Chapter 373: Chapter 373

Raelyn settled into the car and cast a final glance towards the Miller family’s window. Joelle pulled the curtains close. “Are you sure you don’t want to say goodbye to her?”

Adrian was seated on the couch, the dim light throwing half-shadows over his broad back. From this angle, he appeared utterly uninterested. However, as Joelle settled onto the couch opposite him, she observed him playing with a lighter. His hand reached for the cigarettes only when the stress became overwhelming.

Joelle attempted to lighten the mood after a brief silence. “She made a solid point, you know. You’re going to make an excellent father someday.”

Adrian responded with a bitter smile, prompting Joelle to approach and sigh. “Hey, what can I do to cheer you up? Maybe I could play some violin for you?”

Adrian managed a strained smile. “I’m okay.”

Joelle held his face gently. “Or we could try something enjoyable?”

“Something enjoyable?”

“Yeah.”

Adrian was momentarily captivated by her eyes, perhaps contemplating other things as a blush crept up his cheeks. “What kind of enjoyable?”

Joelle pretended to think. “We could listen to music, bake something, arrange flowers, or watch a movie.”

“Okay.”

A flicker of disappointment passed through Adrian, which Joelle perceived with a playful smile. She quickly kissed him on the lips. The kiss was so swift, Adrian barely had a moment to respond. His sharp eyes widened, and as he processed the kiss, joy bloomed within him like a garden of roses. “Do you feel any better now?”

Møɍɛ ųρɗα†єş ıŋ ɢαℓŋσνєƖş.ƈσʍ He wanted to draw Joelle close for a more passionate kiss, but she had already darted away playfully. At the doorway, she peered around the corner. “Come on down! Leah’s got dinner ready, and Shawn and Katherine are joining us too.”

Despite feeling a mix of exasperation and helplessness, Adrian’s spirits were decidedly lifted. He rose, pushing himself up with his hands on his knees. He had just reached the second-floor landing when the doorbell echoed through the entrance. Leah hurried to greet the visitor. “Mr. Watson, welcome!” Shawn burst into the room with a bottle of fine wine in hand.

“Shawn!” Joelle called out.

“Joelle, why did you come back to Adrian?”

After saying that, he acted as if he had just spotted Adrian. “Ah, Adrian! Don’t worry, I’m here only to offer my best wishes. I’m truly glad my sister has someone like you!”

Adrian bristled at the comment but kept his cool, remembering Shawn was family. It seemed wiser to keep him happy. “Shawn, Miller Group recently launched a new real estate venture.”

Shawn was, of course, interested. Ventures by Miller Group were known to be highly lucrative, often generating substantial profits. Shawn grinned, casting a glance back at Joelle. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate? Feels almost like I’m capitalizing on my sister’s connection, which does make me feel a bit guilty.”

Joelle passed him with a scoff. “Just how much have you pocketed in my name already? Don’t pretend I’m unaware. You haven’t seemed guilty at all.”

Shawn tousled her hair playfully. “Look at you. Do you realize the load I carry for our family? Between raising you and the kids, I’m still trying to save up for a wedding.”

A twinkle appeared in Joelle’s eyes. “So, do you have a girlfriend yet?”

“Stop prying.” Removing his coat, Shawn inquired casually, “Isn’t Katherine here yet?”

“She got caught up in a last-minute meeting. She’s running late.”

“Okay.”

Shawn left the conversation there and proceeded to wash his hands before spending time with Aurora and Ryland. Ten minutes later, Katherine burst through the door.

“Joelle, you won’t believe what happened! I rear-ended someone on my way here, and the front lights of my brand new Lamborghini shattered everywhere!”

She was still expressing her dismay when she noticed Shawn out of the corner of her eye and abruptly stopped talking. Katherine nudged Joelle awkwardly. “Why didn’t you mention Shawn was coming too?”

Joelle looked confused. “What’s the issue? He even checked if you were attending before he decided to come.”

Lately, Katherine had thrown herself into her work to avoid Shawn, becoming almost a workaholic. She spent four out of every five days at work, using her only day off to travel. Before, she and Shawn would often bump into each other at business gatherings, but Katherine had started to carefully check the attendee lists to ensure Shawn wasn’t on them before she would go. Nevertheless, all her efforts seemed pointless now. What was destined to happen would indeed happen. Resigned to her situation, Katherine forced a smile. “Hi, Shawn!”

“Hi, Katherine!”

Listening to their exchange gave Joelle goosebumps. “Alright, everyone, wash up and let’s get to dinner.”

Joelle and Adrian took their seats together. Katherine tried to sit next to Joelle, but Aurora got there first. Katherine sat opposite them, and Shawn, seemingly on cue, took the seat next to her with Ryland on his lap. Joelle teased, “Why do you three look like a family?”

Katherine shuddered. “That’s ridiculous!”

Shawn stayed cool. “I have no feelings for her.”

Katherine gritted her teeth. If he had no feelings, why did he kiss her?

“Shawn, you still haven’t answered my earlier question. Do you really have a girlfriend?”

.

.

.

A message from Noa: I hope you enjoyed the chapters! New updates will arrive on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Remember, God loves you, and Noa sends you warmest wishes. (>‿=)✌

.