Chapter 11 

News of Adrianna and Derick’s engagement landed like a bomb, sending shockwaves through the elite circles of Gildford. 

The Emmonses, Livingstons, Hargraves, and Winsleys all sent people to dig into Derick’s background, desperate to find out why the Quinnens would suddenly select a long-standing rival. 

Corporate spies and private investigators tried one after another, and yet, Derick’s background remained sealed behind an impenetrable wall. 

On paper, all they could uncover was his vast yet discreet business empire rooted in Swarenthia, far- reaching partnerships with Aspenshire’s consortiums, and ties to unspeakable forces. 

“How could he possibly be this talented?” James slammed the investigation report down on the table. His expression was dark and menacing. 

“He’s just some spoiled brat Adrianna bullied since childhood. Why him?” 

Nolan appeared deep in thought. “Perhaps, we never truly knew him at all.” 

Cecilia couldn’t accept it. She had gone to great lengths to win James and the others over just so she could see Adrianna in a sobbing mess, not still standing high above. 

She took in a few deep breaths, trying to contain her anger, before making a call. 

The next day, Adrianna had just stepped into her usual private club when she heard faint, breathy gasps coming from the far end of the hallway. 

“James, not here…” Cecilia’s voice dripped with sweetness, the tremor in it entirely deliberate. 

Adrianna stopped in her tracks and looked up. 

James had Cecilia pinned against the wall, his fingers unbuttoning her shirt as he kissed her wildly. 

Catching sight of Adrianna from the corner of her eye, Cecilia broke out into a triumphant smile. She raised her voice on purpose. 

“James, if Adrianna sees us like this, she’ll be heartbroken…” 

James laughed coldly. “Did she ever think about my feelings when she chose Derick?” 

Adrianna took in the scene with a disinterested look. In her past life, seeing this would have shattered her. Now, she only found it absurd. 

She turned to leave, only to bump into Derick at the corner of the hallway. 

She didn’t know how long he’d been standing there, but he was staring at her with a dark expression. 

Chapter 11 

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“Have you seen enough?” His voice was deep and edged with a faint chill. 

Adrianna raised an eyebrow. “Were you following me?” 

Instead of answering, Derick’s gaze shifted to the two bodies intertwined closely, not far away. 

Cecila watched them with a provocative look. Opening her lips slightly, she mouthed. “Loser.” 

Adrianna snorted and made to leave, but Derick grabbed her wrist. 

“That’s all you’ve got?” He spoke lightly, but his words cut like a blade. 

Without waiting for a reaction, he snatched up a wine bottle from a passing waiter’s tray and strode 

toward Cecilia. 

The next thing they knew, Cecilia was covered in red wine. Her pristine white dress was instantly 

drenched in a shocking crimson. 

“Ahh!” she shrieked, stumbling back.” Are you insane, Derick?” 

Wine streamed down her hair and smeared her perfectly applied makeup, making her look utterly 

disheveled. 

James erupted in fury. “Derick, how dare you-” 

Derick didn’t even spare them a glance. He simply pulled Adrianna away. 

Behind them, Cecilia cursed hysterically, but Derick just sneered in response. The pressure of his thumb 

rubbing against Adrianna’s wrist was almost enough to leave a mark. 

As the black Maybach sped through the night, the air inside felt suffocating. 

Adrianna turned her head toward the driver’s seat, where Derick gripped the wheel with one hand, his 

jawline taut. 

“Are you angry?” she asked. 

Derick remained silent, but the car accelerated. 

Adrianna chuckled softly. “Is it because I went to see James?” 

The tires screeched loudly against the asphalt as the car lurched to a stop by the roadside. 

Derick turned to her. His expression was so dark it was almost frightening. 

“Adrianna, I’m going to ask again. Why exactly did you choose me?” His voice was calm, but she could hear the anger he was holding back. 

“If it was just to provoke James, then you’ve succeeded.” He sneered. “But don’t use me as your pawn.’ 

Adrianna studied him in silence, then suddenly reached out and touched his face. 

Derick stiffened, the weight of his authoritarian presence instantly reined in. 

“Derick, could you be jealous?” she asked bas bhd lightly traced a fingertip along his brow. 

The air between them froze. 

The next thing she knew, he seized newwritband pressed her back against the seat. “Don’t play with fire.” 

She could feel his breath on hen/vas rich with the scent of wine and laced with dangerous intent. She ilted her head up to meet him gazzmand smiled. 

And what if I went to?”