Chapter_45
Chapter 45
“We’re done here.” Abel waved his hand dismissively, signaling the press to leave. “Anyone who continues harassing Ms. Louise will become my enemy. You’d better scram now, or I’ll pull the plug on your publication house.”
At that moment, Luca entered with eight bodyguards in tow. The presence of the armed men was enough to send the journalists scrambling out of the café in haste.
Abel pulled Alana aside, a smug smile on his face. “Come on. You better protect the child.”
The situation in the café finally calmed down, but the atmosphere remained tense. Adrien stepped closer to Emmeline and said, “You saw it, babe. I never thought Abel would be this kind of guy. Don’t put your hopes in him. You and I… We’re a family.”
Tears welled up in Emmeline’s eyes as she listened to his words. She had only just started to develop feelings for Abel, and yet, he had shattered her perception of everything.
Her world felt like it was spinning out of control. Drama seemed to be her constant companion lately.
“Babe…” Adrien reached out to wipe away her tears.
Emmeline angrily brushed his hand away. “Get out!”
“But I was just speaking the truth…” Adrien protested.
“I told you to leave!” Emmeline’s voice grew louder.
“But, babe…”
“Trust me when I say I’ll beat you up!” Emmeline rolled up her sleeves, her resolve hardening.
Adrien knew better than to push his luck with Emmeline—especially considering she had the skills to take down any man.
“Don’t be mad, babe. I’ll visit you another time. Take it easy. Take it easy.”
Adrien quickly slinked out of the café, leaving behind a tense silence.
The quiet felt suffocating to Emmeline. She raced upstairs to her bedroom and threw herself onto the bed, crying loudly.
“Why the tears?” Daisy, the nanny, asked gently as she approached to offer comfort. “It’s a good thing nothing happened between you and Mr. Abel. Otherwise, you’d really have something to cry about.”
Emmeline paused, the realization hitting her. Why was she crying?
She should be relieved that things hadn’t gone further with Abel.
Though the chemistry between them had been undeniable, it wasn’t too late to stop everything before it got worse.
Why cry over someone who had proven to be untrustworthy?
Tch!
Emmeline wiped away her tears and rushed back downstairs to help Sam tidy up the café.
With the recent media frenzy, the café had become a hot spot, and business was booming. Although Emmeline hadn’t expected to turn a profit from the café, it was certainly good news.
She worked tirelessly for over an hour, filling orders and running around. Then, out of nowhere, an unexpected guest entered.
Julianna, dressed in a form-fitting dress with an Hermes bag, walked in. Emmeline could tell immediately that she wasn’t here to bring good news.
As expected, Julianna walked around the café before finally taking a seat. She waved Sam over to order a coffee and then addressed Emmeline with a knowing smile.
“Have a seat, Em,” she said.
Emmeline sat down across from her, keeping her posture stiff. “Hello, Mrs. Ryker.”
“Call me Julianna. I’m the grandmother of the triplets.” Julianna smiled warmly, though her eyes held a sharpness to them.
“That’s your relationship with the kids. You and I aren’t close,” Emmeline replied coolly.
“Well, we’re about to become family. Adrien just told me,” Julianna said, her voice casual but loaded with intent.
“He’s referring to Abel and Alana. It has nothing to do with us,” Emmeline shot back.
“But I’m talking about you,” Julianna insisted.
She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “At first, I thought Adrien wouldn’t be able to handle you since you’re a feisty lady. But now that I think about it, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to become my daughter-in-law. At least you can keep my son in check and make sure he focuses on the family business instead of lazing around the house.”
Emmeline’s expression hardened. “That’s wishful thinking. I’m not interested in Adrien.”
“But you have children together,” Julianna pointed out, not giving up. “Besides, you got the wrong idea about Adrien. Compared to Abel, Adrien is a decent person. At least he won’t do you dirty.”
Emmeline froze, the words hanging in the air. Was Abel really that kind of guy? Had she misjudged him?
Why did she feel like his behavior was out of character?
Abel had been respectful and courteous throughout his time with her. He had always carried himself with an air of aloofness and discipline. He had never acted carelessly or recklessly.
How could he have secretly been involved with Alana?
The question lingered in her mind, unanswered and increasingly painful to ponder.
