Ch. 71..80

Chapter 71 Believe it or not, I will ruin him.

Adrian!!

How could he be here??

Eva was on the verge of screaming.

Wasn't he supposed to be dealing with work? Why was he in the study, and in complete silence? She didn't hear a sound from him when she arrived.

Did she just... mention the word "baby"?

And Adrian happened to come in at that moment. Did he hear the crucial word? Or...

Eva's face turned pale as snow. She anxiously stared at Adrian, biting her lip in an attempt to appear calm.

Adrian didn't expect her to come to the study.

Seeing the bewildered expression on her face, his eyebrows furrowed slightly. Lately, she had been acting like a startled bird, as if she was hiding something from him. Adrian pursed his thin lips and squinted his sharp eyes, focusing his gaze on Eva's pale face.

"Who were you talking to just now?"

Eva was taken aback.

Did this question mean that Adrian didn't actually hear what she said?

But Eva couldn't be certain. What if Adrian did hear and was purposely asking to test her?

Considering this, Eva regained her composure and spoke softly, "Why are you here? I thought you were going to the office."

She was dodging the question.

"Video conference. No need to go to the office."

"Oh." Eva nodded. "I thought you went to the office, so I used your study. Jenny had some questions, so I explained it to her." She believed her tone was calm, without any abnormalities.

Adrian calmly examined her expressions, not speaking. His gaze seemed to be probing into her inch by inch.

Those pitch-black, profound eyes seemed to be able to see into her soul.

"You seem nervous."

Eva: "..."

Adrian walked forward and stood in front of her, almost pressing against her. The scent of his hormones instantly enveloped her. Subconsciously, Eva took a step back.

But right after she moved, she felt a pair of hands grasp her slender waist, applying just a bit of force. Eva bumped into Adrian's chest. "It seems I was right. You really are nervous."

Adrian's tone was leisurely as he used a little force with the hand on her waist, gently supporting her soft flesh. He narrowed his eyes. "Who were you talking to just now?"

The same question again!

Eva wasn't sure if he actually heard what she said. After all, she thought the study was empty, so she spoke at a normal volume. There was a fifty percent chance that Adrian could hear the content of her words. She didn't know now, so she couldn't panic.

Eva looked up and met his gaze directly. "Didn't I just tell you? I was handling work, so I had a phone call with Jenny."

"Really?"

Adrian didn't believe it and sneered, "Eva, do you think you're skilled at deceiving people?"

Eva's heart and mind were on edge.

"Who deceived you?"

She gritted her teeth and said, "Adrian, if you don't trust me, then don't ask me."

After speaking, Eva forcefully shook off his hand.

Seeing this, Adrian's handsome face turned cold, and his eyes stared at her with a gloomy expression.

"Are you throwing a fit? Looks like I guessed right. Since you say you didn't deceive me, then dare you show me the call records?"

"Call records?"

This request made Eva show an expression of speechlessness and choked for a while before saying, "How old are you? Are you immature, asking to see call records?"

Her chin was held by Adrian. His voice turned cold as he said, "You mind your own business."

"Funny." Eva shrugged her shoulders, "who said I'm minding your business? It's up to you how you want to be."

Adrian spread his hands towards her, expressionless. "Alright then, show me the call records."

"Adrian, are you crazy?"

"Didn't you say it's up to you what you want to do?"

"I said it's up to you what you want to do, not what you want to do to me. Is it so hard to understand?"

"What? Didn't you have a conversation with Jenny? Why you can't show me the call records? Or is it that the person you were talking to was actually someone else?"

Adrian asked, "Is it your brother, Carter?"

"

Eva finally understood why he was probing her and why he was acting so strangely.

He could only hear himself talking but couldn't comprehend the actual content. So, when he saw her in a panic, he misunderstood that she was talking to Carter instead of Jenny. Carter...

This was the third time Adrian had gone mad because of him.

And this reason made Eva silent, at the same time, she let go of the anxiety hanging in the air.

If that was the case, then she didn't care anymore.

Seeing her silence, Adrian's expression became extremely ugly.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

Silence meant he's right. Could it be that she really was talking to Carter on the phone just now?

Although Adrian couldn't clearly hear what she was saying, he could sense her gentle tone, which was different from her usual interactions with him.

Even vaguely, he heard words like baby, eating, and resting.

Combined, it was probably her calling the other person baby and telling them to go eat and rest!

Just thinking of the woman in front of him, who was still sharing a bed with him, calling another man baby, made Adrian's anger almost reach its peak.

And what made him even angrier was Eva's indifferent attitude. After hearing his questioning, she even shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

"Because there's nothing else to say. Whatever you say, you're right."

Earlier, she had confidently claimed that she was talking to Jenny, but after being exposed, she suddenly became indifferent.

Thinking of this, Adrian squeezed her chin, causing Eva to furrow in pain.

This time, he didn't call her by her nickname but coldly addressed her by her full name.

"Eva, before we get divorced, if you dare to have any unclear relationship with other men, do you believe me when I say I'll ruin him?"

Eva was originally too lazy to bother with him, but she didn't expect him to say such things. She was speechless.

"When did I ever have an unclear relationship with other men? And who are you to say that? Fine, even if it's true that I have unclear relationships with other men, it's none of your business. Do you think your relationship with Vivian is pure and innocent?"

If he really wanted to argue about this, Eva didn't think she couldn't win against him.

"You should be very clear about the relationship between me and Carter, from childhood to now. But what about you and Vivian? She has already come to visit you, so is your relationship with her clear?"

Adrian frowned at these words.

"She came to me because she knows the truth."

"What truth does she know? The truth about our fake marriage? If she can come to you because she knows the truth about our fake marriage, then why can't Carter come to me? Adrian, she can come to your doorstep, even wear my clothes, but I can't make a phone call with a man. Is that what you mean?"

