaware of the specifics of Shawn’s ventures abroad, she trusted that his earnings were hard-fought. Content yet cautious, she chose a modest apartment after some thought.


    While finalizing the paperwork, Shawn inquired if she also wished for a car. Her right hand often lost control, making driving too risky.


    “Forget it, Shawn. The apartment will suffice.”


    Shawn paused, then suggested, “Perhaps we should consider a car anyway. If driving isn’t feasible for you, I could arrange a chauffeur.”


    As he proposed this, his phone buzzed, prompting him to excuse himself and answer it outside.


    Switching to a foreignnguage, it was clear the call pertained to his business abroad—a revtion to Joelle. “Your brother really looks out for you,” remarked the real estate agent, observing the scene.


    A warm feeling enveloped Joelle, her heart swelling with gratitude.


    Still enveloped in this warmth, she noticed the automatic doors part. Reba entered, wheeling Salome, both deep in conversation.


    “Mom, Adrian insisted on bringing you here to choose a house.”


    “Oh my, that’s overly generous! How could we possibly ept such a gift?”


    “Mom, it’s just Adrian’s way of showing he cares. Let’s not turn it down. He wants to ensure we have a stable home here.”


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