?<strong>Chapter 194:</strong>


    In the assistant’s eyes, only Reba and Salome genuinely cared for Adrian. When the call connected, he blurted out, “Hello? Miss Lloyd, there’s urgent news!”


    “Is it about Adie?”


    “Yes, it is!” The assistant shifted to a quieter corner, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Joelle has returned to the country, and she’s not alone—she brought two children with her!”


    “What?” Reba gasped, her reaction too loud for her ownfort. She quickly moderated her tone. “How did this happen? Why did shee back, and with two children?”


    “One of the children is Mr. Miller’s, and the other is reportedly hers with Rafael.”


    In the dance studio, Reba’s knees buckled, and she sank to the floor. “So that’s the situation.”


    The assistant pressed on, “Joelle is quite bold now, leveraging her ties with the Romero family to assert her presence.”


    ncing at her reflection, Reba noticed her expression—lips bitten, fists clenched. Despite the frustration evident in her stance, she responded thoughtfully, “Really? From what I remember, Joelle wasn’t like that.”


    “You’re seeing her with too kind eyes, Miss Lloyd. People who’ve been underdogs don’t waste a moment to unt when fortune favors them. She’s trying to y the part of someone influential, but in reality, no one takes her seriously.”


    Reba shifted ufortably, feeling the indirect sting of his words. “Joelle’s had her struggles, raising two children on her own. It’s understandable she mighte off strong. Let’s not judge her too harshly. Everyone has their reasons.”


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    The assistant, touched by her empathy, replied, “You’re always so understanding. Why doesn’t Mr. Miller recognize this?”


    “He sees me as a sister. That’s enough for me.”


    “But you shouldn’t settle, Miss Lloyd. I believe Mr. Miller harbors feelings for you!”


    “I hope that’s true.”


    After ending the call, Reba inhaled deeply, trying to master the tumult of emotions roiling inside her. Yet, the effort was futile, and a primal scream escaped her lips as she hurled her phone toward the mirror. The dance studio mirrors, made of durable material designed to withstand impacts, didn’t shatter. They stood unscathed, reflecting back her unspent fury—a vivid emblem of her internal state, where no calm had been restored.


    Unsatisfied and desperate to expel her frustration, Reba grasped nearby objects, hurling them with reckless abandon. The room echoed with the sounds of her tempest. She continued her destructive spree until exhaustion imed her, her breaths heaving as she glowered at the chaos strewn across the floor.


    Salome entered the room briskly, her wheelchair making a soft whirring sound. “What are you doing? Look at yourself, acting like a shrew!”


    Reba’s eyes snapped to Salome the moment she wheeled in. “This is all your fault! Your call did nothing. Joelle didn’t just survive; she’s thriving with Rafael and has another child with him! Why does she get everything—first Adrian, now Rafael? Why am I wasting my time here learning things that don’t matter?”


    Salome let out a dismissive scoff. “So, you’ve realized you’re not contributing much. Why not try harder to actually learn something worthwhile? Something that might capture Adrian’s attention?”


    “He never visits! What am I supposed to do? For the past three years, he’s been buried in work or obsessing over finding Joelle and the child. He’s forgotten all about us!” Reba protested, frustration edging her voice.


    “That’s because you haven’t given him anything interesting toe back to!” Salome retorted sharply.


    Rebaughed bitterly, grabbing a stack of dance clothes from the floor. “Interesting? What’s the point of all this dancing?” With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the clothes back onto the floor in a defiant heap.


    “Oh, my naive girl.” Salome sighed deeply, picking up the clothes one by one. “Haven’t you noticed how much Adrian’s obsession with Joelle has consumed him thesest three years?”


    “It’s because of the child!” Reba insisted.


    “You’re wrong.” Salome corrected firmly. “Men are drawn to mystery and challenge. Adrian pushed Joelle away when she was his, but now she’s out of reach; he’s fixated. What does that tell you?”


    Reba was perplexed. “What are you suggesting it means?”


    “It means Joelle possesses qualities that Adrian values deeply!” Salome exined, a note of urgency in her voice.


    Reba seemed unconvinced yet intrigued. “So? She was still dumped by Adrian, wasn’t she?”


    “That’s exactly why you must learn from Joelle’s experience.” Salome gently patted Reba’s hand. “You’ve been diligently working on yourself—piano, chess, painting, dancing—emting the upper-ss poise Joelle has. This is not just about skills—it’s about cultivating an allure that Adrian can’t ignore.”


    “Do you really think Adrian will start seeing me differently?”


    “Absolutely,” Salome affirmed with confidence.


    The idea of transforming herself into someone who could finally capture Adrian’s heart consumed Reba’s thoughts.


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