Chapter 243
Sophie responded, “I’ll walk away on my own terms.”
Daisy’s answer came quick and sharp. “I hope you mean that when the time comes.”
Nothing else followed.
Sophie felt her shoulders relax as relief washed over her. Looked like Daisy would finally let her be. Odds were, she would just shift her focus to Adrian next.
A small grin crossed Sophie’s face as she silently wished him luck. Honestly, Adrian had brought most of this drama on himself. If anyone needed to handle Daisy now, it was him.
As for Daisy’s parting shot, Sophie didn’t bother to dwell on it. Spending time with Adrian had taught her to trust him. She also understood how deeply he resented his family.
When Daisy started showing off her status and resources, Sophie sometimes felt that familiar sting of inadequacy. Still, she kept believing that what she and Adrian shared was strong enough to weather any storm. No outside force could shake their relationship so easily.
She scrolled back to her chat with Adrian, picking up right where they left off. “Any cravings tonight? I’m taking over the kitchen. Oh, and Sarah’s coming for dinner.”
Adrian’s face tightened as he read her message.
Their place was supposed to be just for the two of them. He didn’t love the idea of Sophie’s friend dropping by. Sarah was harmless, but her constant presence always set Adrian on edge.
He kept his irritation tucked away. No point in letting Sophie see it and starting a fight.
Instead, he messaged back. “I want something else.”
Sophie replied right away. “What is it?”
Adrian’s answer was instant. “You.”
He figured she would call him out for being ridiculous. But instead, she went quiet for a second before responding, “Okay.”
Adrian felt his breathing hitch for a moment. He could almost see her in his mind—head lowered, cheeks tinged pink with shyness. Night couldn’t come soon enough.
A little part of him wanted to keep up the playful banter, to ask why she was suddenly so sweet.
Before he could, Neil knocked and stepped inside. “Mr. Knight, you’ve got another message from Miss Ross.”
Irritation flashed in Adrian’s eyes. “Didn’t I tell you to take care of it for me?”
Neil looked uneasy. “This one’s different. I think you’ll want to check it yourself.”
With a sigh, Adrian snatched up the message, brow furrowing as he read.
“I have to talk to you! Please trust me—this is about your mother!”
The annoyance faded from his face.
For the first time, he answered back. “Don’t play games. What do you really know?”
Daisy’s excitement nearly jumped off the screen.
Finally, she hadn’t been blocked. She had been certain news about his mother would get his attention. All that time spent digging had finally paid off.
Her reply came in seconds. “Meet me at Lune Café. I’ll explain everything.”
Adrian responded sharply. “Why should I trust a word you say?”
Daisy wasted no time. “My private doctor worked at Zhatwell Hospital. Ask anyone.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened as he took in the message. There was no way he could ignore this lead about his mother. He needed whatever information Daisy’s private doctor could offer.
Adrian slipped on a mask and made his way to the café.
Daisy was already on her feet as soon as he walked in, nearly bouncing with excitement. “Adrian! It’s really you. You got taller—and somehow even more handsome!”
He just made sure the mask stayed put, unmoved by her gushing. Compliments seemed pointless when half his face was covered.
He hadn’t bothered with pleasantries. His tone was brisk. “I’m here. Tell me what you’ve got.”
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