Chapter 152

The lighter's flame danced on Lily Savigny's fingertips.

Adrian Roland's pupils constricted sharply.

"Burn it, and you'll never read her words to you again." Lily's voice dripped with malicious delight.

The edges of the brown notebook had already begun to curl.

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed. He recognized this notebook—a birthday gift he'd personally chosen six years ago. The leather cover had faded with time.

"What do you want?"

Lily tilted her head, the firelight flickering across her face. "I want you to marry me."

A sudden gust of wind blew through the window, causing the flames to leap higher. Lily shrieked as the notebook slipped from her grasp.

Adrian lunged for the window.

Without hesitation, he jumped from the second floor.

"Adrian!" Lily's scream pierced the night.

When security arrived, they found Adrian kneeling on the lawn. His suit was smeared with dirt, blood trickling from his temple, yet he cradled the charred notebook protectively against his chest.

"Mr. Roland, should we call an ambulance?"

Adrian shook his head, his hands trembling as he pulled out his phone. The moment the screen lit up, his tense expression softened.

["What time will you be home tonight? I made Mapo Tofu!"]

The security guard watched as the business tycoon's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Please reply for me," Adrian rasped. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

By the time Lily rushed outside, Adrian's taillights had already disappeared around the corner. Two guards blocked her path.

"There's only ever been one mistress of this villa." Their gazes were wary. "It's been empty since Ms. Stella left."

Lily's face drained of color.

Meanwhile, inside the car, Adrian carefully opened the scorched notebook. Amid the blackened pages, a line of childish handwriting remained barely legible:

["Birthday wish at twenty: Marry Adrian."]

His fingers gently traced the words as though touching the most precious treasure.