Chapter 243

Adrian Roland's slender fingers glided across his phone screen as he skimmed through the quarterly report Penny Anderson had just delivered. The numbers were impressive—company performance steadily climbing.

"Uncle Xavier..."

"Are you serious about that Miss Evans?"

"No." Adrian's reply was curt.

"Then why attend a concert with her? It trended online!" The old man's tone turned sharp. "Women will only hinder your career. You said marrying her was just for business—"

Adrian loosened his tie irritably, grateful this was a phone call.

"We've broken up. Today's wedding was canceled. I didn't cross any lines."

Xavier's voice softened slightly. "You went to a concert after breaking up?"

"It was part of the terms."

"Good." A contemplative pause. "You already have children. No need for more. As for the gemstone supplier...just go through the motions. That new secretary of yours seems suitable. Dismiss her after the deal."

"Her financial situation is precarious. Abrupt termination—"

"Sentimental weakness!"

"It's basic decency."

Xavier scoffed. "Still clinging to illusions about women? Stella Valentine moved on the moment she left you. Only you dwell on the past."

"Uncle!" Adrian's voice sharpened. "Let's discuss business."

A weighted silence. "You've seen Stella?"

"She's the children's mother."

"Having second thoughts?"

"I'm fulfilling my paternal duties." Adrian massaged his temples. "I won't forget what I owe you. But other matters...let them go."

Xavier's breathing grew ragged. "She doesn't love you anymore."

"I know."

"Her heart belongs to someone else."

"...I know."

"And you still persist?"

A bitter laugh escaped Adrian. "Rest assured—she won't even look at me."

———

9:00 PM. Penny tiptoed into the office balancing a coffee cup.

By the floor-to-ceiling window, a dozen cigarette butts littered the floor around Adrian. The acrid smoke made her cough. "Mr. Roland, should I order supper?"

"No."

"The coffee—"

"Leave it."

Penny's gaze flickered to the overflowing ashtray. Three packs today.

"Any other tasks?" she ventured.

Adrian stubbed out his cigarette. "Why are you still here?"

She suppressed an eye-roll. Interns didn't clock out on time.

"In case you needed anything."

He grabbed his jacket. "Drive me home."

Penny's second time handling the Maybach. Rolling down windows barely alleviated the haze.

"Close them." The command came from the backseat.

She pursed her lips. Chauffeur duty plus secondhand smoke—only the salary made it tolerable.

"Which address, sir?"

"369 Peach Grove Road."

"That far?"

Adrian leaned back, eyes shut. He'd prefer somewhere closer, but insomnia was routine now.

"Your name?"

"...Penny Anderson."

"Miss Anderson," he asked abruptly, "am I difficult?"

She nearly bit her tongue. "Of course not! It's an honor to—"

"The truth."

"...A little."

A faint chuckle. "Then why stay?"

"The pay." Raw honesty. "I'm searching for someone."

"Boyfriend?"

"Yeah." Her voice dipped. "He said he fell for someone else. Told me not to look for him."

Adrian stiffened. The phrasing was hauntingly familiar.

"How long were you together?"

"Over a decade." Her grip tightened on the wheel. "I don't believe he changed."

"What if...he truly loves another?"

"Then I'll become better than her. Win him back."

"Become better..." Adrian echoed pensively.

"And when he returns—" Penny suddenly gritted her teeth, "I'll dump him! Let him taste his own medicine!"

"Could you?"

"..." Her voice faltered. "Just a decade-long relationship."

Adrian turned to the window. "Know the final move of Dragon Subduing technique?"

"Overbearing Dragon Regrets?"

"Yes." Barely audible. "Some actions...bring instant remorse."