Anticipating that Adrian might deny the situation, Stephen preemptively declared, âThese are my esteemed friends from years ago. You simply cannot embarrass me in front of them!â
âAnd what if I choose to?â Adrian replied coldly, his smile as icy as his tone.
âThen Iâll withhold information about your parents!â
âYou actually have something to tell me?â Adrian had initially assumed that Stephen was bluffing, but it quickly became clear that there was indeed something important to discuss.
âGo to the second floor and join Mila. Iâll fill you in after Iâve dealt with these gentlemen.â
âSay it here, or donât say it at all.â
Stephen cast a quick glance at his elderly companions, who were still deep in conversation.
He realized that Adrian would not easily be manipulated. Stephen had hoped to trap Adrian in a difficult situation once he ascended the stairs, but it was proving far more difficult than he had anticipated.
âAlright, alright.â Stephen pulled Adrian aside. âIâll confide in you discreetly: you are not your motherâs biological son.â
Adrian was not surprised.
Stephen patted his shoulder and said, âDonât be disheartened. I donât mind. At the very least, you are undoubtedly your fatherâs son.â
âIs that it?â
âThatâs it.â
Stephen couldnât understand why Adrianâs reaction was so nonchalant.
âThen I shall take my leave.â
Stephen grabbed him by the arm and asked, âWhere do you think youâre going?â
âHome.â
âNo way! If you leave, theyâll all realize itâs a facade!â
âThat doesnât concern me.â
Stephen implored shamelessly, âAdrian, all my friends have grandchildren, and I only have Mila. Please, help me salvage my reputation, and Iâll give you whatever you want!â
âReally?â
Stephen nodded, his sincerity evident.
âAlright then.â Adrian walked over to Stephenâs friends. Stephen hurriedly gestured for Mila to come downstairs.
Once Adrian acknowledged his relationship with Mila in front of Stephenâs friends, it would be impossible for him to deny it.
âGood evening, gentlemen,â Adrian greeted them, exuding an air of sophistication as he looked resplendent in his suit.
One of them murmured, âSuch a fine young man!â
âIâm sorry.â Adrianâs voice resonated again. âStephen is merely jesting. I am not his future grandson-in-law, nor do I have any romantic connection with Mila. I have been divorced once, have a child, and am currently involved in a passionate relationship with my ex-wife. I kindly ask that you refrain from disturbing us. Thank you.â
Fuming with anger, Stephen stormed over and shouted, âWhat absurdity are you spouting?â
At that precise moment, a bespectacled gentleman exclaimed, âIsnât this Adrian? Didnât he marry the girl from the Watson family?â
Stephen quickly responded, âTheyâve divorced!â
âStephen, didnât you hear him?â another voice interjected. âHe has no association with Mila. Youâre simply fabricating a romance that doesnât exist.â
Mila descended from the second floor, completely unaware of Adrianâs expression. Her ears were attuned only to the cacophony of mocking voices around her.
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Message from Noah: Happy Sunday, everyone! Wishing you a day full of joy, peace, and blessings. Enjoy! God loves you and Noa wishes you the best. (ÉOâ¿=)É â¥
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