Chapter 3The Second Shot

I pushed Adrian away hard and stood up straight.

He scoffed, picked up a wet wipe from the coffee table, and slowly cleaned his hands. "Mark already called me."

My heart skipped a beat. I didn't expect Mark to confer with Adrian so quickly. It seemed... their relationship ran deeper than I thought.

"Mrs. Vance," Adrian stared at me, his dark eyes devoid of warmth, his tone mocking, "Go ahead. How are you planning to pick a fight with me this time?"

"Just recommending a newcomer with potential," I pulled my coat tighter. "Don't overthink it."

Adrian said sarcastically, "Then I should thank you for your generosity."

I looked at him. "Ms. Chloe is beautiful. She evokes pity."

"So what?" He was dismissive. "Are there few vases in this industry?"

I fell silent.

I hadn't expected that delivering the heroine to Adrian myself would trigger his rebellious streak.

But once he sees her, he'll eat his words.

Adrian clearly lost patience, looking down at me condescendingly.

"Stop doing unnecessary things. I promised Mother that the position of Mrs. Vance would always be yours. As for anything else, stop daydreaming."

...

I listened to these words numbly. Adrian was as harsh as ever.

In the past, I would have eagerly expressed my loyalty and love, hoping to move this arrogant man.

But now, I just lowered my eyes and nodded in agreement.

"I understand. You didn't marry me willingly; you were forced by your family. If you fall in love with someone else, I won't pester you anymore."

Adrian remained expressionless. "Nice words. Can you actually do it?"

He didn't believe me at all.

I suppressed my displeasure and was about to retort when Adrian extended his hand.

A silver key lay quietly in his palm.