What? Adam was sending Celine to study? At Yorhine University?
He had to be out of his mind. Yorhine University was a topâtier institution. What qualifications did Celine have to get in?
Carlyâs face twisted with disbelief. âAdam, Celine dropped out of school when she was 16. Sheâs just some girl from the countryside! What does she know other than how to seduce men? What gives someone like her the right to attend Yorhine University?â
Adam stared at Carly without saying a word. His gaze was firm and unyielding. It was obvious that his decision to send Celine to Yorhine University was final. There was no room for debate.
Carly was smart enough to realize that they had just started to mend their relationship. Picking a fight with Adam now would be unwise.
Besides, someone like Celine would only make a fool of herself at Yorhine University. When that happened, Adam would naturally grow even more disgusted with her.
Carly wouldnât have to lift a finger. She could simply sit back and enjoy the show.
She curved her lips into a smile. âFine, Adam. Iâll listen to you.â
Adam reached out and playfully pinched her nose. âGood.â
Carly snuggled into his embrace, her heart brimming with sweetness.
Celine returned to Alvarez Residence and waited in her bedroom for Adam to come back.
It was late into the night when two beams of light swept across the lawn. Adam had finally returned, driving his RollsâRoyce Phantom. He had probably been at the hospital with Carly all this time, which explained why he was back so late.
Soon, the bedroom door swung open. Adam stepped inside, bringing with him a wave of crisp, cool night air.
Celine looked up at him. âHowâs Carly?â
Adam, tall and imposing, strode in with his long legs. His wellâdefined fingers reached up to unbutton his suit jacket. âItâs just a light wound. Nothing serious.â
Celine didnât look surprised. âOf course, she would never let herself suffer anything worse.â
Adamâs eyes fell on her. Her clear, dark eyes were quietly fixed on him, calm but observant. âI know you didnât push her. She fell down the stairs on her own.â
Celine remained silent, waiting for him to continue. Under the soft light, Adamâs handsome face flickered between light and shadow. âBut I canât let her fall down the stairs again.â
Celine almost laughed. Carly really was clever, at least when it came to manipulating Adam. This time, she hadnât even tried to frame her. She just needed to roll down the stairs in front of him to achieve her goal.
There it was. The power of being loved without limits.
Celine looked at him. âYou have something you want to tell me, donât you?â
Adam studied her slender silhouette bathed in the warm light. Compared to Carlyâs entitled arrogance, Celine was so quiet, so composed. Almost obedient. She was smart too. She already knew what he was about to say.
His Adamâs apple bobbed as he swallowed. âCarly doesnât want me to share a room with you anymore.â
Carly didnât want him to share a room with Celine anymore.
Celine froze for a second. It felt like a bee had stung her heart. It was sharp and sudden, followed by a lingering ache that clouded her senses.
Carlyâs smug voice echoed in her ears. âCeline, Iâm just worried that youâre flying too close to the sun. Itâs time I bring you crashing back down to reality!â
Carly did it. She had succeeded in putting her back in her place.
Celineâs delicate face remained expressionless, but it had turned a shade paler. Her lashes lowered as she whispered, âIâll move out tonight. Iâll let Grandma know. I wonât be coming back here anymore.â
With that, she turned and started walking toward the door.
Before she could leave, Adamn grabbed her wrist. âItâs late. You can leave tomorrow.â