 

 

Chapter 72 Change in Appetite

Eva's lips kept moving as she spoke, and Adrian found himself unable to argue with her. He had witnessed the power of Eva's mouth before.

When he first brought her along for a business negotiation, she was a bit hesitant and nervous due to her lack of experience and her young age. But with each subsequent occasion, she became more confident, able to control the meeting with her words, and her logic and intellect were sharp enough to refute any opposing arguments.

Just like now, she was treating him in the same way.

And Adrian found himself speechless.

Vivian did indeed show up at their doorstep, wearing Eva's clothes.

Seeing Adrian's silence, Eva smirked and said, "Why aren't you saying anything now, Adrian? How about if I bring another man here and have him wear your clothes?" Adrian, "..."

Just hearing Eva say such things, Adrian felt powerless to accept them, let alone...

Seeing that he remained silent, Eva took the opportunity to push past him, grabbed her notebook, and left.

Back in her room, Eva finally let out a sigh of relief. She had completely overwhelmed Adrian with her words, and he probably wouldn't probe any further. Anything was fine, as long as he didn't discover her secret.

She tidied up her notebook and then casually walked downstairs to the kitchen to find something to eat.

The chef was preparing ingredients for lunch and greeted her when he saw her.

Taking a quick look around, Eva nodded and asked, "Chef Kane, did you make any desserts this morning?"

"Sure." The chef known as Chef Kane quickly turned around and opened a cabinet, taking out a plate of beautiful little desserts and handing them to Eva.

Eva's eyes sparkled. It was a plate of plump and round tiramisu and cream puff with ice cream.

Seeing her expression, Chef Kane knew he had made the right dessert today, and he smiled, saying, "Please have it, madam. If you like it, I can make more in the afternoon. However, one shouldn't consume too many sweets in a day, so I'll have to make something else in the afternoon."

Eva didn't refuse because she was quite hungry. She didn't have much of an appetite for greasy foods now, and anything too fishy would even make her nauseous. But when she saw these sweet treats, she surprisingly found them delicious. She didn't used to enjoy sweets as much as she did now.

But now...

Thinking of this, warmth filled Eva's eyes.

It must be because the baby likes them.

Oh goodness, even at this tiny size, this baby already has a liking for sweets. She'll have to be careful in the future after the baby is born, making sure not to let the baby have too much sweet food.

Holding the plate of tiramisu and cream puff, Eva walked away in a good mood.

Seeing this, the other people working in the kitchen couldn't help but approach Chef Kane and ask, "Chef Kane, did our madam take the whole plate of desserts?"

Chef Kane nodded with a smile.

"It seems like she likes today's dessert. Prepare some flour and fruits. We'll make something else for her in the afternoon."

"Just make some fruit dumplings please."

"Sure, but Chef Kane, why has our lady suddenly changed her taste so much? She wasn't so fond of sweets before."

"What's the problem with that? People's tastes change with age and time, isn't that normal?"

"Chef Kane, I didn't mean that. What I mean is, could the change in our lady's taste be...?" The staff member had a mysterious smile on their face.

Chef Kane looked puzzled.

"Could it be what?"

"Could she be pregnant?"

Chef Kane, "..."

"Well, I was just guessing. The fish soup you made this morning, Chef Kane, was so delicious. When I brought it out, there was barely any fishy smell, but our lady smelled it for a moment and vomited so hard. My sister-in-law was the same when she was pregnant. She couldn't stand any meaty smell, and her taste also changed."

The more Chef Kane listened, the more terrified he felt.

Because he actually found this person's reasoning quite reasonable.

If his lady was really pregnant, he would have to make improvements in her diet!

Chef Kane quickly kept this in mind and made it as a priority.

-

After devouring two tiramisus and several cream puffs, Eva patted her satisfied belly.

Why didn't she realize how delicious these things were before?

It seems that the little one in her belly is a little glutton.

"You have quite insatiable appetite. baby" Eva lightly poked her belly and said in a soft and indulgent voice.

The baby was still in the early months, her little belly was still flat, so there was no visible response yet.

But even so, Eva enjoyed playing with her baby.

After a while, Eva felt sleepy. She brushed her teeth and lay down on the bed for a nap.

Originally, Eva only planned to rest for a while, but when she woke up, it was already around two o'clock in the afternoon. Knowing the time, Eva sat up suddenly.

How did this happen? She actually overslept. The room was quiet, so Eva quickly changed her clothes and went downstairs.

Downstairs was also quiet. When the servants saw her wake up, they greeted her.

"Madam, you're awake."

"Hmm." Eva turned to her and asked. "Has Mrs. Blackwood woken up?"

"Mrs. Blackwood woke up early and has already had her meal."

Just as Eva was about to ask where the old madam had gone, she was interrupted by the servant, "Mr. Blackwood took the old madam out."

"Where did they go?"

"Well...we're not sure."

Eva was actually a little worried about Adrian, a big man who was careless and not good at taking care of the elderly. So when she wanted to call and ask where they were, the servant suddenly said, "Madam, you just woke up, so you should eat something first."

It hadn't occurred to Eva until now, but now that it was mentioned, she did feel a little hungry.

"Then I'll eat something first."

"I'll go and have the kitchen prepare the food."

Eva sat down at the dining table, and while waiting for the food, she took out her phone to call Adrian.

"Where are you?" Eva finished editing the text and then thought about the argument in the study before going to sleep.

They had argued so fiercely. Would it appropriate to send this message now?

After thinking for a moment, Eva changed it again. "Where did you take Grandma?" After making the changes, Grandma became the subject, and Eva was quite satisfied as she clicked send.

Adrian didn't reply immediately, but Chef Kane came in with the food.

When everything was on the table, Eva noticed that the dishes were mostly light, without anything too rich or heavy.

