Chapter_60
Chapter 60
Adrien leaned casually on the counter, a smile spreading across his face as he gazed at Emmeline. Her skin was soft and smooth, exuding an undeniable allure. He felt certain that, if she agreed, he would marry her without hesitation. Unfortunately, Emmeline’s heart remained unyielding, and she felt nothing for him.
“If you have nothing important to say, don’t come looking for me,” Emmeline said flatly, her gaze still focused on something else.
“We’ve already had this conversation,” she added, her tone growing cold.
Adrien’s expression shifted, and he straightened up, a glint of determination in his eyes. “I do have something important to discuss today,” he said. “The Meriwether Mansion is hosting a large banquet tomorrow to celebrate the triplets’ return. The main highlight will be you and the children, so I came here to take you dress shopping.”
Emmeline raised a brow. “There’s no need for this.”
“I’m not someone important to the Ryker family, so I’ll decline the spotlight,” she said, her voice steady. “However, I don’t mind attending the banquet. I want to see my kids. I’ll prepare my own dress, so you can leave now, Mr. Adrien.”
Adrien’s face darkened at her rejection. He had always been able to charm people with his words, but Emmeline was different. She was firm, resolute.
“I’m going to work now,” Emmeline added, her eyes scanning the café. She noticed an influx of customers and couldn’t help but wonder if it was Abel’s doing.
With a frustrated sigh, Adrien stormed out of the café. He was a man who never lacked attention from women, even without Emmeline.
Not wasting a moment, Adrien picked up his phone and made a reservation at the Imperial Palace, the most luxurious nightclub in Phoenix. The “princesses” there were gentle and warm, unlike Emmeline, who always wore a cold, stony expression when around him.
Later that afternoon, Emmeline rode her electric bicycle into the city center. She needed to find a dress for the banquet at the Ryker Mansion the next day. She wasn’t dressing up for anyone but herself and her triplets. They deserved to feel celebrated, no matter the circumstances.
At the same time, Alana was in the city center with Auntie Alondra. Alana, pregnant with Abel’s child, was also preparing for the banquet. Julianna had big plans to showcase her three grandchildren—Helios, Endymion, and Hesperus—at the event. Meanwhile, Rosaline had reminded Alana that, even though Julianna had more grandchildren, she couldn’t afford to be outdone in appearance.
With her own pregnancy in mind, Alana was determined to show off a stunning outfit. She’d be on equal footing with Julianna once she had her child, along with Timothy’s.
Alondra, always one for drama, would also have the chance to make her presence known.
As Alana drove through the city with Alondra, she noticed someone familiar by the side of the road. It was Emmeline.
Emmeline had parked her electric bicycle outside a dress shop. She removed her helmet and hung it on the handlebar before entering the store with her phone bag in hand.
“Hmph! I’m going to embarrass you!” Alana sneered, her grip tightening on the steering wheel.
Alondra glanced around but didn’t see Emmeline right away. “Who are you trying to embarrass?” she asked, confused.
Alana gritted her teeth. “It’s that precious stepdaughter of yours, Emmeline!”
Her fury flared just thinking about Emmeline’s connection to Abel. Abel hadn’t acknowledged his actions with her in front of Emmeline, and that fact only fueled Alana’s rage. She had been forced into this mess because of Emmeline, and now she was pregnant with Abel’s child—without any acknowledgment.
At least I have Rosaline on my side, Alana thought. And now, Oscar is on my side, too.
Oscar had chosen not to force Alana to consult with Master Apricot after learning she was pregnant with Abel’s child. He was now firmly siding with Alana.
Alana couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. At least Oscar didn’t strangle me to death last time.
Who could she trust these days? It was hard to tell who was truly on her side.
“Ptooey! Ptooey! Ptooey!” Alondra spat with disgust. “Don’t you dare call that woman my stepdaughter. She was kicked out of the Louise family a long time ago. She has nothing to do with me!”
“It’s probably for the best,” Alana said with a bitter smile. “Let’s make her pay today.”
“Where did that bitch go? I don’t see her anywhere,” Alondra grumbled, scanning the area.
