?<strong>Chapter 310:</strong>


    Before Adrian entered the house, he noticed the Rolls-Royce parked outside. Its distinctive license te caught his eye, prompting him to mentally log it. Joelle, leading the way, suddenly inquired, “Feeling better?” Snapped out of his thoughts, Adrian responded, “Yes, I’ve just spent three days in the hospital, but I’m feeling much better now.” He then watched Joelle’s face closely.


    Michael mentioned that caring for someone often began with a protective instinct. Adrian knew that if Joelle showed indifference to his health, winning her affection would be a challenging journey. When Joelle disyed minimal concern, Adrian understood he was starting from a significant disadvantage.


    “Mr. Miller, let’s y house! I’ll be the mom, you be the dad, and my brother will be the baby,” Aurora said, inviting him to y. Adrian seized this chance for family time, eager not to miss the moment. While Joelle went to change her clothes and started making dinner, the doorbell rang. “Who’s there?”


    Joelle had been teaching the children about safety, emphasizing they should identify visitors before opening the door. “It’s me, Jonathan.” Joelle opened the door to discover arge bouquet of red roses. The flowers were bright and striking. What was Jonathan nning this time?


    “Joelle,” he called out. A chill ran down Joelle’s spine. “Mr. Tan, what are you doing here?” “These flowers are for you.” Hearing the exchange, Adrian hurried over, his face clouding instantly. He had only just begun to pursue Joelle, and suddenly a rival emerged. Though it wasn’t his home, Adrian instinctively pulled Joelle behind him in a protective gesture.


    Jonathan’s smile broadened. “Feeling jealous, huh? But as far as I know, you and Joelle have been separated for years, haven’t you?” Adrian’s demeanor grew frosty, and his eyes sparkled menacingly. “What does that have to do with you? Leave now.” Jonathan, still holding the roses, advanced. “Joelle, there’s a saying that revisiting an old rtionship is unwise. Given your beauty, kindness, and intelligence, I trust you won’t revisit past errors. Perhaps consider me?”


    “How do you know that would be a mistake?” Adrian retorted sharply. Joelle nced between him and Jonathan, sensing her tranquil life was being disrupted by these two men. “Mr. Tan, I’m grateful for your gesture, but our paths do not align. As the evening draws in, I must decline your stay for dinner.”


    Jonathan was already nning to leave. “Kindly take these flowers. The local shop could only supply 999, but in Bristania, my garden blooms with more. Maybe one day, I’ll show you.” Adrian stepped in front of Joelle more protectively. “Who cares?” “Perhaps Joelle does,” Jonathan countered, undeterred. He ced the bouquet into Joelle’s hands and kissed the back of her hand with grace. “Farewell, Joelle.”


    As Jonathan departed, Adrian ushered Joelle towards the bathroom. “Wash your hands now.” Joelle stumbled, caught off bnce by his urgency. “Adrian! What’s wrong with you?” “I’m fine, but can we be sure about him? Maybe he has some infectious disease.”


    Reluctantly, Joelle set the flowers down and thoroughly washed her hands with soap, all under Adrian’s watchful eye. Honestly, Jonathan’s touch had also made her uneasy. But Adrian’s intense reaction was surprising. Was it jealousy? “Done. I’m off to make dinner. You don’t need to stick around, right?” Joelle asked, visibly annoyed.


    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .


    The confined space of the bathroom made it awkward for them to be so close. She attempted to leave, but Adrian moved slightly, effectively blocking the door with a stern look. “What are you doing?” Joelle felt a hint of danger. “Who is that man?” “It’s none of your concern.”


    Adrian stepped closer. “Remember, as Aurora’s father, I have the right to know who you might consider as a potential stepfather for her.” It was then Joelle realized his concerns were purely paternal. Her heart, previously agitated by Adrian’s demeanor, calmed. She chided herself for her earlier reaction. “You’re reading too much into it. Nothing is happening between us.”


    Adrian’s icy demeanor thawed slightly. “Really?” Joelle faced him with a cool gaze and retorted, “But there’s even less of a chance with you.” She attempted to bypass him, but Adrian drew her back, pressing her against the sink. Trapped, yet unafraid, she met his stare with a frown.


    Adrian bowed his head, his breath warming her face. Joelle anticipated a kiss, but it never came. Instead, he just studied her face intently. For a moment, she thought he might count every eysh she had. The prolonged scrutiny and his proximity overwhelmed her. She flushed and shoved him back.


    Her response was peculiar, but her thoughts were too scrambled to think clearly. Adrian’s mouth turned up in a faint smile. “Michael always said that blushing under a gaze suggests there’s chemistry.”


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