?<strong>Chapter 328:</strong>


    Katherine and Shawn were visibly shocked. Shawn inquired, “How do you know him? Are you familiar with this man?” Adrian pressed his lips together, his mood as heavy as his expression. “Dalton Myers was behind Humphrey’s death. He embezzled all the project money, stranding Humphrey with the debts. Humphrey was overwhelmed by despair, so he chose to end his own life.”


    Adrian continued, “I had someone look into it before. Rafael changed his name and got close to Dalton, probably to seek revenge for his father.”


    Shawn’s thoughts raced, and he stood up abruptly. “Adrian, are you saying that Dalton’s death is linked to Rafael?” The silence from Adrian spoke volumes.


    “That’s impossible!” Joelle eximed, unable to ept that Rafael could be a murderer.


    Katherine took her hand. “Joelle, try to calm down. It’ste. Let’s get some rest tonight and head to the police station tomorrow to learn more.”


    With no further topics to discuss, they all headed back to their rooms. Joelle was restless, tossing in her bed. Eventually, she sat up, staring into space.


    Upon hearing a noise outside, she slipped on her slippers and stepped out, finding Adrian upte in his pajamas, opening a bottle of wine. “Want some?” Adrian offered, holding two sses.


    Joelle tied up her hair, sighed, and nodded. “Sure.”


    As the wine poured into her ss, Joelle took a seat on the couch by the floor-to-ceiling window. Even the stunning night view did little to ease her anxiety. “Can’t sleep because you’re worried about Rafael?” Adrian asked, sitting next to her.


    Joelle took a sip of her wine and shared her concerns. “We’ve known him our whole lives. We understand him better than anyone else. Adrian, you don’t think he’d kill anyone, do you?”


    “I agree with you,” Adrian replied, taking a sip too.


    Joelle sighed deeply and finished her wine. “I’m off to bed. Try to get some sleep, too.”


    Her nightgown brushed against his knee as she passed by. Adrian’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure.


    Before his trip to Bristania, he had met once with Jonathan, who had given him his ring. Adrian asked him, “Any tips on winning Joelle’s heart?”


    Jonathan propped his head on his fist. “So you need my advice.”


    “I’ll throw away the ring.”


    “Don’t!” Jonathan quickly reclined. “There’s one way to charm ady—sleep with her!”


    Adrian’s expression turned stern, his hands balled into fists, the ring pressing painfully into his palm. “Are you joking with me?” Jonathan said inly, “Everyone has their needs, and if you two don’t click intimately, maybe it’s time to stop chasing her.” Jonathan was a man with many devoted lovers. Given his experience, Adrian found himself considering the advice. With his fists still clenched, Adrian rose just as Joelle was closing her door and quickly approached.


    Joelle was shocked when the door suddenly reopened. “Adrian, what’s this about?”


    Adrian looked at her with fierce resolve. “Do you want it?”


    Joelle paused. “What?”


    “You know exactly.”


    Joelle’s cheeks turned red with both embarrassment and anger as she shoved him out. “Have you lost your mind? If you’re that desperate, look elsewhere! Don’t be a creep here!” Adrian caught her wrist, his eyes still intense. “Don’t you want…”


    Seeing his seriousness frightened Joelle. “Adrian, you said you liked me just days ago. Is this how you show respect?”


    “Do you want it or not?” Adrian moved closer, their breaths mixing.


    Joelle med the alcohol as her body reacted involuntarily, her senses heightened—a typical response for her.


    Adrian lifted her chin. “If you’re not interested, why are we staying in the same suite?”


    Joelle bit her lip, avoiding his prating look. “We both have needs. Why not satisfy them together?” he suggested.


    At that, Joelle found the courage to meet his gaze and, without a word, pped him, prompting him to reconsider his approach. “What do you think I am? Find someone else for your needs!”


    The door mmed shut, showing Joelle’s anger.


    Adrian took a moment to gather himself. Once back in his own room, he called Jonathan.


    Jonathan, roused from sleep, answered groggily, “What’s up? Can’t sleep?”


    “What sort of advice was that?” Jonathan snapped.


    “Any luck with Joelle?”


    “None.” Adrian unbuttoned two buttons, feeling the heat from the drink, his chest red.


    Jonathan urged, “Don’t give up! Keep at it, even if she resists. Be persistent and don’t give up!”


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