She was a bit surprised, even though she had been feeling nauseous in the morning, Eva hadn't given any instructions to the kitchen. Her situation needed to be kept confidential, and she probably wouldn't be staying at the Blackwood family for long, so it was better to avoid unnecessary complications.

She just hadn't expected the kitchen to be so considerate. When Chef Kane came over, Eva whispered, "Chef Kane, it seems like the dishes have improved recently."

Chef Kane was an honest person and immediately smiled and said, "It's for you, ma'am."

Eva's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, "What do you mean?"

 

 

Chapter 73 Should I Walk on My Own or Should I Carry You?

The information contained in Chef Kane's statement was too overwhelming for Eva to comprehend. Could it be that Chef Kane had discovered something suspicious about her food?

Seeing Eva's puzzled expression, Chef Kane rubbed his hands together in confusion and smiled sincerely. "Madam suddenly had a change in taste, so I made some adjustments according to your preferences. Is there any problem, Madam?" A change in taste... If others were to hear this, it would raise suspicions. Eva pursed her lips and looked at Chef Kane with seriousness, whispering, "Chef Kane, where did my taste change? I only had a few extra pastries this morning." Chef Kane was taken aback by her response and rubbed his head, realizing she was right. She had only eaten a few extra pastries, so why did he feel that her taste had changed so drastically?

Feeling embarrassed, Chef Kane quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Madam. I must have overthought it."

Eva raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It's okay, Chef Kane. It shows that you are responsible. I have been eating greasy food too often lately, and now that my grandmother is back for recovery and has to have surgery soon, I'd like to have lighter meals in the future."

Each sentence Eva said made sense to Chef Kane. "No problem, Madam. I will make sure to prepare lighter meals in the future. You have thought of everything."

Eva smiled without saying a word, keeping her abilities hidden.

"Oh, by the way, after lunch, would you like to have some dessert? I specially made fruit dumplings for you," Chef Kane asked.

Fruit dumplings. Eva had never heard of such a dish before, but her mouth responded faster than her brain. "Sure."

By the time her brain caught up, she saw Chef Kane smiling and saying, "Great, I'll prepare them for you then," before walking away. Eva, "..."

She glanced down at her small abdomen and silently complained.

You little glutton!

This definitely wasn't what she wanted to eat!

Without feeling guilty, Eva blamed her cravings on the little baby inside her belly.

Her phone vibrated, and Eva looked down to see a message from Adrian, "Outside."

Eva: "..."

Of course, she knew he was outside, but what she had asked was where he had taken his grandmother.

After a brief moment of frustration, Eva had to send another message.

"Where are you?"

This time, Adrian responded relatively quickly.

"Coming back later."

Once again, he didn't answer her question.

It seemed like he didn't want to tell her where he was or maybe he was with Vivian?

Thinking about it, Eva's eyes filled with mockery.

"I don't care where you're going, but since you're taking your grandmother with you, you know her condition. Bring her back earlier for some rest." After sending the message, Eva put her phone away.

"Don't worry. Just enjoy your meal."

Actually, she doesn't need to worry so much. Adrian is actually very filial, and his grandmother is his own grandmother. He wouldn't do anything that would harm her. All in all, even if there's a need to worry, it's not she should be worried.

After finishing the meal, Eva went upstairs while Adrian didn't reply to her message.

-

The next day

Because she promised Vivian, Eva suggested inviting her over for breakfast the next day.

Adrian, who was drinking his coffee expressionlessly, couldn't help but look at Eva and furrow upon hearing her suggestion.

Didn't they just talk about how unclear his relationship with Vivian was yesterday? Why is she calling her over now? Quickly, a thought crossed Adrian's mind; Eva probably wanted to provoke him because she was being stubborn. Since they had an argument and a cold war over this issue yesterday, she was probably seeking revenge today. Thinking this, Adrian calmly asked, "Why do you want to invite her over?"

Eva didn't expect Adrian to object, and she was a bit surprised. After all, this would be beneficial to him, as he would undoubtedly be with Vivian after divorcing her.

By then, Vivian and his grandmother would have developed a good relationship, and he would also avoid some scolding.

"She gets along well with your grandmother and knows how to make her happy, so I thought it's a good idea to call her over."

Adrian pursed his lips and his voice turned cold.

"You're just going to call her and she'll come? Doesn't she have to work?"

Granny Blackwood noticed that something seemed off between the two of them when she woke up this morning, but arguing and fighting was common among couples with a good relationship. So, she didn't pay much attention to it. Now, hearing them discussing things, she smiled and said, "Yes, Eva. Perhaps she has to work, and she already spent the whole day with me yesterday. It might not be appropriate to ask her to come over again today." Granny Blackwood then reached out and patted Eva, saying, "Forget it, Eva."

Eva had already promised Vivian yesterday, and now she was keeping her promise. However, Adrian stood against it.

So, it wouldn't be her breaking her promise.

Thinking this, Eva glanced at Adrian and nodded at Granny Blackwood.

"Well, alright then. Let's not bother others. I thought she really likes grandma. That's why I wanted to call her. I guess she won't refuse."

Granny Blackwood smiled and remained silent.

Afterwards, everyone continued to have breakfast, but Adrian's expression became worse and worse.

Ever since Eva suggested inviting Vivian, there was a constant chill in the air around him. This low atmosphere continued until breakfast ended, and Adrian suggested the butler to take a walk with Granny. The butler agreed and was about to step forward, but Eva interrupted, "Let me do it instead."

Her hand had just landed on the wheelchair when Adrian grabbed it.

"Jack, take Granny for a little spin and be back in fifteen minutes."

The butler nodded as he looked at their clasped wrists.

"Okay, sir."

With that, the quick-witted butler pushed Granny Blackwood's wheelchair away.

