Chapter 10 

The entire ballroom erupted in shock. 

Everyone knew that Adrianna and Derick had been at odds since childhood. Whenever they crossed 

paths, it would either end in a shouting match or a full-on fight. No one could have expected that Derick was the one she was waiting for. 

James was livid. He strode over to Adrianna and demanded, “Adrianna, what is the meaning of this?” 

Adrianna ignored him, keeping her gaze fixed on Derick. 

Derick stood a few steps away from her, with his hands tucked into his pockets. He appeared indifferent, but Adrianna caught the way his eyes flickered briefly between James and her. 

“I told you. I’m choosing him.” She raised her hand, pointing a slender finger straight at Derick. 

Her words landed like a bomb, setting off another frenzied discussion among the guests in the ballroom. 

“What? She chose Derick?” 

“Aren’t they sworn enemies?” 

“God, look at James’ face… He’s livid.” 

James’ face turned from ashen to pale, then flushed a deep red. He grabbed Adrianna’s wrist forcefully.” Are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you’re saying?” 

Adrianna shook his hand off coldly. “I’m perfectly aware of what I just said.” 

“That’s impossible!” James hissed through clenched teeth. “You’ve practically-” 

“Practically what?” Adrianna cut him off, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Practically chased after you for 20 years? Practically sworn to marry no one but you?” 

She shook her head. “Oh, James, you think too highly of yourself.” 

As if he had been struck across the face, James staggered back a step. He had never seen Adrianna like this. Her gaze was cold, and she sounded snappy. It was as if he were a stranger. 

Nolan and the guys rushed in. Conrad spoke first, frowning. “Anna, this isn’t funny.” 

“He’s right,” Liam added. “We all know it’s James you really love.” 

Adrianna stared at their fake personas and almost gagged. 

“I’m not joking. I choose Derick,” she said, enunciating each word. 

The ballroom fell into an awkward, heavy silence once more. All eyes shifted toward Derick, who stood off to the side, waiting for his reaction. 

Derick took slow steps toward Adrianna. Looking down at her from above, he sized her up, as if trying to see straight into her soul. 

He smirked. “Ms. Quinnen, you shouldn’t play the same game with me that you play with them.” 

Adrianna met his gaze head-on, showing no signs of backing down. “I’m not playing any games.” 

They locked eyes in a silent standoff, neither budging. Around them, the guests held their breath, not wanting to miss a thing. 

Just then, Cecilia had managed to push through the crowd and clung softly to James’ sleeve. 

She spoke in a shaky, tearful tone, “James… is Adrianna doing this out of spite? This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have come…” 

James immediately pulled her into a protective embrace. “This has nothing to do with you.” 

He turned to Adrianna, his eyes burning with anger. “Adrianna, must you humiliate me like this?” 

Adrianna felt nothing but calm as she took in their intimate interaction. 

“I humiliated no one,” she said evenly. “I simply made a choice.” 

Derick let out a low chuckle, breaking the tension. He turned to James. “She chose me. You got a problem with that?” 

His tone was light, yet the dominance behind it was unmistakable. 

James’ expression twisted with fury. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Derick! Adrianna is just confused. She doesn’t love you!” 

Derick shrugged. “So what? It’s just an engagement. Love isn’t required.” 

Adrianna’s heart lurched at his words. Even though she knew he was only saying it to provoke them, the coldness in his voice still cut her deeply. 

James looked like he wanted to say something more, but Keith stepped forward. “That’s enough. Since 

Anna has made her decision, the ceremony ends here.” 

He scanned the room. “Thank you all for coming. Let’s continue with this party.” 

The guests took the hint and began dispersing, though the hushed whispers lingered in the air. 

As she watched James storm off and caught the conflicted expressions on Nolan and the guys’ faces, she finally sighed in relief. 

She turned to Derick, only to find him already walking away. 

“Wait!” Adrianna chased after him and blocked his path in the corridor. “Where are you going?” 

11 

He stopped in his tracks but kept his back to her. “Home.” 

“Let’s talk,” Adrianna said, reaching out to tug his sleeve, but he sidestepped her touch. 

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Derick finally turned to face her. His gaze was cold. “I don’t know w game you’re playing, but I’m not interested in being part of it.” 

She explained hastily, “I’m not playing any games. I’m serious!” 

He stared at her for a long moment, then suddenly reached out and gripped her chin, forcing her to l at him. “Adrianna, you’ve chased after James for 20 years, and now you’re telling me you want to m 

me?” 

His thumb brushed lightly across her lips, but his voice was deathly cold. “You think I believe you?” 

Adrianna trembled slightly. They were so close that she could see her own reflection in his eyes. 

“It’s okay if you don’t believe me,” she said softly. “Just… give me a chance.” 

Derick let go and took a step back. “Why?” 

“Because…” Adrianna bit her lip, hesitating. In the end, she said nothing about her rebirth. “Because I finally see who’s really worth it.” 

His expression faltered, just for a second, before returning to indifference. 

He then turned to leave, but not before saying, “Tomorrow at 10:00 am. Ashford Corporation. Don’t be 

Adrianna stood there in the corridor and watched as his tall figure disappeared into the distance. A sr smile tugged at her lips. This went better than she’d expected. 

At the very least, he was willing to give her a chance. 

Meanwhile, in a shadowed corner of the ballroom, Cecilia glared at Adrianna, her eyes burning with 

venom. 

With James by her side, she murmured, “James, Derick must have threatened Adrianna. We can’t just by and do nothing.” 

James’ fists clenched, and a dark glint flashed across his eyes. “Don’t worry. I won’t let them have th 

way.”