?<strong>Chapter 278:</strong>


    “No.”


    The assistant watched as Adrian helped Joelle into the car. The assistant realized he didn’t really have any right to take Joelle away. After all, the man was her ex-husband. Moreover, even if something happened, he couldn’t just escape the responsibility in a society governed byws.


    “How do you know Joelle was in the bathroom?” the assistant asked. As Adrian closed the car door, he nced at the assistant and replied, “I’m under no obligation to answer that.”


    The assistant was a recent college graduate, clever and bold. “Did you know Joelle had a business meeting here today? Is that why you came rushing to help her when she was in trouble? No, that can’t be right.” The assistant scratched his head. “If you were really that considerate, how did you end up being her ex-husband?”


    Adrian remained expressionless. Why did Joelle always hire such cheeky people? Adrian ignored the assistant, got into the car, and drove off. Halfway through the drive, Joelle woke up. She had thrown up in the bathroom earlier and was now almost sober.


    She realized she was in a moving car, turned around, and asked, “Why are you here?”


    Adrian responded coolly, “Who else do you think?”


    “Where’s my assistant?”


    “He’s drunk. Were you expecting him to take you home? Do you want to risk your life?”


    At that moment, a headache surged. Joelle rubbed her forehead, closed her eyes, and leaned back in her seat. She rolled down the window, letting in the cool breeze, which made her feel somewhat better.


    Adrian nced at her and replied indifferently, “Don’t you know your limits with alcohol? Why did you drink so much?”


    Joelle sighed and said, “I’m about to perform. Those people are all my sponsors. If a simple drink can solve problems, what other choice do I have?”


    Even so, Adrian didn’t like seeing Joelle handle everything alone. She deserved to be happy and carefree, not mired in unpleasantness.


    When they reached the riverside, Joelle said, “Let me feel the breeze for a bit. I don’t want the kids to smell the alcohol on me when we get back.”


    Adrian brought the car to a stop at a scenic spot where they could see the riverbank bridge and the shimmering waves. A breeze swept through, and Joelle leaned back in her seat, with Adrian unsure if she was asleep or just resting.


    Truthfully, Joelle couldn’t fall asleep. She was merely closing her eyes to avoid conversation with Adrian. Yet, her heart raced. A part of her reminded her that it had been a long time since she had been this peaceful in his presence. After about half an hour, Joelle stretched and faked waking up.


    “Well, please drive me home now.”


    Adrian silently started the car and drove smoothly. Upon reaching her home, Adrian inquired, “When is your performance?”


    Joelle didn’t reply but asked instead, “Why do you ask?”


    “We’ve known each other for years. Isn’t it normal for me toe and see?”


    Joelle didn’t answer immediately. She knew having Adrian at her performance would have a significant impact. The sponsors would definitely hold him in high regard. Joelle didn’t fully grasp why Adrian was making this gesture. However, as a businesswoman, she saw the practicality in amodating such a request.


    “Alright, I’ll have my assistant send you an invitation and reserve the best seat for you.”


    She handled the situation more adeptly than before. Later, after Joelle went inside, Adrian remained in the car for a moment longer, lighting a cigarette before driving away. Joelle was not the same as he remembered. She was no longer the person who would cry and plead for his protection.


    In the quiet night, it felt as if something new was taking root. The following day, Joelle slept in. The children were under the nanny’s care, and she woke up alone in arge bed. As soon as she propped herself up, her brother entered with breakfast. Without worrying about appearances, Joelle eagerly gulped down some orange juice.


    After that, she noticed Shawn watching her intently. “What’s going on?” she asked.


    “Who brought you homest night?”


    Joelle chose not to conceal the truth. “Adrian.”


    “Did you guys have a date?”


    “No.” Joelle took a bite of her sandwich. “It was just a coincidence.”


    Shawn clucked his tongue and sat at the edge of her bed. “So he just happened to meet you and drove you home? Since when has Adrian been so meddlesome?”


    Joelle met his gaze and said, “Shawn, what are you trying to say?”


    “Oh, silly girl.” Shawn touched her forehead gently. “Don’t get too caught up with favors from men. The world is full of men. Why hang onto him?”


    “I understand.”


    In truth, Joelle wasn’t just disregarding Adrian. She wasn’t interested in romance at all. After finishing breakfast, she went downstairs to y with the two children for a while. Shawn, looking serious after a phone call, beckoned her over. “Joelle, can you pick someone up for me tomorrow afternoon?”


    “Who is it?”


    “Dad’s former driver, Jackie Ellis.”


    “Is Jackieing?” Joelle smiled. “Sure, I’ll pick him up.”


    Shawn leaned in and whispered something to her. On the table, there was a photograph where ten pairs of eyes seemed to watch over them.


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