?<strong>Chapter 426:</strong>


    He was stubborn in business but never tyrannical.


    This time, however, he dealt with the furor with an iron fist, pulling every string and spending a small fortune to remove all the negative articles from the inte. He felt no remorse or regret, given how harsh thements about Joelle were.


    “Find me a jewelry designer for a diamond ring,” he added.


    Can was momentarily stunned as realization hit him. “Mr. Miller, is it for…? Have you thought this through? I mean, marriage is a lifelongmitment.”


    Adrian looked out the floor-to-ceiling window. “What’s happened recently has made me realize I can’t live without her.”


    He paused, then smiled as he continued, “Joelle gave me a home, a reason to live. I want to share my life with her until we grow old together.”


    Can was happy for Adrian but couldn’t fully celebrate as he caught sight of Joelle in his peripheral vision, standing in the doorway.


    The cup in Joelle’s hand slipped from her grip, spilling and soaking the carpet.


    Adrian saw her reflection in the window and realized she must have heard what he said. “Joelle, I—”


    Joelle cut him off. “I didn’t hear anything!”


    With that, she turned on her heel and sprinted away.


    Watching Joelle sprint away in panic, Can chuckled. “It seems Ms. Watson isn’t quite ready to ept you yet.”


    Adrian had expected as much. “Yes, now is not the right time.”


    Just as Joelle had indicated, one chose to ignore, and the other chose to remain silent, letting the moment pass unnoticed.


    That day, M opened her phone to browse the usual jokes about Joelle.


    However, she discovered that the online world, which had been harshly critical of Joelle the previous night, was now overflowing with praise for her.


    Anyone bold enough to criticize her was banned.


    The situation was quite strange.


    From the staircase, Gracie’s voice floated over as she chatted with Fred.


    “Adrian really pulled out all the stops this time, quieting all theizens across the nation.”


    Gracie snorted. “That’s exactly what was needed. Did you see the insults thrown at Joelle a few days ago?”


    At this, M tuned out.


    She had long harbored suspicions of Adrian’s deep affection for Joelle. Despite the presence of many beautiful women, he seemed to see only Joelle.


    Honestly, M felt jealous.


    Throughout her entire life, not even her brother, father, or grandfather had given her such undivided attention.


    Her romantic history included men who initially impressed but ultimatelycked depth or were overly attached to their mothers, all proving to be disappointing. If given the choice of a partner, she would undoubtedly select someone like Adrian, whose focus would be solely on her.


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