Chapter 2
He fell silent.
After a long pause. he said wearily: “Elena, stop overthinking this. I’m just helping a friend. This is settled–I’m going to pick her up.“1
With that, he walked straight out the door.
Hearing the door slam shut, I closed my eyes and forced back the tears threatening to spill.]]
Getting upset over a worthless man wasn’t worth it.
Just then, Adrian’s mother called me.]
Elena, it’s the weekend tomorrow. Come back to the estate with Adrian for dinner.“]
Mrs. Cross had always been kind to me, and I couldn’t bring myself to refuse
“Of course, Mom.”
After hanging up, I stared out at the darkening sky, feeling nothing but cold emptiness inside.]
The next day, I went to the estate alone.
The Cross family estate had been mortgaged and auctioned off during their bankruptcy.
Later, when Adrian made his comeback, he wanted to buy back this house that held his childhood memories, but the new owner refused no matter what.
I was the one who showed up at his door with gifts, visit after visit, spending three whole months wearing down that eccentric retired professor until he finally agreed to sell it back to us at the original price.
Seeing only me arrive, Mrs. Cross frowned: “Where’s Adrian? Busy with his nonsense again?”
“Emergency meeting at the company. He’ll be here later.” I made an excuse for him.
Mrs. Cross patted my shoulder and led me to the sofa, sighing: “Elena, don’t cover for him. I’ve heard about what he’s been up to lately.“]
My heart sank
“Is he mixed up with that Victoria Sterling again?”
Mrs. Cross’s eyes turned sharp. “I warned him long ago that woman’s no good–told him to stay away from her!“]
I lowered any head without responding.
Mrs. Cross patted my back, her voice full of recognition and sympatlıy: “Poor child, he’s putting you through this. Don’t worry–you’re the only daughter–in–law the Cross family recognizes. If he dares do anything to wrong you, I’ll be the first to deal with him
Dupol
Warmth spread through my chest as I forced a smile: “It’s okay, Mom“]
Just then, Adrian arrived. Seeing me, his expression darkened–clearly annoyed that I’d gotten there first.]
“Mom. Elena came running back here to complain again?” His tone was immediately hostile.
Mrs. Cross nearly threw her coffee cup at him but restrained herself.
“You ungrateful bastard, what are you saying? Is Elena that kind of person? If she’d said even one bad word about you, I wouldn’t have let you through that door today!”
“Then what?” Adrian said impatiently. “If she didn’t tell you, how would you know about Victoria?“]
“You think I needed her to tell me?” Mrs. Cross laughed coldly.
“You made that woman your personal assistant at the company–practically broadcasting your dirty laundry to everyone. Do you think I’m blind?“]
I smiled bitterly to myself.
Shortly after he’d stormed out that day, he’d eagerly moved Victoria into our house.
Then he arranged for her to work at the company, right by his side.
Afterward, he’d made a show of explaining to me: “Victoria’s new to the company. She’ll adapt faster with me showing her the ropes.”
Adrian’s face cycled through shades of red and white.
He took a deep breath, as if too tired to argue anymore: “Victoria’s outside. I’m having her bring in some urgent documents.”
Without waiting for our response, he turned and opened the door!]
Victoria followed timidly behind him, wearing a simple white dress that made her look pure and innocent. []
Seeing Mrs. Cross, she instinctively hid behind Adrian.
Adrian immediately bristled, addressing his mother: “She’s just delivering documents, Don’t stare at her like that–you’ll scare her.”
I looked at Adrian like he was an idiot.
Victoria spoke up in a voice barely above a whisper: “Mr. Cross, this is a family dinner. It’s not appropriate for me to be here. Maybe I should go.”
But her feet seemed rooted to the spot–she didn’t move an inch
“You’re tired from the delivery. Eat first, then go.
Without asking anyone, Adrian scated her in the empty chair beside him–the seat that had been meant for me.
The dinner table atmosphere plummeted to freezing.
Mrs. Cross watched Victoria’s performance with cold eyes, a mocking smile playing at her lips.]
“Miss Sterling, we’re both women here. You don’t need to put on an act for me.“]]
