Lillian reeled from her son’s sudden outburst, his voice slicing through the air like a whip.
Her already twisted mouth twitched with suppressed anger, making the distortion even more pronounced.
She wiped the corner of her mouth and pointed a shaky finger at Clayton.
“You’ve been fighting us since you were a kid. The school we arranged? You insisted on taking the exam instead.
“The job we lined up? You turned it down. You had to be a lawyer. The women we introduced you to? You refused to meet any of them. And then you married some orphan girl, just to get back at us.
“I asked you to take care of Valerie as a way to repay the Patterson family. And you did, so eagerly! Don’t tell me you didn’t have your own reasons.
Clayton’s face stiffened, the anger draining from it. His mouth opened slightly, but the words wouldn’t come. His eyes shifted, complicated and unreadable.
Lillian pushed herself to her feet, pressing her fists against her chest like she was trying to hold herself together. Her breathing came shallow, tight.
Everyone had seen how Clayton looked at Valerie.
But no one said anything. He was, after all, her son. As long as it didn’t threaten the Patel family, his sins were forgivable.
But now he was trying to pin it all on her? That, she wouldn’t allow.
Even if it had been her idea to help Valerie, if he’d had any respect for his wife, he could have explained everything to Audrey and let her decide how to help.
Instead, he threw money and time into another woman and let his marriage fall apart.
“Riley’s been a mess lately. She needs me. Whatever mess you’re in, handle it yourself.” She turned her back to him, and for the first time, she looked old.
Step by step, she made her way to the door. Then, just before stepping out, she paused and looked back.
That look said it all. She’d made her choice to protect her eldest son, even if it meant cutting off the younger one.
Wyatt was the family’s only hope now. Alexa had given one condition if she was to stay in the marriage–cut ties with Clayton.
Lillian had wavered before, but now she only regretted not making the decision sooner.
After she left, Clayton sat frozen on the edge of the bed, hands tangled in his hair, his head buried between his knees like a child trying to disappear.
But there was no hiding from what was coming. Prison loomed.
No matter how much pride he still had left, he would have to swallow it. He needed to borrow money, and he needed Audrey’s letter of forgiveness.
Meanwhile, in a black sedan parked just outside the building, Audrey had drifted off while scrolling on her phone.
She wasn’t sure when she’d fallen asleep, but muffled voices outside slowly pulled her back to consciousness.
The meeting was over. A group of executives exited the building, flocking around Yann and Calvin like bees to a hive.
Just as they reached the car, Yann suddenly paused. “There’s no need to walk us all the way out, Mr. Adams.”
“Mr. Winifred, we’re grateful, truly. These projects wouldn’t be moving without you,” Earl replied, clasping his hand in thanks.
1/3
Chapter 168
Most of the group stopped there, but Earl and his secretary continued walking forward.
The secretary, eager to be helpful, quickened her pace and reached for the car door.
Panic surged through Audrey.
From that angle, if the door opened now, she’d be clearly visible, and by tomorrow morning, gossip would be everywhere,
Her instincts kicked in. She glanced around, but no space to hide.
Then her eyes landed on the men’s jacket slung over the headrest. Quick as a flash, she grabbed it and threw it over her head, curling into a ball and pulling her legs in tight against the seat.
From the outside, it would just look like a crumpled jacket over a pillow.
Just as the secretary’s hand was about to reach the car door, Calvin got there first.
“Thanks,” he said politely, though his mood was far more complicated than Audrey’s.
From Yann’s perspective, maybe he was hoping for a coincidence to push Audrey into the public eye, subtly enough to avoid breaking their agreement, yet still paving the way to make their relationship official.
But for Audrey, being exposed so suddenly, especially in front of powerful people, was definitely unwelcome. And her mood affected Yann’s. Even if he got what he wanted, he might still take it out on Calvin for mishandling things.
‘This job is impossible!‘ Calvin thought with a sigh.
The secretary, who almost touched his hand, took a quick step back.
“You’re welcome,” she said, stealing a glance at Yann.
He had already withdrawn his gaze, slowly turning the ring on his finger as he spoke to Earl, eyes calm and composed.
The secretary’s heart skipped. She thought, ‘That move with the ring… that’s a silent claim. He’s telling everyone Calvin is his. Hands off. Literally.’
Calvin, blissfully unaware, felt a small wave of relief but also concern.
If Audrey had been lying in the backseat napping the whole time, then it truly wasn’t his fault.
“Mr. Adams, no need to see me off.” Yann turned and walked toward the car.
Calvin quickly stepped in to block slightly, inevitably brushing against Yann as he moved.
The secretary’s eyes widened in silent excitement.
She thought, ‘They’re seriously that close?!‘
To her, their restraint in the meeting room had only been for show. Now, outside, they were seizing every little chance to be near each other.
Calvin’s expression was unreadable. His hand, meant to shield the car roof, hovered instead near Yann’s back.
Yann stayed composed. He met Calvin’s gaze briefly, then bent down and got into the car.
The secretary could barely contain her inner fangirl.
She thought, ‘Yep, he’s the calm, possessive type. Definitely the dominant one. I knew it! They’re 100% a couple.‘
Calvin closed the door, nodded to the woman, and circled around to get into the front passenger seat.
2/2
Chapter 168
The Maybach rolled out of the compound as the crowd watched.
“Are we out?” Audrey, timing things in her head, pulled off the coat she’d draped over her head. Her long hair, clinging slightly from static, was a
messy.
Yann didn’t speak. He simply pulled her onto his lap.
She tried to get up, but he tightened his grip on her waist. “Don’t move.”
Hé brushed her hair away from her face, tucking it neatly behind her shoulders. His eyes lingered on her as if he couldn’t look enough.
Audrey blushed and glanced toward the front seats. The driver and Calvin sat stiffly, silent, not daring to look in the mirror.
She turned back to look at Yann.
It had only been a two–hour meeting, but from his gaze, you’d think he hadn’t seen her in years.
Suddenly, she noticed the open collar of his shirt.
Yann touched the faint bite mark on his neck and said lightly, “The meeting room was stuffy. I unbuttoned to breathe a little.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah.” Not a hint of guilt in his voice.
Just then, Calvin’s phone buzzed. He looked down and said, “Someone bought Kinsia House’s apartment, full payment.”
“So fast?” Audrey was surprised and looked at Yann.
He gave a small smile, clearly indicating it wasn’t him.
She turned to Calvin. “It wasn’t Clayton, was it?”
“No.” His answer was firm.
The agent had already told him what happened, like Clayton’s unease and Paul’s intentions. But without Yann’s go–ahead, he wouldn’t share a word of it
“Perfect. Let’s go take a look,” Yann said casually. Calvin read off the address, and the driver changed course at the next intersection.
Efficiency was Yann’s trademark. The old house was sold without fuss, and he’d already picked out a new one for her.
The surrounding amenities ticked all of Audrey’s boxes. The complex itself, though not as upscale as Royal House, had excellent landscaping and a calm atmosphere.
Just as they got out of the car, Yann’s phone rang. Audrey pointed toward the ground–floor model unit and headed over to check it out on her own.
