?<strong>Chapter 208:</strong>


    “Who are you?” Joelle inquired.


    The man smiled warmly. “Three years ago, you were my child’s teacher! Thank you for all your hard work back then!”


    Joelle had taught over thirty students, many of whom went on to attend prestigious music academies. “The praise truly belongs to your child’s dedication. Their hard work is what made the difference.”


    “Miss Watson, you have a way with words!” The man rubbed his hands together and shifted the conversation. “Where are you off to next? Would you like to join me for a meal?”


    “She’s upied.” Adrian stepped forward from behind the man, his presence radiating a protective air that intimidated the man.


    “Miss Watson, I’ll take my leave now.” The man left rather quickly, clearly intimidated by Adrian.


    Joelle maintained her politeness with strangers, but with Adrian, she was noticeably colder. She disregarded him and continued on her way.


    “Joelle,” Adrian called out in a tone of annoyance. “Are you ignoring me?”


    Joelle kept moving without stopping.


    Adrian followed her. “It seems you’re pushing me to go directly to Aurora.”


    Aurora was a sensitive subject for Joelle, sure to provoke a reaction. “Adrian, keep away from Aurora and stop interfering in our lives!”


    Adrian looked on coldly as he watched Joelle’s frustration. “Alright, then hand over my daughter. You and Rafael can live your lives as you wish.”


    Joelle was about to respond when she noticed a woman hurrying towards them with bags in hand.


    Pa leaned against Adrian’s arm. “Adrian! How could you buy so many things for me? I can’t possibly carry them all. You owe me one tonight!”


    The scene was so annoying that Joelle couldn’t stand to watch for even a second longer. “Adrian, stop offending my daughter.”


    Pa seemed to finally notice Joelle. “Miss Watson, it’s been a while!”


    Joelle had no desire to engage and turned to leave.


    As Joelle reached the parking lot and was just about to enter her car, someone grabbed her arm and spun her around. Her back mmed against the car door, and her initial reaction was to call for help, but then she locked eyes with Adrian’s intense gaze. “What are you upset about? Are you jealous?”


    Joelle wished she could show Adrian how absurd he looked. “Adrian, be with whoever you please! It’s none of my business!”


    “You’re still iming you’re not jealous?” Adrian’s expression was taunting as he leaned closer, almost as if he intended to bite her neck. “Calm down; I’ve only been with you.”


    “Bastard.” Joelle lifted her hand.


    Adrian caught her wrist. “You think I’m bad? Let me show you what a real bastard looks like.”


    Suddenly, Joelle’s vision blurred, her lips felt an unexpected pain, and then she felt the sharp sensation of a bite.


    Her eyes widened, and her high heels scraped against the parking lot, but no matter how much she struggled, Adrian’s grip held her tightly.


    His tongue entered forcefully. Joelle clenched her teeth and bit down hard.


    In pain, Adrian released his hold, and Joelle seized the moment, delivering a sharp p across his face.


    “Adrian, my wedding to Rafael is imminent. I am his legitimate wife, and what we had is finished. Respect my space! Cross the line again, and I won’t hold back!”


    “He sleeps with my ex-wife; I get close to his. Seems fair.” Blood tinged Adrian’s lips. He ced his hand firmly on the back of Joelle’s head,pelling her to face him. The force he applied was so intense that Joelle found herself gasping for air.


    Adrian said seriously, “Joelle, hear me well. We are not done until you return my daughter to me.”


    He then wiped the blood from his mouth with his thumb and opened the car door for Joelle. “If you understand, then go.”


    Joelle climbed into the car, eager to escape the vtile man.


    Meanwhile, Pa received a call from Reba. “I don’t care what you have to do, even if it’s illegal, just make Joelle’s life miserable! Otherwise, you’ll regret it!” Reba demanded.


    Pa was just beginning to enjoy the benefits of being close to Adrian, including VIP treatment. Who did Reba think she was, speaking to her in such a manner? Did she truly believe she was someone of consequence?


    Pa decided to confront her. “Reba, do you think I’m an idiot? Are you targeting Adrian’s ex-wife and using me as a tool in your scheme? Do I really appear that stupid to you?”


    As long as she remained loyal to Adrian and maintained her status as his girlfriend, she could consistently receive bags and gifts.


    Reba snorted derisively. “Do you actually think I can’t deal with you? Trust me, a few words to Amara and you’re finished!”


    Pa noticed Adrian walking towards her.


    “Who are you trying to intimidate? If I face any trouble, Adrian will protect me. Reba, you no longer hold any significance to him.”


    With that, she ended the call with a victorious flourish.


    .


    .


    .