The faint scent of pine lingered around her, steady and grounding. Before long, Riley's breathing softened, and her body gradually relaxed into sleep.
Some time later, Adrian opened his eyes in the dark.
They were clear and awake, carrying something unfamiliar as his gaze settled on the woman sleeping beside him. Something inside him had quietly shifted, as though a crack had opened somewhere deep in his chest and revealed a tenderness he had never known before. Anticipation, nervousness, and a strange, restless excitement stirred together in a way that felt entirely new to him.
He had never felt like this before.
In the past, being around other women had always felt hollow. They existed beside him, offering care or conversation, yet his heart had never once been moved by any of it. But Riley was different. She was the first person he had ever truly wanted to keep.
His arms tightened around her slightly, and he rested his chin gently on top of her head before slowly closing his eyes again.
The next morning, Riley woke feeling as though she had been crushed in her sleep. Every inch of her body ached, like a heavy stone had been pressing down on her all night. The moment she opened her eyes, she found Adrian's leg thrown over her and one arm wrapped firmly around her waist.
No wonder she had slept so badly.
She shifted a little, and Adrian woke almost immediately.
"Get up," she said, pointedly avoiding his eyes.
"Alright."
A faint smile touched his lips as he let her go. Riley scrambled out of bed first, unwilling to stay beside him for even a moment longer. She still did not trust him not to lose control again.
After washing up quickly, she slipped out of the room. Adrian always had his own morning routine and never skipped his shower, so she headed downstairs first. Her whole body still sore, she rubbed her lower back as she made her way down the stairs.
"The idiot's here. The idiot's here."
Echo chirped the moment it saw her.
Riley shot the bird a glare before looking toward the living room, where two people were already seated. She ignored one of them completely and called out, "Grandpa."
Arthur smiled broadly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I had breakfast prepared for the two of you. Don't starve yourselves."
Riley patted her stomach. Now that he mentioned it, she really was hungry. She nodded and headed straight for the dining table.
The moment she left, the servants began whispering among themselves.
"Did Master Adrian really succeed last night?"
"Look at Madam. She can barely move. I'd say he did."
"Right? Who knew Master Adrian had it in him? He completely wore her out."
"Does that mean Master Arthur might get a great-grandchild soon?"
"A great-grandchild..."
Arthur's eyes lit up at the thought.
For the first time, a flicker of hope stirred in him. He had not thought much of this foolish girl in the beginning, but if his grandson liked her, then perhaps he could reluctantly accept it.
Reluctantly.
Even so, he still had not sent Felicia away. It was better to leave another option open, just in case things changed.
A smile lingered on his face, but unease quietly rose beneath it.
Was Adrian's condition truly that severe? Had it gotten so bad that he no longer cared who stood beside him, as long as he could leave behind a child?
The thought sat heavily in Arthur's chest, and he sighed.
At this point, what else could I ask for? If Riley could give the Yates family an heir, then even if she was not entirely normal, I would still protect her and her child.
Yet another thought kept nagging at him. Adrian's health was supposed to be getting worse but he looked better over the past two weeks. Healthier. Stronger. Arthur had not heard of any recent episodes either.
What exactly is going on?
By the time Adrian came downstairs after his shower, Riley was already eating. He took the seat beside her, and the sight of them together looked unexpectedly warm, peaceful, almost harmonious.
Across the room, Felicia's hands tightened into fists.
Wasn't he supposed to be dying? Why did Riley look so happy?
Her nails dug hard into her palms as disgust surged through her. The scene in front of her was unbearable. She let out a quiet, cold laugh.
Fine. Let's see how long you can keep smiling. Once Adrian dies, where will a fool like you even go? How long will you be able to act smug then?
Her gaze darkened, and when she turned her head, she noticed a maid standing not far away with the same jealousy burning in her eyes.
A thought flashed through her mind.
After breakfast, Adrian and Riley followed Arthur to the study. Riley said she was going to check on Mrs. Hales, so they parted in the hallway.
Not long after, her phone rang.
"Riley, I'm here at the Yates Estate. Come out. I need to talk to you."
The voice on the other end was commanding and impatient.
Riley's expression cooled. She hung up at once.
Two seconds later, the phone rang again.
"Riley, are you listening to me? Get out here right now. I... hello? Hello?!"
She cut him off again.
Thomas stared at his phone, chest heaving with anger. Beside him, Elaine spoke softly, her tone full of concern.
"Thomas, try to talk to her calmly. Riley has always had a difficult personality. Even as her parents, we have to accommodate her."
She sighed before continuing, "And now that the company is in trouble, she's our only hope. Just endure it. Otherwise, if she loses her temper, no one will be able to help us."
It sounded like advice, but every word only made things worse.
As expected, Thomas exploded. "I'm her father, and I have to accommodate her? The company is in trouble. She's part of this family, so she should contribute. What, am I supposed to beg her now? Useless girl."
Still fuming, he dialed her number again, only to realize she had already blocked him.
"This ungrateful brat."
His face turned livid.
Elaine hid her satisfaction well and stepped in with a gentle smile. "Let me call her. I'll talk to her properly. She'll come out."
Back in her room, Riley saw Elaine's call and paused.
Then she remembered Thomas's failed investment and the broken cash flow.
After a moment, she sighed inwardly. It would be better to deal with this once and for all. Otherwise, they would keep coming back again and again without end.
She sent Adrian a quick message, reached into her stuffed bunny to check the hidden wrench inside, then hummed softly to herself as she headed out.
At the study, Adrian had just arrived when her message came through. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
Someone's asking her for money?
He raised a brow.
Does she even have any?
Then he paused.
Since we married, I have never given her money. Not once.
His expression softened slightly.
That would not do.
He made a quiet note to himself. He needed to fix that.
His woman would not be put in an embarrassing position.
At a café near the foot of the hill, Thomas drove Riley there himself while Elaine stayed behind to wait for Felicia.
After getting out of the car, he led Riley into a private room. Inside, a balding man was already seated, leisurely sipping coffee with the air of someone who considered himself important.
Thomas immediately plastered on a smile. "Mr. Frost, this... this is my daughter, Riley."
Then he shot her a sharp look.
"This is the chairman of Frost Corporation. Show some respect and say hello."
Riley blinked, then obediently said, "Hi."
Kieran Frost nearly choked mid-sip. Coffee sprayed from his mouth as he whipped around, his face twisting in shock while he stared straight at Riley.