?<strong>Chapter 225:</strong>


    “What seems to be the problem? Does grief consume you?” Michael asked.


    Adrian handed the phone over. “Could you check this out for me?”


    Disyed on the screen was a screenshot of the hospital’s surveince video. Joelle had mentioned she was taken to the rooftop, and the footage showed someone in a nurse’s outfit leading her there. Yet, the camera failed to capture the face clearly, which made identifying the person challenging.


    Michael sighed when he heard this. “Why does it appear that Joelle has faced constant trouble since her return?” Adrian was about to sip his drink but stopped upon hearing this. “Michael, could you investigate someone else for me?”


    “Who is it?”


    “The person who vandalized Joelle’s studio earlier.”


    “Absolutely, I’ll handle it.”


    Adrian took another sip of his strong drink. “Michael, I need to ask you something. Please be honest with me.”


    “Sure, what’s on your mind?”


    “What’s your opinion on Salome Lloyd?”


    “Salome Lloyd?” Michael realized who Adrian was referring to. “Oh, you mean Reba’s mother? I haven’t really had much interaction with her, so I can’t say much.”


    “Is that all?”


    Michael paused to think, then sighed. “Well, I believe in a woman’s intuition about other women. Lacey doesn’t like Salome or Reba. She has spoken quite negatively about them to me in private. There’s something about a woman’s sense when ites to these things.”


    Adrian looked confused. “What’s the issue with Salome?”


    “She’s so ‘good’ that you have to support her for the rest of your life!”


    Michael’s words hinted at something deeper, and Adrian felt their weight as he sipped his drink.


    “Something bothering you? Feeling a bit low?” Michael asked.


    Adrian lit a cigarette, reclined on the sofa, and gazed at the ceiling. The vibrant lights overhead were stunning, yet he felt hollow inside.


    “Today, Joelle told me that she didn’t drug me back then.”


    “Huh.” Michael filled his ss. “I suspected it was about Joelle. You’ve been drinking increasingly over thesest two years because of her.”


    “She took my daughter and married my former best friend. Wouldn’t that depress you if you were in my shoes?”


    “Adrian, is your distress because she’s with Rafael, or do you actually have feelings for Joelle?”


    Adrian’s face twisted in disgust. “Have feelings for her? What sort of fantasy are you caught up in? I’ve always regarded her as a sister.”


    “If you say so.” Michael’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Just a sister, yet you two have a child together?”


    Adrian was clearly annoyed. “It was under my mom and grandma’s insistence that I had a child with her.” Michael didn’t pass judgment on Adrian’s character. “You know the truth, so why the upset? If you never had feelings for Joelle, who she’s with shouldn’t bother you, right?”


    “And what about the child?”


    Adrian’s voice softened as he thought of Aurora. “That child is my daughter, yet she calls Rafael ‘Daddy.’ Every time she calls me ‘Mr. Miller,’ it feels like a punishment. Joelle and Rafael already have a son. Can’t they let me have my daughter?”


    Michael offered aforting pat on the shoulder. “Adrian, you need to move on. Life doesn’t always follow our ns.”


    After a few drinks, Adrian felt the alcohol’s effects. He hid his face behind his hand, his voice rough from emotion. “I’ve lost everything. My daughter is all that remains.” His soft words lingered in the midnight air.


    On the other hand, Pa quickly changed out of her nurse’s uniform and rushed to the designated meeting spot.


    Reba’s expression was one of annoyance. “Where’s Joelle? Did your n work?”


    “No! She woke up unexpectedly, and Adrian arrived just in time. I had to flee! Next time you n something this risky, handle it yourself! You might not fear death, but I cherish my life.”


    “What are you saying? Adie was at the hospital too?” Reba struggled to maintain herposure, but it was slipping. If Adrian suspected anything, he might connect the dots back to her, jeopardizing her strategy to remain unseen. “Didn’t you im he had no feelings for Joelle? Why would he visit her sote?”


    Pa began to doubt. Reba’s assurances seemed less credible now. Contrary to Reba’s ims, Adrian showed little regard for her but often visited Joelle. This was a stark contrast to what Reba had described. “Do you grasp the situation? Adie is solely focused on his child!”


    “Fine.” Pa tossed her hair back. “Whatever. Your issues are none of my concern. I’m done helping you with your schemes.”


    Reba narrowed her eyes. “What? Aren’t you worried about Amara’s reaction?”


    “If Amara targets me, I can always seek Adrian’s protection. I’m merely a pawn he uses against Amara. However, if you threaten me, I can expose everything to Adrian. Who do you think would be more humiliated?” Pa had been working for Reba for some time and had finally gained leverage over her. She was confident that Reba would think twice before trying to control her again.


    “Pa, you’re the most understanding. You wouldn’t tell Adie, would you?”


    “I stay out of the way of those who stay out of mine.” Pa gestured dismissively. “Reba, when you marry into the Miller family, make sure I get an invitation!”


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