Chapter 186

Happiness?

Adrian Roland watched the retreating figure of the woman, his lips curving unconsciously.

Happiness was the breeze that brushed through her hair, the lingering warmth of her fingertips, the graceful arc of her skirt as she turned away.

"Boss." Jason's voice snapped him back to reality.

Only then did he realize he'd been standing there for quite some time.

"Hmm?"

"It's time for your hospital dressing change. The doctor said delaying further will leave a scar."

Adrian lightly touched the wound at his temple. The sting was sharper than yesterday.

At the hospital, the doctor frowned as he removed the bandage.

"Mr. Roland, the wound is infected and festering. You should have come last night."

"Will it scar?"

"Most likely."

"That's fine."

The doctor sighed. "This area is close to the ocular nerves. If it damages the facial nerves—"

"Will it alter my features?"

"No."

"Then it's enough." Adrian's tone was indifferent.

As the doctor cleaned the wound, he suddenly smiled. "You look much better than last time."

"I'm getting married."

"To the woman who's been haunting your thoughts?"

A softness flickered in Adrian's eyes. "The girl I've loved for ten years."

The doctor nodded knowingly. "No wonder your sleep improved after stopping the medication. Love truly is the best remedy."

"Yes..." Adrian exhaled softly.

Had he known sooner, perhaps those six years of torment wouldn't have happened.

Leaving the examination room, Jason murmured, "Everything is arranged regarding Miss Stella."

"Keep watching, especially Uncle Xavier—"

Before he could finish, the sound of a wheelchair echoed from the corridor's end.

Mr. Xavier Atlante, dressed in traditional attire, rolling walnuts in his palm, approached surrounded by his entourage.

"Adrian, how's the injury?"

"Thank you for your concern."

Mr. Xavier studied him with narrowed eyes. "Miss Stella seems to be taking good care of you."

Mr. Grant, pushing the wheelchair, chuckled. "Miss Stella is indeed remarkable. No wonder even young master Victor Valence favors her."

Mr. Xavier sneered. "Women are nothing but temptresses! They only hinder a man's ambitions!"

"Uncle Xavier!" Adrian's voice turned icy. "My aspirations lie elsewhere."

"You'd truly abandon a promising future for a woman?" Mr. Xavier's grip tightened around the walnuts. "I'll ask you one last time!"

"My answer remains unchanged."

"Fine!" Mr. Xavier laughed in fury. "If you insist on leaving, then surrender one of your hands!"

Mr. Grant smoothly interjected, "We'll see you tonight at the Oceanview Villa."

Adrian nodded calmly. "Very well."