Chapter 350: Chapter 350



After dealing with the situation, Callan’s phone buzzed. He stepped aside and answered, “Mrs. Miller.”

Amara’s voice rang with a sharp edge. “What exactly has Adrian been so tied up with? He hasn’t even bothered to come home.”

Callan, who was tasked by Amara to monitor Adrian, relayed everything he had observed with complete honesty. But his report only seemed to irritate her further. “And why did you let him get involved with Joelle again?” she snapped.

“I don’t think Ms. Watson has done anything wrong. She’s raising their daughter alone, and it’s only right for him to check in on them from time to time.”

“How can you be so blind, Callan? What if he decides to reconcile with Joelle? Have you thought of that?” Amara’s tone grew more cutting.

Callan knew well enough that Amara had never liked Joelle, so he wisely kept his opinions to himself. “I need to find Adrian a proper match—someone from a family like ours. That way, Joelle won’t dare think she still has a chance with him!”

Unable to hold back, Callan ventured, “With all due respect, it seems like Mr. Miller’s the one who can’t stop thinking about Ms. Watson.”

Amara hissed, “Useless! If it weren’t for his Miller blood, I would’ve—” She abruptly cut herself off, leaving Callan bewildered by what she could have said. “Never mind. Just keep watching him. I want updates on anything significant!”

The following day, Joelle arrived to pick up Aurora from kindergarten. She’d been worrying all day that Aurora could’ve been left out by the other children, but her fears quickly melted away. Aurora, it seemed, was quite the social butterfly. Chuck, on the other hand, stood mostly alone.

As soon as Aurora spotted Joelle, she ran over, proudly clutching a picture she had drawn. “Mom, look!”

It was then that Aurora noticed the man in sunglasses and a crisp suit standing beside her mother. She peered up from his shoes and gasped, “Mr. Miller?”

Adrian had clearly come prepared; his imposing figure was quite a sight. But Aurora was anything but intimidated. Her heart leaped with joy—her mom and dad had both come to pick her up. A small part of her couldn’t help but wish Chuck could witness this moment.

Chuck, from a distance, had indeed noticed. But rather than approach them, he hurried away, head hanging low.

Adrian crouched down, lifting Aurora effortlessly. “How about coming to my place today?”

Aurora looked to Joelle for permission. “Mom, is that okay?” Joelle nodded, remembering Adrian’s promise to attend the upcoming sports day. “That’s fine.”

Adrian called Leah, instructing her to prepare dinner. Upon hearing that Joelle and the child were coming, Leah was beside herself with excitement. While bustling about the kitchen, she happened to glance out the window, noticing a flurry of activity at the long-abandoned villa across the street.

“Huh, wonder who’s moving in over there,” she murmured, turning her attention back to her cooking.

Before long, Adrian’s car rolled up the driveway. Leah rushed outside, beaming with enthusiasm. “You’re finally here! I made all your favorites today!”

Joelle had her servant, but none could match Leah’s warmth. Leah made her feel like family.

“Thank you, Leah,” Joelle said.

“It’s nothing, really.”

At that moment, a woman in oversized sunglasses strolled across the street, her steps unhurried, almost deliberate. “Well, well, look who we have here!” With a casual motion, she slid off her sunglasses.

Joelle squinted, trying to place her, but Aurora was quicker, her eyes lighting up in recognition. “Beautiful lady!”

Raelyn threw her head back, laughing warmly. “You always know how to flatter me, don’t you?”

Joelle asked, “Did you buy the house across the street?”

“Nope, just renting for now.” Raelyn stretched lazily. “I’ve got the wanderer’s spirit, you know? Can’t stay rooted anywhere for long. But I’m planning to stick around Illerith for a few months, so we’ll be neighbors for a bit. I’m Raelyn Sampson. Just call me Raelyn.”

“Got it.” Joelle reached out for a handshake. “Well, we’re heading inside now.”

“See you around!”

Even as they walked inside, Joelle couldn’t shake the strange feeling that Raelyn’s eyes were still on them, her smile lingering. Once the door clicked shut behind them, Joelle turned to Adrian. “Is it just me, or does she look like you?”

Adrian raised an eyebrow, amused. “Really?”

Joelle blinked, feeling a bit silly for the thought. Inside, Leah was a whirlwind in the kitchen, hands full. Joelle stepped forward, offering her help, but Leah brushed her off with a wave.

“I’ve got this covered! Go hang out with the kids.”

When Joelle peeked into the living room, the kids were already engrossed in their own world, laughing and playing as if time didn’t exist. Just as she turned back, the doorbell chimed.

“Raelyn?”

Raelyn raised a bottle of wine. “A gift from your new neighbor.”

“How thoughtful, thank you.”

Raelyn, balancing on sleek high heels, sauntered in and surveyed the room with an appreciative nod. “Your house is stunning.”

Joelle had met plenty of independent women in her time, but there was something different about Raelyn—an effortless blend of elegance and boldness.

“You wouldn’t mind if I stayed for dinner, would you?”

“Of course not,” Joelle replied. “Make yourself comfortable. Are you living alone, Raelyn?”

“What, do I give off ‘lonely cat lady’ vibes?”

“Not at all.” Joelle poured her a cup of coffee. “You’ve got this presence about you—strong, confident, not like anyone I’ve met, honestly.”

Raelyn took a sip of coffee, her eyes gleaming with a sudden knowingness. “You mean Amara, don’t you?”

.

.

.