Eva endured Adrian's grip on her wrist, as Granny Blackwood was present.

It wasn't until Jack pushed Granny Blackwood out of the room that Eva forcefully broke free from Adrian's hold.

"What are you doing again?"

Adrian's gaze swept coldly over the servants in the hall. He pressed his thin lips together before lowering his voice. "Let's talk upstairs."

Eva didn't listen to him, her voice faint.

"I thought we already made ourselves clear yesterday. What else needs to be said?"

Adrian stared at her with calm obsidian eyes.

"Do you want to walk up yourself, or shall I carry you?"

Eva was taken aback.

"What?"

"You have three seconds to decide."

Eva stared at him in silence. Was he really acting this childish now?

"Two."

"Adrian, you haven't-"

In the next second, Adrian took a step forward, scooping her up horizontally in his arms.

 

 

Chapter 74 You're Not Allowed to Call Him "Baby" Anymore

When Eva felt dizzy and disoriented, her mind was consumed by one thought.

Didn't they say to count to three? What happened to three??

Adrian, who was tall and had long legs, quickly returned to the room with Eva in his arms.

Eva had originally thought that once they got back to the room, he would put her down. But to her surprise, after he entered the room, he stood there stiffly, as if frozen in place.

"Put me down," she said.

As if he hadn't heard her, he only lowered his head and stared quietly at her with his dark eyes.

"I'll make things clear with Vivian," he said.

Eva: "??"

What does he mean? Clear about what?

"You said my relationship with her wasn't clear, right? From today, she won't appear in front of you anymore. I won't let her come to the company, nor will I let her come to the house, and she definitely won't be wearing your clothes." Upon hearing this, Eva's heart skipped a beat.

What did he mean by that?

Why is he suddenly doing this, not letting Vivian come to the company or the house?

"Why?"

Eva asked calmly, no longer angry.

Adrian's gaze was heavy as he looked at her.

Eva felt a little startled by his eyes.

She didn't understand why he was suddenly like this.

"You can't call him anymore," Adrian suddenly said.

Eva: "??"

What??

"And you're not allowed to casually call him 'baby' or care about him," he added through clenched teeth.

Eva was almost scared to death by Adrian's words.

She finally understood why Adrian had gone crazy and said those things in the study yesterday. He had overheard a few words and thought she was calling Carter "baby"!

It was fortunate that she thought he hadn't heard anything.

So now, he must have heard the word "baby" and misunderstood that she was calling Carter that, which was why he brought up Vivian's matter to discuss with her.

But... there was nothing between her and Carter. Since she became Mrs. Blackwood, she had only occasionally been in contact with Carter, and they had even gone without talking for over a month.

She didn't know how Adrian became fixated on Carter just because they had gone out for a meal that day.

"What are you thinking?"

Just as Eva was lost in her thoughts, Adrian's cold voice suddenly sounded, and she snapped back to reality to see his intense gaze fixed on her.

Her lips twitched, and she lightly patted his shoulder, saying, "Can you put me down first?"

It was unbelievable. From the moment he picked her up until now, he still hadn't let her go.

Upon hearing her words, Adrian not only didn't put her down, but held her even tighter, and still piercingly staring at her.

Eva sighed helplessly, "Can't you let me down? Do you think it's appropriate to talk like this?"

Adrian's face remained cold, "It is."

Eva: ...

Fine, if you say so.

Seeing her silence, Adrian became even more angry.

"Don't you want to be with him any longer?"

"Right? Eva, do you know that you're now a married woman?"

Since the conversation had reached this level, Eva didn't want to beat around the bush anymore and directly asked, "And what about you? Do you know that you're a married man? And do you even realize the state you're in while saying all these things to me?"

Towards the end, Eva reminded him again, "Don't forget. We're in a fake marriage."

After saying that, she felt Adrian pause for a moment and his hand seemed to loosen.

Because Eva was currently being held by him, she naturally had a clear sense of it.

She lowered her eyes and smiled at herself in self-deprecation.

He seemed to be well aware of this situation, but had momentarily forgotten, likely clouded by his male ego.

Ironically, she still had hope for him.

It's truly laughable.

It should have been on the day Vivian returned, when he kissed her passionately but abruptly left upon hearing his phone ring, or the moment he laid beside her and proposed divorce. There was no longer any possibility between the two of them.

Finally, Eva pushed him away, landed both her feet on the ground, and went back to her room to rest without Adrian chasing after her.

Strangely, Vivian didn't call her or send her any messages that day. She remained quiet.

If she didn't come find Eva, then Eva naturally wouldn't go find her.

The next day.

Granny Blackwood kept insisting that they didn't need to take care of her, pretending to be annoyed, afraid of delaying their work. Eva couldn't resist her and had to return to the company. The truth was, in the past few days, she and Adrian had mostly stayed at home dealing with work, resulting in a lot of unfinished work.

When she wasn't at the company, it was fine, but once she arrived, she was immediately overwhelmed with tasks and barely had any spare time in between.

Finally, in the afternoon, Eva had some time to rest her head on the desk.

As she lay there, she felt like her eyes couldn't stay open.

In the past, she could withstand high-intensity work for one or two days without a problem, but now, even just a morning and she couldn't handle it. Jenny even had to bring her lunch from the cafeteria. The food in the cafeteria wasn't tasty, and Jenny probably worried about Eva going hungry, so she ordered meat dishes, which made Eva feel nauseated and she quickly closed the lid. "Eva, aren't you eating? Did I buy something you don't like?" Jenny asked.

"No," Eva shook her head and denied, "I'm just too tired, not in the mood for rice. I'll go downstairs and buy a vegetable salad instead."

Jenny immediately volunteered, "Eva, let me go buy it for you."

"No thanks. I'll go myself."

Saying that, Eva got up and left, leaving Jenny alone in the office poking at the white rice feeling frustrated.

