?<strong>Chapter 484:</strong>


    M abruptly halted in her tracks, her heart pounding with an overwhelming sense of trepidation. Yet, not a single soul among the crowd below even nced her way.


    Stephen was engaged in a heated debate, effortlessly countering the arguments of several individuals at once.


    “So what if Adrian is divorced? Can’t M be with him?” someone asked Adrian. “Are you seeing M?”


    “No,” Adrian responded coldly, his voice distant and detached.


    “Did you hear that? Stephen, Adrian has no interest. You can’t just im he’s M’s boyfriend just because you think he’s attractive.”


    M’s face turned crimson with embarrassment.


    If she didn’t step in now, she would be the subject of ridicule—aughingstock.


    “Grandpa!”


    Everyone turned to see M descending the grand staircase from the second floor, a picture of grace and elegance.


    “I know you’re concerned about my marriage, but you shouldn’t let that anxiety push you into such reckless actions,” she said calmly.


    “Huh?” Stephen quickly realized her intention.


    “Oh, I just thought Adrian might have some interest in you,” Stephen remarked, his old friends eyeing Adrian with mischievous nces, eager for thetest gossip.


    Adrian frowned.


    “I’m not.”


    “Grandpa!” M interjected smoothly, linking her arm with Stephen’s. “Adrian and I aren’t at that point yet. I understand your concern, but can we please take things at a slower pace?”


    “Very well. Adrian is a good man. I trust your judgment,” Stephen replied.


    With just a few whispered words, the two of them had cleverly spun a sensational rumor about Adrian, crafting a web of intrigue and scandal.


    If Adrian didn’t set the record straight, how could he ever face Joelle again with any semnce of confidence?


    “We will never reach that point. Since you missed the earlier conversation, allow me to repeat myself,” he said.


    “Adrian!” M stepped forward, cing her hand over his mouth to silence him. “Please don’t humiliate me in front of everyone, alright?”


    A fleeting shimmer of sorrow flickered in her eyes.


    Adrian, shaped by his upbringing, had an innate respect for women that guided his every action. Were it not for Joelle, he wouldn’t have been so audaciously confrontational in front of such arge crowd. However, his manners were always contingent on the situation at hand.


    His patience was nowpletely exhausted.


    “Don’t touch me.” Adrian brushed M’s hand away with a dismissive motion. “I have no connection to you. How many times do I need to say it? Do you truly think that my acknowledgment would somehow restore your honor?”


    M’s gaze faltered, her eyes dimming as she lowered them.


    Stephen, fiercely protective of his granddaughter, stepped in front of her and demanded, “Adrian, what on earth is wrong with you? What’s wrong with my granddaughter? What makes her any less deserving than Joelle?”


    “Grandpa, let it go,” M said softly from behind Stephen, her hair cascading over her face like a delicate veil, adding an air of vulnerability to her presence. “If Adrian refuses to take responsibility, then so be it.”


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