?<strong>Chapter 320:</strong>


    After the call ended, Adrian approached Joelle. “What did Lara want?”


    Joelle struggled to articte her thoughts. Should she reveal that they might escape this ordeal by spending the night together? “Nothing.”


    Adrian’s expression was clouded with concern; his furrowed brows had been a constant since they entered.


    It was clear Lara had a motive for confining him and Joelle together, though he couldn’t figure it out yet.


    Breaking the uneasy silence, Joelle suggested, “First, let’s see if we can get some help.”


    They both checked their phones only to find no signal; likely a signal jammer was at work.


    Thendline was their only remaining option, but surely Lara would be monitoring it. Any attempt to use it would immediately alert her.


    Holding on to a flicker of hope, Joelle thought that if they weren’t heard from for an extended period, someone mighte looking for them.


    But she quickly dismissed this idea, realizing Fred and Gracie might easily alleviate any concerns from their side.


    In short, they were stuck there with each other, with no apparent way out.


    Ten minutester, thendline rang again. This time, Adrian answered before Joelle could.


    If it was Lara calling again, what nonsense would she spout this time? With her heart pounding, Joelle unconsciously clutched the cushion on the sofa.


    Adrian picked up. “Hello?”


    “Adrian, it’s me!” It was Fred’s voice.


    “Fred, have you seen the kids?”


    “Yes, but Lara is making conditions. She insists you and Joelle must sleep together before she’ll release them.”


    Adrian’s expression darkened as he nced at Joelle, who appeared increasingly distressed.


    Her thoughts were consumed by concern for the children, while Adrian briefly entertained an unwee thought.


    “Got it.” He hung up and returned to his seat across from Joelle.


    “Who was it?”


    “Fred.”


    “And what did he say?”


    “He said the kids are okay, and we shouldn’t worry.”


    “Is that everything he said?”


    “Yes, that’s all.”


    Joelle went silent, her thoughts in turmoil, unsure how to discuss this development with Adrian.


    Adrian felt simrly conflicted. After a moment, he stood and went to the bathroom.


    Outside, Joelle paced back and forth anxiously.


    The well-being of the children was paramount. What wouldn’t she sacrifice for them?


    She eyed the camera Lara had undoubtedly installed to monitor them.


    If she didn’tply with Lara’s demands, it would be taken as proof she didn’t truly love Adrian, putting them all in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Adrian sshed water on his face in the bathroom, reminding himself repeatedly not to lose control.


    Adrian knew he couldn’t exploit Joelle under these circumstances.


    Thendline rang once more.


    This time, Joelle picked it up and switched it to speaker mode. Adrian emerged from the bathroom just as the pained cries of Aurora filled the room. “I want Daddy! I want Mommy!” Rnd’s cries echoed his sister’s.


    Fred and Gracie felt overwhelmed. Their son Dunn was usually easy to manage, but they were unustomed toforting a distraught little girl and her younger brother who often echoed her emotions.


    “Please don’t cry. We’re right here with you.”


    “I want Mommy!” Aurora cried, as she and Rnd clung to each other, looking pitiful and needy.


    Fred tried to distract them. “How about I show you a magic trick?”


    “No!” they replied in unison.


    Fred was at his wit’s end. “Dunn, help me out here!”


    Gracie asked, “Son, how did you calm them down earlier?” The noise and confusion were evident even through the phone.


    Joelle’s heart was breaking, but she remained silent, knowing that any sound from her might make the children even more upset.


    Then Lara’s voice cut through the turmoil. “What’s taking you so long? No kissing, no hugging—how do you expect to get your kids back? If you really want to see them, you’d better get moving!”


    Joelle and Adrian locked eyes, their mutual understanding clear.


    The call ended, and Joelle looked down, murmuring, “You know everything now, don’t you?”


    “Yes.”


    Joelle wondered if he also knew about her long-hidden feelings for him.


    But instead of dwelling on it, she decided to be upfront. After the sex, she would wave goodbye to the past. Joelle was the kind of person who, once she made up her mind, would take action. She was sentimental and nostalgic, making it hard for her to decide, but she would also cut the knot when necessary.


    She stepped towards Adrian.


    Adrian’s heart raced, and he instinctively stepped back, but Joelle caught him by the shirt cor.


    “Joelle!” His mind screamed caution—he couldn’t let himself lose control even more than Joelle might.


    Joelle fixed him with a steady look. The setting sun cast elongated shadows through the window, but it only sharpened the resolve in her eyes.


    “Listen, Adrian. These are the words from the eighteen-year-old Joelle.”


    Adrian held his breath.


    “I like you.”


    The simple confession seemed to resurrect the bittersweet feelings of her youth.


    It wasn’t her cheeks that flushed, but her eyes that reddened with emotion. “From the age of eighteen to twenty-six, I’ve carried a torch for you for eight years.”


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