Why did she feel like she couldn't help with anything at all?

There was a fast-food restaurant downstairs from the company, usually crowded in the morning and less busy at lunchtime, so there wasn't much of a queue when Eva went. "Hi. I'd like a vegetable salad and a custard bun."

Eva paid with her phone and thought to herself that the food cooked by the chef at home was indeed delicious, as she left the restaurant.

Next, let Chef Kane make it for her in advance, pack it into a lunch box, and eat it at noon.

While waiting, Eva was bored, so she stood there holding her phone and looking at the work she had to deal with in the afternoon.

Just as she was engrossed in her reading, she suddenly felt a piercing gaze on her back.

Eva paused for a moment, her beautiful eyes scanned the surroundings, lifting her head from the phone screen to look around.

There were all kinds of people and cars around. Everyone was busy with their own affairs, and it seemed like nothing was out of the ordinary. Perhaps she was thinking too much.

With this in mind, Eva lowered her head again.

However, after a while, that uncomfortable feeling of being watched became even clearer, even more distinct than last time.

Eva pursed her lips and looked towards the source of the gaze.

It was then that she noticed a black Bentley parked there, its body like a dark mist, perfectly placed in the parking spot.

Was it just her imagination?

Why did she feel like someone inside was watching her?

 

 

Chapter 75 True Nature

While deep in thought, the waiter's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Miss, your vegetable salad and custard bun."

Upon hearing this, Eva snapped back to reality and saw that the waiter had already packed her food, so she reached out to take it. "Thank you. I've already paid."

"Alright then, take care and welcome back anytime."

Eva carried the bag and turned to leave.

During this walk, she still felt someone watching her until she entered the company's gates and the gaze disappeared.

Did that black car earlier have someone in it after all?

Actually, while walking back, she had the thought of going over to check, regardless of whether there was someone or not, she would know once she looked, right? However, when she thought about it, she felt a chill in her heart and decided not to go.

Furthermore, the cars in the parking lot shouldn't have anyone in them during the midday.

Eva rubbed her eyes and felt that she might have been overthinking.

Ding-

The elevator arrived.

Eva entered.

When it got busier in the afternoon, this small incident during lunch was completely forgotten by her.

At the end of the workday, Jenny came to find her.

"Eva, the Myers family group invited us for dinner tonight." Jenny nervously twisted her fingers together, her face slightly pale, struggling to say the next sentence. "You don't dare to go?" Eva could easily tell what Jenny wanted to say.

Upon hearing this, Jenny nodded slightly and then whispered, "I'm sorry, Eva. I seem to have become a bit timid. I'll go by myself. Please treat it as if I didn't come." "Wait."

Eva called out to her, stood up, and said, "I'll accompany you."

However, it should be the last time.

"Thank you, Eva. I'll prepare."

Because Eva had to accompany Jenny to the dinner, she sent a WhatsApp message to Adrian, telling him that she would be working overtime and let him to go home first. Adrian: "?"

Adrian replied, "Overtime? I don't remember you need to work overtime today."

Eva: "Don't you know about the secretary's work? I'm assisting the assistant for a cooperation meeting."

Adrian: "Assist?"

He probably didn't understand why she used that term. Shouldn't it be the assistant accompanying her? Why was she accompanying the assistant?

Eva: "Training my successor. Otherwise, who would take over my work when I'm gone?"

She didn't originally want to be so direct, but someone seemed to want to dig deeper, so she can only be straightforward.

Sure enough, after she sent that message, there was silence on the other side, with no further response.

-

Eva and Jenny went downstairs together.

When they were about to reach the first floor, Eva asked, "Did you call for a car?"

"Ah? Oh..." Jenny, realizing it late, took out her phone, "Sorry, Eva. I forgot. I'll call now."

Eva wasn't angry either and nodded.

While waiting for the car, the two of them arrived at the company's entrance.

Eva thought of something and subconsciously looked towards the spot where the black car was parked at noon.

Sure enough, the car was no longer there. Instead, there was a white Volkswagen.

"Eva, what are you looking at?" Jenny asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, Eva snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head, "Nothing. Did you call for the car?"

"Yes, it should be here in a few minutes. Sorry, Eva. It seems like I'm always careless."

Upon hearing this, Eva glanced at him and smiled helplessly, "What's the big deal? Everyone has a first time. Others may not do better than you, and you may not be worse than others. Show some confidence and courage. Don't be too afraid." "Sure!" Jenny regained her confidence from Eva's words.

When Eva turned her head, Jenny secretly observed her. Eva... she's truly a good and capable person.

When can I be like her?

The meeting place was a bar.

When getting off the car, Eva frowned at the colorful lights and felt displeased.

"Who chose this place?"

Jenny looked blank, "It's... it's from the Myers family."

Upon hearing this, Eva's frown deepened, "Bars are noisy and not suitable for business discussions. Didn't you suggest a different location?"

Being scolded by Eva, Jenny felt dumbfounded.

"I, I didn't know. I thought we would go to the place they suggested."

Moreover, Jenny didn't know it was a bar before coming here. It seemed somewhat informal.

"When someone suggests a meeting place, check if it's suitable for work. If it's not, choose another location yourself."

Jenny could only nod dryly, "I understand."

"What should we do now, Eva? Should we not go in?"

Eva still clenched her eyebrows and lips.

"Since we're already here, let's go."

She was relieved that Jenny spoke up. Otherwise, she would have come here alone tonight, like a defenseless rabbit, and most likely be taken advantage of. Before entering, Eva said, "Let the HR department recruit someone to help you in a few days. Find someone smart and resourceful."

Jenny felt extremely guilty, and no matter what Eva said, she nodded in agreement.

Afterwards, they found the private room they agreed on, and were led there by the staff of the bar.

