"What?" Adrian was stunned.
It was already evening. Sylvie had returned hours ago, and inside the room only Annabelle and Adrian were present.
Just then, Ariana entered, her expression uneasy, carrying unexpected news.
"Yes… he's waiting in my office."
The 'he' she spoke of was none other than the Patriarch of the Vermillion family—arrived with his daughter.
"Help me with my shirt," Adrian said, trying to get up, only for Annabelle to press him firmly back down.
Her brows knitted as she scolded, "Why do you have to go? Just tell him you're not well." She turned toward Ariana, almost pleading, "Right? You can say that for him."
For a moment, Ariana looked as though she might actually agree. But Adrian's voice cut in, calm yet determined, "He isn't here for a casual visit, nor to ask about my health. Bella, I needed to take a walk anyway so let me go meet him."
