Chapter 217

"Mr. Roland, the legal department received some important documents..."

Adrian didn't look up, his slender fingers typing on the keyboard. "File them directly."

Lynn Watson tightened her grip on the express envelope. "But these were sent by the Shi Group..."

"I said file them." His voice was icy. "Do you not understand English?"

Lynn bit her lip. "Mr. Roland, my probation period ends next week..."

"Not anymore." Adrian finally lifted his gaze, sharp as a blade. "Go to HR and complete the formalities."

"Mr. Roland!" Her eyes instantly reddened. "What did I do wrong? Tell me, I'll improve!"

Adrian pressed the intercom. "Security, escort Ms. Watson out."

Julian Valois walked in just as this scene unfolded.

"Adrian, losing your temper again?" He motioned for Lynn to leave first.

Adrian buried himself in the files again. "I'm busy."

Julian glanced at the takeout boxes littering the floor. "You didn't go home again last night?"

"Hmm."

"I heard you're getting married?" Julian cut straight to the point. "To that Ms. Evans?"

Adrian's pen paused mid-signature. "You're well-informed."

"Engaged after three meetings?" Julian frowned. "Are you serious?"

"She's quiet. Doesn't cause trouble." Adrian closed the file. "She's suitable."

Julian laughed in disbelief. "You think this is like buying furniture?"

"Is there a difference?" Adrian walked to the window and lit a cigarette. "I need a wife. She needs the title of Mrs. Roland."

"You've changed." Julian's voice turned grave. "Ever since you woke up in the hospital, you've—"

"Shut up." Adrian's eyes darkened through the smoke. "Don't mention the hospital to me."

Julian sighed. "Don’t you really want to know what happened during those months?"

"No." Adrian stubbed out the cigarette. "That was humiliating to me."

The office fell into dead silence.

"I won’t attend the wedding." Julian stood up. "But the gift will arrive."

Adrian suddenly asked, "What’s her full name?"

"Who?"

"Ms. Evans."

Julian stared at him in shock. "You don’t even know your fiancée’s name?"

"It’s unimportant." Adrian said flatly. "She’s just a placeholder."

Julian shook his head and left. At the elevator, he ran into Lynn, her eyes still red.

"Mr. Valois..." She handed him a coffee. "Your latte."

Julian drank it in one gulp. "Don’t take it to heart. He’s always been like this."

Lynn suddenly turned and rushed back into the CEO’s office, slamming a large express envelope onto the desk.

"Mr. Roland!" Her voice trembled. "You need to see this!"

Adrian, in the middle of a video conference, turned livid. "Get out!"

"This is the Shi Group returning your family’s assets!" Lynn stood her ground. "All your parents’ companies!"

Adrian’s hand froze on the mouse.

"The legal department said you just need to sign, and they’ll all be yours again." She straightened her back. "Just say yes or no."

The video conference continued on the screen, but Adrian seemed deaf to it. Slowly, he opened the top envelope. The old logo of the Roland Group stared back at him.

The companies swallowed nine years ago were now intact in his hands.