?<strong>Chapter 449:</strong>


    “Alright.”


    Before departing, Adrian made sure Joelle was well cared for by arranging for three caregivers.


    That evening, upon his arrival in Lumina, various acquaintances who were aware of Joelle’s condition expressed their sympathy to Adrian. The short walk to the second floor stretched into half an hour as Adrian engaged in brief conversations along the way.


    Upon opening the door to the second-floor lounge, he found Michael there, a wine ss in hand, reclining on the sofa with a distant expression.


    “What are you thinking about?” Adrian asked.


    Jolted from his reverie, Michael’s eyes were red and swollen from sleep deprivation. His sleep had been disrupted ever since Lacey’s death. “Nothing,” Michael responded, diverting his gaze and his thoughts. He had been reminiscing about times spent with Lacey.


    “How’s everything going? Has Joelle woken up yet?”


    “No,” Adrian answered, toasting with Michael.


    “Try to keep a positive outlook.”


    g ? lnσ ν?? ?s, your storytelling home


    “You too.”


    Both had faced difficult timestely, and their conversation soon dwindled. It had taken considerable persuasion from Michael’s family to coax him out of the house today.


    As the business meeting began, Illerith’s top leaders outlined the strategic objectives for the uing quarter.


    Miller Group had evolved into more than just a business; it had be the bearer of a generational mission. As its current leader, great expectations rested on Adrian’s shoulders. After the presentation, the leaders joined Adrian for a round of drinks, marking the start of his social duties.


    When it seemed Adrian was nearing his limit, Michael and Can alternated in helping him manage the onught of drinks, although the leaders were spirited and could hold their liquor well.


    As the three began to feel overwhelmed by the festivities, a woman’s voice cut through the noise at the table.


    “Mr. Morrison, you seem to be spending quite a bit of time drinking with Mr. Miller. Don’t you think that shows a bit of favoritism?”


    All eyes turned toward M.


    “Absolutely not! Come now, Finch Group is just as significant in Illerith, right?” Gat Morrison scanned the room. “Isn’t Fred supposed to be here today?”


    “He ran into some issues on the way, so he asked me toe in his ce.”


    “Oh, I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Finch!” Gat reached out to shake her hand.


    M lifted her ss. “Fred speaks highly of you, always grateful for your contributions to Illerith and your consistent support for Finch Group.”


    “Oh, please, let’s skip the formalities!” Gat toasted with her. As M tilted her head back to sip her drink, she gave Adrian a quick wink.


    .


    .


    .