As soon as they opened the door, Eva smelled a strong combination of cigarette smoke, alcohol, and various chemical perfume scents.

Her face changed, and she almost vomited on the spot. She had to take a few steps back to breathe in fresh air outside.

What's going on?

Has she become more sensitive to smells since she became pregnant, or is it just a psychological reaction that makes her want to vomit upon smelling these scents?

She had been exposed to these smells before and initially felt uncomfortable, but gradually got used to it.

"Oh, look who's here, our secretary Hansen."

An exaggerated voice came from inside the private room.

Kris, the heir of the Myers family, was holding a delicate and fair-skinned woman in his arms.

The snowy girl whistled towards her position.

Kris...

Didn't expect it to be him.

"Come on in, all of you. Hurry up and make some room for our Ms. Hansen."

Kris's group of friends immediately stood up and made room for her.

Eva: ...

She tugged at her lips and looked at Kris, saying, "Mr. Myers, can we find another place to talk about work?"

"Another place?" Kris looked at her in surprise. "Ms. Hansen, why would we need to change locations? Do you know how much I spent on this VIP suite?"

Eva could only say, "The smoke in here is too strong for me."

Perhaps he didn't expect her to be so direct, and everyone in the private room was stunned for a moment. Then Kris smiled slyly and said, "I've heard that Ms. Hansen is straightforward, and I finally got to see it today." "Are you going to change or not?" Eva couldn't be bothered with small talk.

Kris clicked his tongue, his slender eyes scanning her from a distance, without saying whether they would change or not.

 

 

Chapter 76 Am I here to accompany you?

Silence.

A man with a bad tone spoke up in the private room.

"Secretary, why do we have to change places? Is there something that we can't see? Don't worry, even if we can't see, we will close our eyes."

Eva raised an eyebrow.

She looked at the man, who was speaking in a vulgar manner, her eyes becoming sharp.

Spending time with Adrian, Eva's aura was becoming more and more like his.

So when she glanced over, the man was scared silent, and he shrunk his neck.

It was only after Eva shifted her gaze away that the man realized what had just happened.

Damn, what was wrong with him just now? Scared of a little girl?

Damn, was he bewildered?

"Secretary Hansen, it may not be convenient to change places. If you can't stand the smell, we can open the door, how about that?" Kris said with a smile, resembling a friendly-looking villain.

He had well-behaved men next to him, commanding them, "Did you hear that? Put out the cigarettes. What if our Secretary Hansen gets choked? She's here for business, if she got anything wrong, you won't be able to afford it." Eva was annoyed by their insincere tone.

If it weren't for Jenny, Eva would leave. After thinking, she walked over with Jenny only when the smell had dissipated.

Jenny followed behind Eva, but after considering that she would have to handle many things once Eva left, she took a few steps forward to walk alongside Eva.

There were many people in the private room. You cannot say it is bad, well, not that good. Eva chose a clean spot to sit down.

Jenny sat down next to her. She took out the contract and said to Kris, "Mr. Myers, this is the contract sample, you can take a look..."

Before Jenny could finish her sentence, Kris's friend brought them two cups and filled them up.

Kris leaned back on the sofa behind him, his legs crossed, watching them with a smirk. "Little beauty, don't be in such a hurry. Why talk business right from the start when we're out to have fun? It's not fun that way. Let's have a drink and chat." The contract that Jenny had taken out immediately retreated, and, she didn't know what to do.

Eva remained still, sitting quietly there, her fair skin and beautiful features becoming even more stunning under the lights.

Kris looked at her, his fingertips curling up, his gaze darkening.

Even though she was dressed, like the simplest kind, she exuded a deadly sensuality. So attractiveness. Her delicate, slender neck, as white as jade, sitting there like an arrogant swan.

Kris swallowed, feeling his desire.

If it weren't for Adrian meddling, this arrogant swan would have long been his possession.

"Don't just stand there, drink up."

Jenny was timid, and, when they said that, she planned to go and pick up the glass. However, she looked at Eva and hesitated.

She remembered Eva telling her not to let these people take advantage.

"What's wrong?" Kris, let go of the woman in his arms and leaned toward Eva. "Secretary Hansen, are you not even taking a sip?"

"Yeah, Secretary Hansen, is Mr. Myers any less important? What's the harm in having a drink?"

"we're here to have fun, have a drink."

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Eva looked at Kris with a cold gaze, "Am I here to accompany you?"

The smile on Kris' lips faded.

If it were before, he might have been cautious because of Adrian, but he heard some rumors.

Kris smiled again, picked up the drink, and leaned toward Eva.

"Ms. Hansen, even if we have to talk about work, it doesn't have to be so serious. You work so hard, what have you gained? He even brought a woman to the company right you. Even in this situation, you have to think about yourself, right?" Eva felt that Kris was too arrogant, and she didn't expect him to know about this.

She glanced at him, her eyes filled with contempt, as if saying: even if Adrian and I break up, do you think you have a chance?

The smile on Kris could hardly be maintained.

He knew that Eva had never thought highly of him.

Before the Hansen family's bankruptcy. And no matter how hard he tried to pursue her; she wouldn't even give him a glance.

"Why are you looking at me with that look again?" Kris squinted his eyes unhappily, his voice filled with reluctance. "Eva, the Hansen family has gone bankrupt, and you only have your current position thanks to Adrian. Why do you still look down on me? Do you think you're still the lofty heiress of the Hansen family?"

What was he lacking compared to Adrian? If he could have Eva, he would never be like Adrian, bringing women to the company and juggling multiple relationships. But...this woman him just couldn't appreciate it!

Even when he was angry like this, Eva still looked at him with a cold gaze.

"Speak up," Kris gritted his teeth, unwillingly staring at Eva.

"Are you sure you want me to say it here?"

