âMs. Watson, Mr. Stephen Finch wants to meet you.â
Joelle wasnât surprised; however, she couldnât comprehend why Mila was so fixated on Adrian.
In the private room, Stephen savored his coffee, taking his time to pour her a cup with leisurely elegance.
âYouâre a good girl, so Iâll be candid. As long as you part ways with Adrian, Iâll agree to whatever you desire.â
Joelle responded calmly, âMr. Finch, as a parent myself, I recognize that raising children involves not indulging their every desire.â
Stephenâs expression turned steely as he said, âDonât you want to know the whereabouts of your son?â
Joelle had conjured up an infinite array of conceivable responses. Yet, never in her wildest imaginings did she foresee Stephen pulling this particular card from his deck.
Stephen proclaimed, âIâve maintained a deep-rooted connection with the Potter family for years. I happen to know where Chris and Wadeâs biological mother is. While Wade might be beyond our reach, that doesnât mean this woman canât get to him. If we find her, wonât we find Wade too?â
Joelle suppressed the surge of exhilaration coursing through her, attempting to maintain an air of composed serenity.
âChris and Wadeâs biological mother? I was under the impression she had died. And the current Mrs. Potter is their stepmother.â
Stephen gestured dismissively, taking a leisurely sip of coffee.
âSheâs not deceased; rather, sheâs simply a person the Potter family chooses to overlook. Theyâve concealed her from public view. Even after bearing two sons, she remained utterly ostracized from the Potter family.â
It was no surprise that Wade contemplated fabricating Chrisâs death; such a notion was undoubtedly inspired by the machinations of his family. Since Rylandâs disappearance, this was the first time Joelle felt an inexplicable sense of closeness to him. Any tidbit of news regarding Wade seemed to forge a deeper connection between her and Ryland.
âMr. Finch, Ryland is my son. Please help me find him!â she implored.
Stephen remained unflappable, his eyes gleaming with the astuteness characteristic of a seasoned entrepreneur.
âJoelle, I empathize with your emotions. However, I must implore you to assist me as well. Mila is my sole granddaughter, and she harbors feelings for Adrian. So, might you consider leaving Adrian?â
Joelleâs fingers clenched around the engagement ring Adrian had given her the previous night, and now she found herself compelled to confront an agonizing decision.
âEven if I leave Adrian, he wonât be with Mila.â
âThatâs not your concern.â
Joelle slowly sat up straight, realizing that Stephen was using Ryland as a bargaining chip, negotiating with her like a shrewd businessman.
âDo you really think youâre doing this for Milaâs good?â
Stephen, having weathered countless storms, could easily discern Joelleâs attempt to sway him with appeals to both reason and emotion. âAt my age, I no longer concern myself with the future. As long as I draw breath, I will procure whatever my granddaughter desires.â
âEven if itâs a person?â
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