Chapter 219

Mr. Xavier's smile froze for a split second before quickly relaxing. "You must be overworking yourself lately. Go for a checkup tomorrow. That Dr. Lowell wasn't competent. I'll introduce you to a better psychiatrist."

Adrian gave a slight nod, then shook his head. "I can't leave right now. The company is negotiating several major projects."

"I see..." Mr. Xavier visibly relaxed, speaking earnestly. "Adrian, I've entrusted my entire empire to you. Don't disappoint me."

"You have my word." His voice was low.

"I've always had faith in you."

The chef approached with a freshly steamed grouper, its aroma filling the air.

Mr. Xavier patted his arm. "Try today's catch."

Adrian's muscles tensed instantly, remaining rigid.

"My memory fails me!" Mr. Xavier withdrew his hand regretfully. "Does your arm still hurt?"

A wave of excruciating pain surged, lasting several minutes.

He rose slowly. "It's fine."

"Really?"

"Just some discomfort during rainy days." Adrian took a deep breath. "It doesn't affect daily life."

Mr. Xavier sighed, shaking his head. "You've suffered too much. First, losing both parents in that car crash. Then nearly dying in the second one. If my men hadn't arrived in time..."

"I owe you my life."

"Enough of that." Mr. Xavier waved dismissively. "I treat you as my own son, which is why I'm passing everything to you. Adrian, don't let another woman derail you this time."

Adrian's gaze sharpened abruptly. "Derail? That's an understatement."

"Let's not dwell on her. Eat first."

The dining table was laden with exquisite dishes, vibrant and fragrant.

Only after Mr. Xavier picked up his chopsticks did Adrian follow suit.

"By the way, how's the investigation on that Ms. Evans?"

Adrian meticulously removed fish bones, placing the tender flesh into the elder's bowl. "Comes from an ordinary working-class family. Introverted. A quiet office worker."

"Good." Mr. Xavier nodded approvingly. "She'll make a suitable wife, won't interfere with your career."

"Mhm."

"Marry her soon."

"Understood."

Mr. Xavier pressed further. "What about Lily Savigny?"

"I'll follow your lead."

"Proceed legally." His expression turned benevolent. "Send the child to an orphanage. As a Buddhist, I believe in accumulating good karma. Donate to the orphanage on my behalf another day."

Adrian agreed silently.

Leaving the beachfront villa, he called for a designated driver.

The inexperienced driver took detours and deliberately chose bumpy roads, grating on his nerves.

"Sorry, sir. First time in this area..." Max stammered apologies.

Adrian suppressed his irritation. "Turn on the GPS."

"Right away..."

The navigation proved accurate. Within five minutes, they merged onto the main road.

BAM—

A deafening crash.

Adrian lurched forward, nearly hitting the front seat.

"Sir, I—"

He stepped out grimly to assess the rear-end collision.

His Maybach had plowed into a Porsche. Both vehicles' rear ends were severely dented.

The Porsche's driver—a red-haired youth covered in tattoos—stormed over aggressively.

Adrian raised a hand to stop him. "Name your price."

The redhead held up two fingers. "Not a cent less!"

"Two million?" Adrian pulled out his phone. "QR code."

The redhead gaped. He'd hoped to extort 200k, never expecting such an astronomical offer.

He hastily presented his payment code. The moment the transfer cleared, he sped off like a fugitive.

"Sir, I'm so terribly sorry..." Max approached trembling. "It's pitch black here. I couldn't see a thing..."

Adrian scanned their surroundings. "Black?"

"Can't even see my hand in front of my face!" Max scratched his head anxiously.

Yet Adrian saw everything with crystal clarity.

"Are you visually impaired?"

"My vision's 20/20!"

"Then why couldn't you see?"

A passing motorist chimed in. "Buddy, this stretch has no streetlights. Accidents happen daily."

Another driver concurred. "We've filed countless complaints."

Adrian frowned deeply.

Everyone claimed it was dark—except him.

What was this?

Night vision?

He smirked self-deprecatingly.

"Sir, about the damages..." Max's voice quivered. "I just started this job. Got kids to feed..."

"You're off the hook." Adrian's tone was flat. "But I won't pay for this ride."

Max nearly collapsed with relief, bowing repeatedly before fleeing.

Adrian contacted his insurance company to handle the wreck, remaining onsite.

While checking emails, he noticed Lynn's resignation.

Though merely a secretary, she reported directly to the executive office—requiring his approval.

Seeing the severance package, he replied: [Add one year's salary as bonus.]

Houston's nightscape glittered brilliantly, traffic flowing endlessly.

The accident caused a growing backup.

Joy pounded her horn impatiently. "A crash on the main road? Unbelievable! Stella, want to detour?"

"No rush." She gazed out the window. "After three years, Houston hasn't changed."

"Are you kidding?" Joy rolled her eyes. "It's way more congested now!"