"Say it!" Kris's expression turned excited as she loosened up.

His friends couldn't help but exchange glances.

"I don't look down on you, I just dislike you," she said.

Kris' expression froze, "What do you mean?"

"Do you remember what you and your friends said at the hot spring villa five years ago?"

"Five years ago? How am I supposed to remember something so long ago...?"Kris realized something and his expression changed.

Back then, when he found out that Eva was going to the hot spring, he tried to find her.

And Kris, he is a master of empty talk, boasting with his friends before leaving the room to find Eva.

"Bro, someone like Eva, I can easily conquer her with just a few flicks of my fingers, right?"

His friend mocked him, saying, "Come on, the Hansen family's heiress is a tough nut to crack. If you want her to pay more attention to you, you'll have to put in more effort." "Ha, is it worth my effort for just a woman? I'm just playing around, later I'll be tired of her, right? Just wait and see, once she falls in love with me, I'll dump her."

The words of empty talk became clear in his mind, hitting him like heavy blows.

No wonder...

No wonder, even though their families were on good terms initially, when he greeted Eva, she would smile and nod in response.

But from then on, in the face of his friendly greetings, Eva would only give him a cold shoulder.

 

 

Chapter 77 Mutation

Eva guessed that he must have remembered something.

"How about it? Mr. Myers didn't forget what he said before, did he?"

Curiously, his friend asked, "What did you say back then, Chen?"

Kris's mind went blank. He had always thought that Eva looked down on his family background and wanted to be with someone more powerful and influential. He never expected that she would hear his casual remarks. Just thinking that his words back then might have caused him to miss out on such a wonderful person, Kris wanted to give himself a big slap.

"It's not like that!" Kris gritted his teeth and explained with red eyes, "Those words was just joking, I didn't mean that."

If he had just been joking around, he wouldn't have gone all the way to find her just because he heard that she was going to soak in a hot spring.

"Joking around?" Eva tilted her head, as if pondering those two words. After a moment, she spoke, "So, in Mr. Myers' eyes, those kinds of words are amusing?"

Kris: "That's not what I meant! What I meant was..."

"Alright, Mr. Myers, let's get back on track. We're here today to discuss cooperation. If you don't want to cooperate with the Blackwood family, then there's no need for us to stay here any longer."

Kris felt unwilling. After finding out the reason, how could he just let it go like this?

Kris grabbed Eva's slender wrist. "Ms. Hansen, listen to me explain."

Eva furrowed her eyebrows. "Let go."

"No, please listen to me and let me explain. Back then, I..."

Bang!

The partially concealed private room door burst open with a loud noise, startling everyone inside.

Several burly men in black rushed into the room.

"Who are you? Who let you in?"

As soon as someone questioned, one of the men grabbed his head, pressed it against the cold floor.

As the host of this event, Kris's face changed. He had to release Eva's hand and stand up. "What are you trying to do? Do you know where this place is? Do you know who I am?" Boom!

Kris's face got punched, and he was sent flying.

"Ah!!" The girl sitting next to Kris screamed in fright.

Jenny also grabbed onto Eva's clothes, scared.

Eva didn't expect to encounter such a situation when she came out today. Whom did Kris offend? It seemed that she couldn't stay here any longer. Eva glanced at the door, her expression turning worse.

Several big men blocked the door, sealing it off. If she stood up now and tried to leave with Jenny, would they let them go?

Eva didn't dare to act recklessly. She held onto Jenny's hand and signaled her not to move. Jenny was terrified and could only shrink behind Eva.

The people at the scene also noticed that these men who came in were tough, they had just sent Kris flying with one punch.

No

Steeling themselves, everyone else in the private room remained silent, too afraid to speak. A strange and heavy atmosphere permeated the room.

Just as Eva was contemplating whether or not to take action, the burly man who had sent Kris flying approached her and bowed.

"Ms. Hansen, hello."

Eva: "?"

What's going on?

Does he know me?

Eva looked at him, "Who are you?"

"Ms. Hansen, our Sir would like to see you."

The man maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, but did not disclose who their Sir was.

Well, it was clear that the man would not harm her, and Eva let out a sigh of relief. She pursed her lips but did not move.

"Ms. Hansen, is there a problem?"

Eva looked at Jenny beside her and asked, "Can she go first?"

The burly man paused, then smiled and said, "Of course."

Since their Sir had only requested Eva, they did not care about the others. Eva felt reassured by this response; it indicated that they did not have any ill intentions and were not enemies. Otherwise, they would have been worried that Jenny would go get reinforcements after leaving.

"Eva, I'm not leaving," Jenny clung tightly to her arm. "I will stand by your side."

Eva raised an eyebrow and said, "You go back first."

She gestured to Jenny, unsure if she understood or not, but Jenny did not persist any further. Jenny cast one last glance before leaving the private room under the gaze of the group.

As soon as she left, she ran outside and took out her phone to make a call.

-

"Ms. Hansen, may we leave now?" the burly man once again extended the invitation.

Eva remained motionless and asked, "Who is your Sir?"

At the mention of this, the man fell silent once more. This was Eva's second inquiry.

"If you don't say it, can I choose not to go?" she tested the other person's bottom line.

The man hesitated momentarily, torn about something, before saying, "Ms. Hansen, our Sir is an old acquaintance of yours."

An old acquaintance?

Someone she knew before?

Several names instantly flashed through Eva's mind. Judging by the man's respectful demeanor, she had a few candidates in mind as well. In any case, it seemed that the other party had no malicious intent, and it was better to be with them than to stay here.

Eva stood up and followed them as they left.

As Eva departed, the burly men who had previously filled the private room also vacated, leaving it in chaos.

Eva was led to a luxurious presidential VIP room upstairs. It exuded an air of opulence and was a place for conducting important business without the irritating smell of alcohol or smoke.

