Chapter 310

Weeping crabapple.

Adrian Roland had never seen this flower native to the northern regions before.

He hadn't even heard its name until now.

Yet the words "weeping crabapple" sent a tremor through his heart.

Could this be the same tree from his dreams, the one bursting with pink blossoms?

When the taxi stopped before a sea of flowers, he froze.

Before him stood pale pink blossoms like drifting mist, swaying gracefully in the sunlight.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" The driver rubbed his hands together proudly. "Perfect spot to bring your girlfriend."

Adrian's throat tightened as his fingers dug unconsciously into his palms.

The driver kept chattering: "Not many people know about this place yet. Once it becomes an Instagram hotspot—"

"Draw me a map." Adrian cut him off abruptly.

The driver blinked. "What?"

"A map to get here." He pulled out his wallet. "Name your price."

The driver's eyes darted before holding up five fingers.

"Five million." Adrian didn't hesitate. "On condition this location stays secret. Forever."

The driver's jaw dropped.

He'd only meant to ask for fifty thousand.

......

At the Atlante mansion, Old Man Xavier was in unusually high spirits.

Grant Rubenstein stood behind him massaging his shoulders, listening to the old man hum an opera tune.

"Grant." Xavier spoke suddenly.

"Yes, Uncle Xavier?"

"Check if the fish is ready. Adrian should be arriving soon."

Grant frowned. "This is the seventh time you've asked."

The old man narrowed his eyes. "Got a problem with that?"

"...Of course not."

Xavier snorted. "I know you've always resented him."

Grant's knuckles whitened around his cane.

"Adrian is simply better than you," Xavier stated bluntly. "My empire goes to the most capable."

Grant forced a smile. "Your empire, your rules."

"Such hypocrisy." Xavier shook his head. "Adrian's only weakness is sentimentality. You may be inferior, but at least women don't distract you."

Grant's smile stiffened. "Then why—"

"Because I only accept the best." Xavier interrupted. "Two stars cannot share one sky. That's fate."

The front door opened.

Adrian walked in with a smile. "Apologies for being late, Uncle Xavier."

The old man's face lit up. "Perfect timing. The fish is almost done."

"Then I'm in for a treat today."

He naturally took over pushing the wheelchair, guiding Xavier toward the dining room.

Xavier looked surprised. "First time you've volunteered to push me."

"I was immature before." Adrian's voice softened. "I'll visit more often."

The old man studied him suspiciously. "Changed your tune? You used to leave right after business discussions."

"Your scolding woke me up."

Xavier nodded. "Women are nothing but—"

"Trouble." Adrian finished the sentence. "I remember."

As the wheelchair stopped at the dining table, Xavier abruptly changed topics:

"That incident with Stella Valentine last time—you're sure it wasn't you who saved her?"

Adrian's smile didn't falter. "Her heart belongs to someone else. My presence wouldn't have mattered."

"Then who was it?"

"No idea." He shrugged. "Four years is long enough to find new companionship."

Xavier's gaze sharpened. "I heard the rescuer got a cut on his right hand..."

His eyes locked onto Adrian's right hand.

"Turn your hand over. Let me see."