Chapter_74
Chapter 74
Abel’s expression darkened. “Aunt Julianna, my mother wasn’t in the garden when the incident happened.”
“What about Alana?” Julianna asked suspiciously. “I think there’s something off about her!”
“She was on the dance floor with me,” Abel explained reluctantly.
“Fine, whatever,” Julianna replied curtly. “Let’s focus on keeping a close eye on our own children and limiting any unnecessary interactions between families!”
It was clear she was referring to Emmeline and Abel.
The atmosphere between the two became tense.
“Yes, Abel.” Adrien approached Emmeline and stood by her side. “I’m grateful that you saved my son, but whatever happens from here on out is strictly a family matter. You should go.”
Abel remained silent, looking over at Hesperus, who was resting in the hospital bed. The boy seemed to be in better condition now.
He nodded briefly at Emmeline before leaving the room.
Emmeline could hear his footsteps echoing down the hall, slowly fading as he took the elevator.
A strange emptiness washed over her. It felt like she and Hesperus had lost a source of support.
She shook her head, trying to ignore the feeling. She reminded herself that she had Adrien and the children with her.
But still… something felt missing.
Outside the hospital, Abel stepped into the night. The wind blew fiercely, yet he didn’t feel the chill.
He pulled out a cigarette and was about to light it when Luca appeared beside him with a lighter.
Abel raised an eyebrow but accepted the lighter, taking a deep drag.
The atmosphere in the hospital room had unsettled him. It felt wrong to leave Emmeline and Hesperus behind.
But Adrien was right—whatever came next was none of his business. He was just an outsider.
“Are we heading home, Mr. Ryker?” Luca asked, breaking the silence.
“Let’s get a drink.” Abel put out his cigarette and tossed it into a nearby trash can, then walked toward his car.
Luca turned his gaze toward the hospital window where Hesperus’ room was. He could only imagine what was happening inside.
Sigh, it all started with that mistake five years ago. Emmeline should have been with Abel, not Adrien…
After a short drive, they arrived at a bar named Golden Memories.
Since Abel had only recently returned to the country, the people there didn’t recognize him right away.
But as soon as he stepped inside, his cold, commanding presence caused the room to fall quiet.
Men stepped aside respectfully, while women gasped, curious about the mysterious stranger.
“Wow, he’s got the demeanor of a devil but the looks of an angel!”
“How charming!”
One woman recognized him. “That’s Abel Ryker! The head of Ryker Group!”
“Wow, it’s really him!”
“He’s even more handsome in person!”
The crowd grew excited, and Luca felt a nervous tension rise in his chest. Even though both he and Abel were skilled fighters, he couldn’t help but feel cautious about the attention they were drawing.
Abel calmly walked to the bar, raised his glass, and spoke. “If that’s the case, everything’s on me tonight!”
“Wow! Mr. Ryker is buying!”
“Drink up! Let’s enjoy ourselves!”
Several young women approached Abel, their eyes shining with interest.
“Mr. Ryker, may I toast to you?” one of them asked.
“Why don’t you come over and sit with us?” another invited.
Luca stepped forward, positioning himself firmly between Abel and the women. “Mr. Ryker doesn’t allow anyone of the opposite sex within ten feet of him. You’ve been warned.”
The women were taken aback.
“Ten feet? Is he celibate?” one of them joked.
“I’ve heard rumors that Mr. Ryker doesn’t interact with women. Looks like they’re true!”
“Don’t tell me he’s into men!”
Before the woman could finish her sentence, her beer glass suddenly shattered in her hand, spilling beer all over her.
She stared at the broken glass, utterly confused.
Abel’s sharp gaze followed the glass as it exploded, his expression as cold as ever.
Luca stepped in closer, his eyes scanning the crowd, cautious of any potential trouble.
