Her gaze was fixed on Adeline, jealousy and resentment nearly spilling from her eyes. “True feelings?” Christopher scoffed, “Then I hope your ‘true feelings‘ can withstand reality”
Christopher’s voice was low and icy, each word wrapped in frost that made one shiver uncontrollably.
After the party, Adeline got into her car and left. The interior was silent, the only sound being the low rumble of the engine. As the neon lights outside slipped backward, she watched the blurred lights, her mind in complete turmoil.
Three years ago, her life had been irrevocably altered. From a noble of the Layton family to a convicted felon, and now back to the glittering world of the elite, every step was fraught with thorns and scheming. And now, Justin had inexplicably declared his intention to pursue her
What i he really after? Is it merr curiosity, or does he have an ulterior motive?
She closed her eyes, resting her head against the seat, but she couldn’t calm down. Fragmented, painful memories surged, making her breathing quicken. It wasn’t until the driver announced they had arrived home that she snapped back to reality.
The Layton residence’s living room was brightly lit.
Diana was sitting on the sofa, waiting for her. As soon as Adeline walked in, Diana stood up to greet her, her usual cold. demeanor replaced with a warm tone, “Addie, you’re back.”
Adeline stopped, staring at the person who had stood by during her incarceration, now smiling at her, and felt the irony deep in her bones. Yet, she didn’t show her feelings, merely nodding slightly, “Yeah.”
“About what Mr. Justin publicly said at the party… what do you think?” Diana asked tentatively, pulling Adeline to sit down, the image of maternal concern painted on her face.
“What do I think?” Adeline scoffed, “He can say whatever he likes; it has nothing to do with me.”
“How can it have nothing to do with you?” Diana frowned, “He said he wants to pursue you, that’s a big deal! What do you think of him?”
“What do you want me to think of him? Adeline retorted with a hint of sarcasm, “If you think he’s suitable, should I just accept him right away!”
Diana was left speechless but quickly managed a smile, “Of course not. I’m just worried about your future… after all, we all want what’s best for you.”
For my good?
Adeline found that laughable. If they truly want what’s best for me, toy was Michelle allowed to frame me? Why have they watched me go to prison for three years without doing anything?
But she didn’t voice these thoughts; instead, she stood and said, “Thanks for your concern. I’m tired; I’m going to my room to
rest
Watching her leave, Diana sighed and shook her head helplessly.
At that moment, Gavin, who had been quietly standing at the stairwell, came down.
His expression was dark, and his eyes held a trace of reproach as he looked at Diana, “What did you say to her just now?”
“Nothing much,” Diana avoided his gaze, “Just small talk,”
“It better be just small talk, Gavin replied coldly, then turned to go upstairs. He caught up with Adeline just as she was about to close her bedroom door.
“Wait” He blocked the door with his hand, his tone accusatory. “What was all that about tonight?”
“What do you mean?” Adeline frowned, looking at him, “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Hearing this, Adeline was momentarily stunned, then she couldn’t help but laugh, her smile full of irony and mockery, aggravating Gavin further. He grabbed her wrist tightly, almost painfully, but she just smiled coldly, showing no sign of struggle or retreat.
“Revenge?” She repeated softly, then looked him straight in the eyes, each word deliberate, ‘If I really wanted revenge, do you think you’d still be here talking to me?”
That stopped Gavin cold. He stared into her dark, icy eyes, feeling an inexplicable unease.
But he quickly forced himself to regain composure, covering up all his emotions, “Then what exactly do you want? Don’t tell me you actually have feelings for that Justin!”
“My matters don’t need to be explained to anyone. Adeline shook off his hand and forcefully closed the door, shutting out all
the noise.
The room returned to silence, but she felt an unprecedented exhaustion. Sitting at the vanity, she looked into the mirror at her unfamiliar, haggard reflection and felt slightly dazed. After a while, she finally closed her eyes, burying all her thoughts
The
night was long and chilly. In the Layton residence’s living room, the light was bright enough to be glaring, the air tinged with an intense pressure.