The drive back to the villa was tense, the air thick with unspoken words. Lena kept her hands folded tightly in her lap, her mind replaying Adrian's icy voice as he defended her in front of everyone.
"Lena Zhao is my wife. Anyone who dares insult her… insults me."
Those words echoed in her chest, warming her despite herself. He hadn't hesitated, hadn't allowed Ethan or Xinyi to tear her down.
For one fleeting moment, she almost believed he meant it.
But when she stole a glance at him, Adrian sat in silence, his face expressionless, as if nothing had happened. His hand rested on his knee, long fingers tapping lightly in rhythm—a sign of irritation she had already learned to recognize.
She pressed her lips together. Of course. It was all just an act. A CEO couldn't afford to lose face in front of his peers.
When they arrived at the villa, Adrian dismissed the driver and strode inside without a word. Lena followed reluctantly, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Finally, in the privacy of the grand living room, she gathered her courage. "Thank you. For what you said back there."
Adrian loosened his tie, his eyes sharp as they landed on her. "Don't misunderstand. I wasn't defending you."
Her chest tightened.
He poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light. "I was defending my name. No one mocks Mrs. Li—not because of you, but because of me. You're my wife in the eyes of society. If you're insulted, I am insulted."
His tone was ice-cold, his words cutting like knives.
Lena swallowed hard, forcing down the sting. "I see. So it was just about your pride."
Adrian took a slow sip of his drink, watching her over the rim of the glass. "Don't take it personally. Our deal is clear. This marriage benefits us both. Nothing more."
Her fingers curled at her sides. "And what if I can't keep up with your world? What if I embarrass you again?"
His lips curved into a mocking smirk. "Then you'll learn quickly, or you'll burn. Simple."
Anger flared in her chest, pushing past her fear. "I may not have your wealth or your power, Adrian, but don't mistake me for weak. I won't let anyone trample me again. Not even you."
For the first time, his smirk faltered. His eyes darkened, unreadable, as silence stretched between them. Then, slowly, a strange light flickered in his gaze—curiosity.
Without another word, he set down his glass and strode past her, his cologne lingering in the air. "Go to bed, Lena. Tomorrow will be another test."
Her fists unclenched, her heart still pounding. She should have felt small under his coldness, but instead, a strange determination sparked within her.
If this marriage was a game, then she would learn the rules. And she would play them better than anyone expected.
Even Adrian Li.