?<strong>Chapter 300:</strong>


    If Adrian hadn’t witnessed it himself, he would never have believed Amara capable of speaking so harshly to Joelle. Yet, Joelle seemed unfazed by the remarks. Perhaps she had grown ustomed to them and learned not to let them disturb her. “Amara, you’re mistaken. I’m here merely to return kindness.”


    Clearly, Amara didn’t believe her. She moved to the sofa, sitting down with a scoff. “Joelle, consider yourself warned. Our Miller family has never held you in high regard. You were married to Rafael. Do you think Adrian would want a divorcee? You’d better stop meddling and keep your distance from Adrian!”


    “Mom!” Adrian interjected, coughing. Despite his weak state, his brow was furrowed in disapproval. “That’s out of line! My personal matters are not your concern.”


    Amara shot him a furious look. At that moment, Joelle retorted, “Isn’t your son also a divorced man?”


    “How dare youpare yourself to my son? Joelle, do you find this amusing? Is it money you’re after?” Amara pulled out a checkbook, hastily wrote a figure on one, and mmed it on the table. “Take this and stay away from my son!”


    Adrian’s heart sank. “Mom!” He truly feared Amara might seed in pushing Joelle away. Joelle calmly walked past him. She picked up the check that Amara had pped onto the table. One hundred million dors.


    Joelle’s lips twisted slightly. “Is this amount monthly?”


    Amara seethed, her frustration so intense that her face contorted. “See, Adrian? She’s nothing but greedy! Lucky you’re no longer with her!”


    “Leave,” Adrian said coldly. Amara straightened herself. “Did you hear that? My son wants you out.”


    Joelle smiled subtly. “Are you sure?”


    Adrian moved quickly, positioning Joelle protectively behind him. “Mom, I think it’s best if you leave now.”


    Amara pointed to herself as she stood up slowly. “Are you serious? You’re telling me to leave? Adrian, I’m your mother! Look at who you’re siding with! This is Joelle! The same person who drugged you, forced you into marriage, and was involved with Rafael!”


    With Amara bringing up these old usations, Adrian seized the chance to rify each one with a stoic expression. “I’ve looked into the drugging incident. I spoke with Salome and learned it was Reba who drugged me. It was Grandma who pushed for the marriage. As for her rtionship with Rafael, Joelle did nothing wrong. Given the pain I caused her, and her previous love for Rafael, it’s only right she married him.”


    Not only was Amara stunned, but also Joelle, who hadn’t expected him to say so much in her defense. In the past, when Amara had relentlessly criticized her, he had never interceded.


    Now, embarrassed and angered by her son’s words in front of Joelle, Amara resorted to exerting her maternal authority. “Adrian, I am your mother, and I demand you throw this woman out!”


    Adrian’s face remained impassive. “You are the one who needs to leave.”


    “What?” Amara stepped closer, her voice rising. “Say that again!”


    “You need to leave.”


    Amara pped him across the face. Adrian’s head snapped to the side. Joelle was momentarily shocked but quickly stepped in, now shielding Adrian. “Why would you hit him?”


    Amara didn’t care who she hit. “Who the hell do you think you are to question me?” She lifted her hand to strike again, but Adrian quickly caught her wrist. “If you try to hit her, I will disown you as my mother.” Joelle was at a loss for words. She nced from Adrian to Amara.


    Moments before, she hadn’t thought the situation had gotten so severe, yet now she felt overwhelmed by guilt as if she were to me. “This is a family issue. I should leave.” With a resolute expression, Joelle grabbed her bag and hurried out.


    “Joelle!” Adrian called out as he followed her, catching up outside. “Joelle, please don’t go!”


    “Adrian, really, this is only making things worse.” Joelle looked down. “I came to look after you simply to return the kindness you showed me and my brother.”


    “I know.” Adrian grasped her shoulders. “But have you ever wondered why I helped you in the first ce? Joelle, I—”


    Joelle raised her eyes and cut him off. “I know what you’re going to say, but please don’t.”


    “Why not?” Adrian, unable to contain his emotions any longer, confessed his true feelings. “Joelle, give me another chance. Let’s try again and give Aurora aplete family, okay?”


    Joelle gave a sorrowful smile. “I can’t make the same mistake again.”


    “You won’t!” Adrian insisted confidently. “Joelle, I won’t let you leave me again this time!”


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