But in the end, no matter what objections they had, it changed nothing.
Thomas spoke up, "Mr Yeardley, Riley isn't… well. If she goes to the university alone, she might be bullied. Why not let Felicia accompany her? They're sisters—it'll be easier if they look out for each other."
"That's right," Elaine added quickly. "Can you really feel at ease letting Riley go alone? And if you arrange for someone to accompany her at a place like Imperial University, people will talk. You wouldn't want others gossiping about her behind her back, would you?"
Mr Yeardley frowned slightly. "I'll discuss this with Master Adrian when we return. Whether Madam Riley even goes is still undecided. The rest is none of your concern."
Riley watched Mr Yeardley hesitate, the corners of her lips lifting faintly.
Elaine really will do anything for Felicia.
***
After a brief visit, Riley was escorted back to the Yates residence by Mr Yeardley.
In the car, he kept reminding her to stay away from the Cole family, saying they didn't seem like good people and shouldn't be trusted.
Riley felt a quiet warmth in her chest.
No matter what he said, she nodded obediently. "Okay."
Watching her, Mr Yeardley felt even more sympathy.
Madam Riley might not be very bright—
But she was obedient.
Quiet. Gentle. Always smiling.
If she were normal…
How likable she would be.
He sighed heavily.
***
By the time Riley returned, Adrian was already home.
Mr Yeardley reported everything about the plan to send her to Imperial University.
Adrian looked slightly surprised, but he said nothing.
After Mr Yeardley left, Adrian beckoned her over.
Riley stared at him.
What is he doing? Summoning a dog?
Even so, she had no choice but to skip over obediently.
"Give me your phone."
What now?
Riley immediately clutched the small phone in her pocket, refusing.
"No! It's my treasure!"
This phone was practically Riley's lifeline.
No way she was handing it over.
But Adrian didn't give her a choice.
He snatched the stuffed bunny from her arms and held it in his lap, gripping it by the neck.
"Hurry up," he said coolly. "Or your bunny won't make it."
"No, not my bunny!"
Riley blinked.
Is he serious?
Is he really treating me like a three-year-old?
She was so irritated she wanted to claw the wall.
Pouting, she reluctantly pulled out her phone and handed it over. "You have to give it back."
Adrian ignored her and unlocked it.
There was no passcode.
One swipe, and it was open.
Riley's eyes locked onto his hands, her heart tightening.
What if he opened something he shouldn't?
The hidden folders.
Those photos.
Things no "fool" should ever have.
Even though she had hidden everything carefully—
She still felt guilty.
Thankfully, Adrian didn't touch any of that.
He simply opened her empty call log, typed in a number, and dialed it. After a few rings, he hung up.
"This is my number," he said, handing the phone back. "If anyone bullies you, call me. Understood?"
He hadn't expected her contact list to be completely empty.
What exactly had the Cole family been doing?
Leaving someone like her alone outside?
Riley looked down at the newly saved number on her phone and blinked.
So he snatched my phone just to save his number?