Chapter 10
Willard laughed too, but there was no warmth in it.
He wasn’t like the others. He’d worked at the Melendez Group’s
upper levels.
Adrienne smiled along, then excused herself to the restroom.
Standing before the mirror in the women’s restroom, she looked
at her pale reflection. Her forehead pulsed with dizziness, and
she felt like vomiting.
She splashed water on her face to wake herself up. As she
stepped out, she saw Garrett leaning casually nearby.
This whole floor had only standard private rooms. Why was he
here?
But that wasn’t what mattered most to her.
“Garrett.”
She called out. “Weren’t you on a business trip? Are you free
tomorrow?”
His gaze lingered on her cheek. “Tomorrow’s the weekend. The
Chapter 10
courthouse isn’t open. You really are cut out to be a housewife.”
She was used to his sarcasm and didn’t react emotionally. She
looked toward Willard’s room. “Then I’ll contact Jared on
Monday.“”
She used to call Garrett often, but he never answered.
Eventually, she got used to going through Jared.
Garrett scoffed coldly. “Suit yourself!”
Adrienne didn’t say anything more and turned to head back to
the room, but then he said, “Isn’t staying at home as a housewife
better than being talked about by a bunch of greasy old men?
Adrienne, I remember you used to have some pride.”
In three years of marriage, he’d come home very few times.
All her pride had been worn down by depression.
It had taken years and countless efforts for her to get better.
“Garrett, I feel more dignified here than I ever did by your side.”
His entire demeanor turned icy, and something frightening
flickered in his eyes.
He strode over and grabbed her wrist. “What did you say? Say it
again!”
Chapter 10
His grip on her chin hurt. She pressed her lips together, looking
at him calmly.
His eyes were dangerously dark, like a stormy night.
Several seconds passed before he slowly released her and casually shoved his hands into his pockets. “Then stay here with
them. Don’t come back. Adrienne, we should’ve parted ways a
long time ago.”
“I know.””
She nodded seriously and smiled. “I won’t come looking for you.”
But years ago, she had held his hand and said that no matter
where he went, she’d always find him.
Garrett didn’t look at her again and walked away with large
strides.
Adrienne didn’t flatter herself into thinking he’d come down
just for her. She pushed the door open and walked back into the
room.
Willard had just wrapped up the conversation and was getting
ready to leave.
Earlier, when Adrienne stepped out, Ernest had signaled to
Chapter 10
Willard, suggesting she take him home.
Everyone knew exactly what that kind of suggestion meant.
These men were all tightly controlled by their families. They
didn’t dare have female assistants officially, but all had
mistresses on the side.
And none of those women looked as stunning as Adrienne.
One night with her would be like heaven.
Willard gave Adrienne a slight shove, but didn’t push her all the
way toward Ernest. “Ms. Norton, look at how you’ve got Mr.
Camacho all worked up.”
Adrienne smoothly followed his lead. “My mistake. I’ll treat Mr.
Camacho to a drink another day. May I have your card?”
Ernest, now very satisfied, handed her his card.
Adrienne accepted it carefully, and the sight pleased him even
more. Right then and there, he agreed to partner with Willard.
Willard immediately handed Adrienne the prepared contract.
She was at a bit of a loss, but Ernest didn’t want to see her
struggle. He signed the contract on the spot and even gave her a
reassuring pat on the shoulder.
