"Absolutely not!" The manager's eyes widened at the memory of what just happened. He stared at Riley like she'd lost her mind. "Master Adrian is back. If you really want to drive it, you'll have to ask him. That's not my call."
Right after the video call earlier, Derek had already sent a message—Adrian would be landing this afternoon.
Riley froze. "That fast?"
Wasn't he supposed to be gone for a week?
Her expression instantly fell. Hugging her stuffed bunny, she turned and headed for the back exit.
"Ma'am, where are you going?" The manager hurried after her, afraid she might cause trouble inside Auremere.
After all, she was the first woman Master Adrian had ever brought here. Even Yvonne Gale had never been given that privilege.
Riley shot him a look. "Hubby's back. Where do you think I'm going? Of course I'm picking him up."
She needed to leave a good impression.
They weren't divorced yet, and the last thing she wanted was for Adrian to start paying too much attention to her. Better to play the obedient role—keep him relaxed, keep him unsuspecting.
The manager didn't dare delay. He immediately arranged a car and sent her to the airport.
***
At the airport, Adrian rolled out of the arrival gate in his wheelchair, his expression cold and distant.
His striking looks drew glances from passersby, but anyone who lingered too long quickly backed off under the weight of his gaze.
"Sir," Derek said, checking his phone, "Mr Gale and Mr Chase asked if you'd like to meet at Imperial Bar."
"No," Adrian replied flatly.
Derek nodded and sent the reply.
Just as they were about to leave, a flash of white came running toward them.
"Hubby! I'm here! I came to pick you up!"
Riley dashed over, clutching her stuffed bunny in one arm and a huge bouquet of roses in the other, breathing hard.
The icy expression on Adrian's face softened—just a little—when he saw her.
Riley grinned and shoved the flowers into his hands. "Welcome home! Should we go back now?"
Home.
The word landed somewhere deep.
A faint warmth flickered beneath his otherwise unreadable expression.
He took the bouquet. "Mm."
His face remained cool and distant, but the air around him had undeniably softened.
"Come on, come on, let me push you!" Riley beamed, practically hovering at his side, determined not to slip up.
She had one goal—
Stay out of his way.
Live separate lives.
And when the time came, part cleanly.
With someone like Adrian, there was no avoiding future dealings. Better to keep things smooth now and build a little goodwill for later.
As she thought about it, the way she looked at him grew warmer.
So much money…
He's not a man—he's a walking pile of gold.
"Careful, there's a step ahead. Sit tight, okay?"
In one smooth motion, she pushed him all the way to the car, meticulous in every detail. She'd never even been this focused during exams.
That should've been perfect, right?
She smiled brightly down at him—
Only to freeze when she realized he was looking back at her.
Oh no.
Did I overdo it?
Is he suspicious?
But Adrian simply held her gaze for a moment before looking away, signaling the bodyguards to lift him into the car.
Riley stood there, already planning her next move.
"Are you getting in or not?"