Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 72:

Adrian halted in his tracks, a frown deepening on his face. It was evident he hadn’t been apprised of Lyla and Katie’s visit. He looked at Rebecca.

In a small voice, Rebecca explained, “Adie, please don’t be mad. Lyla’s son is getting engaged, and she came by to deliver an invitation. She insisted on coming in, and I couldn’t stop her. With you and Joelle not here, I had to handle it.”

Adrian’s irritation simmered beneath the surface. He had gone to great lengths to keep Rebecca’s stay here a secret from his family. However, the situation at hand seemed more pressing. Lyla and Katie’s surprise at discovering Rebecca living here was nothing compared to their shock at seeing Adrian bring home Joelle in a state of undress.

This would undoubtedly give Lyla and Katie something to talk about when they went back to the Miller Mansion. Adrian’s face grew impassive as he addressed Lyla. “So, you think it’s appropriate to drop by uninvited and act as if you own the place?”

Lyla’s eyes flitted toward Joelle before she forced a smile. “It’s just that Spencer is getting engaged. I was thrilled to share the news with you and Joelle in person. Our family is expanding, and perhaps you could offer Spencer a position at the company. It’s time he starts making his mark in the world.”

Joelle, despite her face being obscured, could see the ulterior motive in Lyla’s words. Why would Adrian be interested in Spencer’s engagement? It was clear this was a maneuver to gain a foothold in the company—a coveted prize that Lyla resented being excluded from ever since Adrian took control.

Joelle had always been wary of Lyla’s scheming nature. But Adrian’s response caught her off guard. “Since you’ve brought it up, have him report to the company tomorrow.”

“Really?” Lyla was taken aback by Adrian’s compliance, and she didn’t know how to shift the conversation back to Joelle again.

“Joelle isn’t feeling well. I’m taking her upstairs to rest.”

As Adrian turned to leave, Katie suddenly interjected, “Why isn’t Joelle dressed?”

Everyone had heard Rebecca’s earlier exclamation, and Katie now saw an opportunity to embarrass Joelle.noveldrama

Adrian stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. His entire demeanor radiated a cold fury that made Katie flinch.

“Which eye of yours saw her without clothes?”

Katie, her teeth clenched, pointed accusingly at Rebecca. “She said it! We all heard her! If Joelle’s dressed, then prove it. Take off the blanket and show us!”

Joelle, clinging to Adrian’s neck, stiffened at Katie’s words.

Without hesitation, Adrian lifted Joelle effortlessly with one arm, while his other hand struck Katie across the face with a resounding smack.

Katie stood stunned, her hand flying to her cheek as tears began to stream down her face.

Lyla’s expression darkened, but she remained silent, her fear of Adrian’s wrath keeping her from speaking out.

Rebecca was stunned. She hadn’t expected Adrian to hit a woman, and her legs trembled, barely holding her upright.

Lyla hurried to check on her daughter. “Adrian, that was uncalled for! Katie is your cousin. She was only worried about Joelle.”

Adrian, his grip on Joelle unwavering, responded with icy detachment, “Is that how she addresses my wife? Demanding proof from me? Who does she think she is?”

Katie bit her lip. “So what if she’s wearing clothes or not? This is my house. Joelle is my wife. What happens here is our business. If you can’t accept that, then don’t come here!”

Lyla’s anger simmered, but she glanced at Rebecca, and for now, chose to hold her tongue.

Adrian no longer regarded anyone in the room. “Leah, see them out!”

Leah gestured toward the exit. “This way, please.”

As Lyla pulled her tearful daughter toward the exit, she paused, casting a parting glance at Rebecca with a sly smile.

“Leah, you’re quite dedicated. Imagine, the daughter of a mere chauffeur living here, and Irene doesn’t even know yet. When I return, I’ll make sure Irene hears all about your dutiful service.”

Earlier, Lyla had seen Rebecca acting like she owned the place. This would be fun.

Leah rolled her eyes, unfazed. “Irene isn’t in the best of health. If you upset her, Adrian won’t let you off.”

Lyla shot Leah a venomous glare. “We’ll see about that.”

Leah’s indifference was palpable as she walked away. Alone in the courtyard, Rebecca was stung by Lyla’s parting words.

If the Miller family looked down on her, she vowed to rise to a place where they would all have to look up to her.

Clenching her fists, she glared at the window on the second floor.

Adrian drew the curtains closed and carried Joelle into the bathroom, the warm water beginning to thaw her cold body.

“Adrian, do you think I’m dirty?”

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