?<strong>Chapter 141:</strong>


    Amara realized she was losing her grip on Adrian. Previously, regardless of how harshly she reprimanded or disciplined him—often more severely than now—Adrian had never disyed such a chilling countenance. Now, fear genuinely tinged her demeanor.


    With a nervous blink, Amara softened her voice. “Joelle told me about the doctor’s words. After she lost the child, conceiving again might prove difficult. Her health isn’t the best.”


    Adrian had no desire to listen to another syble. He stormed upstairs, hoping that distance from Amara might quell the growing storm within him. Yet, after a few restless turns around his room, his anger spilled over, and he began to demolish anything within arm’s reach.


    Downstairs, Amara cringed at the sounds of destruction, hastily scooping up the photographs before retreating. Having exhausted his rage, Adrian slumped onto the bed’s edge, lighting a cigarette to soothe his nerves.


    He retrieved his phone and dialed.


    Tess, the sales assistant, picked up promptly. “Hello, Mr. Miller. How may I assist you this evening?”


    Salespeople were ever at the ready, poised to leap into action at a client’s beck and call, regardless of the hour. After thinking for a while, Adrian asked, “Which apartment did Reba choose in the end?”


    “It’s a two-bedroom in East Creek. The building is right by a subway station and bus stop, attracting mostly older residents due to its tranquility. It’s ideal for Miss Lloyd and her mother.”


    “Alright,” Adrian acknowledged, then took a measured breath. “Could you also check where Joelle Watson purchased her apartment?”


    Tess hesitated, her tone revealing her surprise. She hadn’t known Adrian’s wife—or rather, ex-wife—was Joelle. Indeed, she wasn’t even aware Adrian had ever been married. Sharp as ever and the top salesperson, Tess swiftly made the connection that Joelle Watson was the same individual who had secured a property at Hignds Bay earlier. Opting to keep her inquiries to herself, she replied smoothly, “Certainly. Let me verify that for you.” A few momentster, Adrian received his answer.


    “Mr. Miller, I’ve confirmed with my colleague. Ms. Watson purchased a two-bedroom apartment at Hignds Bay today, paying the full amount upfront.”


    Adrian’s grip on his phone tightened. “I need you to do something for me…”


    Joelle had settled into her new apartment at Hignds Bay for a week now. Its proximity to her workce was convenient, but she knew that soon, even this advantage would be irrelevant. As she anticipated the growth of her belly, she epted that she would eventually have to resign. She had grown fond of her job and her colleagues, making the decision even harder.


    Yet, she had to prioritize her privacy for now, not ready to reveal her pregnancy. Absorbed in her thoughts, Joelle carried groceries from the local market into the elevator. As she reached her floor, she managed to muster a smile. She reminded herself to take everything step by step.


    Stepping out, Joelle noticed movers bustling in the apartment across from her own, indicating a new neighbor moving in. She unlocked her door, dismissing any lingering curiosity, and stepped inside.


    The following day, returning from work, as Joelle was about to enter her ce, the door across the hall swung open. Her heart skipped a beat as Adrian appeared in the doorway. Joelle almost let her belongings slip from her grasp in astonishment.


    “Adrian? Why are you here?”


    Adrian’s expression remained unreadable. “Isn’t it clear? I’m your new neighbor.”


    Joelle was stunned. Of all the apartments in the city, Adrian had chosen the one directly across from hers? “What are you plotting? What’s your endgame here, Adrian?”


    Adrian leaned back casually against his doorframe, arms folded. “I thought I’d experience how themon people live. Does that bother you?”


    “Out of everywhere in the world, you choose the apartment across from mine?”


    Adrian simply hummed, a faint smirk ying on his lips. Joelle’s anger surged so fiercely she felt a sharp kick from within. She was gearing up to respond when another figure appeared behind Adrian.


    “Mrs. Miller!”


    “Leah?” Joelle’s surprise deepened. “What are you doing here?”


    “I’ve continued on as Mr. Miller’s servant. You wouldn’t believe it, but since your departure, he has barely eaten or slept. He’s been a ghost of himself at work, dark circles and all. Even his grandmothermented on his ghastly appearance…”


    “Ahem,” Adrian interrupted, clearing his throat emphatically. “Leah, that’s enough.”


    Joelle felt no pleasure at the news, only a mounting irritation. Without another word, she spun around and forcefully shut her door.


    Inside her apartment, the charming space she had meticulously arranged now seemed ustrophobic. Before she could even process her annoyance fully, there came a knock at her door. It was Leah.


    “Mrs. Miller, after such a taxing day, why don’t you join us for dinner?”


    Joelle’s expression remained t. “Leah, why do you persist in calling me Mrs. Miller? Haven’t you remembered that Adrian and I are divorced?”


    “Right.” Leah tapped her lips in a mock scold. “My apologies, Ms. Watson. Please, don’t be offended. Mr. Miller has extended an invitation for dinner.”


    Joelle nced over Leah’s shoulder at the still-open door across the hall. She couldn’t see Adrian, but she was certain he could hear every word.


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