Eva was surprised to discover such a place within a bar; it broadened her horizons.

"Ms. Hansen, I

"Sir is still discussing matters and will come over after it's finished. Please wait here."

After the words fell, someone brought in melons, fruits, and snacks.

Eva looked at the familiar snacks and fruits on the table, her expression changing because all of them were her favorite.

It seems that this one... is familiar with her.

However, who is he?

Eva thought of the creepy gaze she felt when she went to buy porridge at noon.

Could those two be the same one?

She didn't touch the food on the table and sat bored, even taking out her phone. No one stopped her, not even afraid of her calling the police.

After taking out her phone, Eva happened to see a message from Jenny.

"Eva, are you okay?? I'm already outside the bar."

Eva frowned, "It's not safe for a girl to stay here so late. You should go back first."

"No, I want to stand by your side, Eva. Don't worry, I've already called Mr. Blackwood, and he will be here soon."

 

 

Chapter 78 Hug him

Eva didn't expect herself to be so clever and called Adrian after going out.

If it were any other time, she would be praising Jenny's intelligence.

But recently, she and Adrian were in a quarrel and stay cold to each other, so she couldn't praise anyone.

And knowing Adrian's character, if he found out about tonight's events, he might scold her again.

Just thinking about his sternness, which resembled that of an older brother, made Eva feel endlessly annoyed.

Normally, men are doting and gentle with the women they like, fearing that they might scare them away. But Adrian was always harsh towards her, just like an older brother.

That was also the reason why Eva felt that he didn't like her.

Lost in her thoughts, the sound of steady footsteps outside and the greeting of a big man guarding the door rang out.

"Mr. Cooper."

Mr. Cooper?

This surname made Hansen's heart skip a beat.

"Where is he?"

An unfamiliar yet familiar voice sounded.

"Ms. Hansen is inside," replied the deep and hoarse voice.

Eva sat there motionless. Learning who this one was, she was surprised because, in her mind, she had gone through many names when talking about past acquaintances, but she had missed one... Michael. Why would it be him?

He was the least favorite person from Eva's childhood, without a doubt.

Why?

Although he was one of Adrian's close friends, Eva never gave him any face because every time they met, this jerk would always pull her pigtails.

That was not all, he also liked to call her a little girl.

But what Eva disliked the most was that he talked to her about Adrian and Vivian.

For example, "Why didn't you come to Vivian's birthday party yesterday? Adrian gave her a beautiful necklace, have you seen it?"

Or, "Vivian invited Adrian to a masquerade ball yesterday, and they were chosen as the best partners. Why didn't you come?"

And also, "Vivian gave Adrian a custom-made handmade sweater yesterday. She personally drew the design on the back and embroidered the words on the right shoulder. Did you see it?" And so on, Michael would tell her everything about Adrian and Vivian.

Every time he mentioned it, Eva would earnestly and seriously tell him, "Michael, please don't tell me about these things anymore. I don't know, and I don't want to know, understand?"

But it seemed like he didn't understand human language. He had to report to her every time.

Eva became fed up with him.

Until one day, in the small garden, she overheard Adrian saying that the position beside him would always belong to Vivian.

Even after Michael told her these things again, she still felt jealous, but she never got angry at Michael anymore.

All the things she didn't want to hear had happened. How could she continue to "not mind"?

"By the way, the position next to him will always be reserved for Vivian. Eventually, Michael realized that Eva remained silent every time Adrian and Vivian were mentioned, so he stopped bringing it up. Shortly after that, Michael went abroad. When he left, everyone went to see him off, except Eva. He sent her a message and asked Adrian to bring her a gift.

'Little girl, grow up well.'

The gift was a silk scarf, in Eva's taste in terms of color and texture. However, she only glanced at it before putting the box away, and never opened it again.

'Why haven't you taken a single bite? Did your taste change, or is it not to your liking?'

A man's clear voice sounded behind her, accompanied by a faint tobacco scent. She turned around to see who it was.

Five years had passed, and the man had shed the youthful greenness, gaining a sense of stability and sharpness characteristic of a young man.

His raised eyebrows concealed his shrewdness. He was dressed impeccably in a white shirt and a dark suit, meticulously accessorized with a pastel-colored tie and a gray tie clip.

Eva's expression changed. She hadn't expected that after all these years, he still kept it. Perhaps her gaze was too intense, as Michael raised an eyebrow and smiled, 'What? Don't recognize me anymore, little girl?'

The nickname 'little girl' instantly broke Eva's facade. She was annoyed and retorted, 'Who is a little girl? Who gave you permission to call me that?' Observing her flushed cheeks due to anger, Michael couldn't help but chuckle, 'You're so puffy from anger, yet you're still a little girl, aren't you?' Pufferfish? Eva looked at him speechlessly. 'Could you please stop giving me nicknames the instant you appear?'

'Alright.' Michael approached with an indulgent smile, reaching out to ruffle her hair, 'Then, give me a hug.' Hug? Before Eva could react, the man had already opened his arms and bent down. The crisp tobacco scent in the air became stronger. Michael embraced the one him and smelled the faint fragrance at the tip of his nose, satisfaction flashing through his ink-colored eyes. Five years. It had been five years since he last held her in his arms, but he had yearned for it all this time. If only she had come to see him off five years ago, he wouldn't have had to wait until now.

The sense of reality and fulfillment from holding her filled every part of his body, but there was still a slight emptiness in his heart, because... he was afraid of scaring her, so he couldn't hold her too tight.

'Little girl, you've grown up, become beautiful, and even lost weight.' This remark reminded Eva of the message he sent her when he left, urging her to grow up well. After so many years, having someone who cared about her like this, Eva was moved.

However, it didn't seem appropriate to be held like this, even though they had been childhood friends. Just as Eva was about to push Michael away, she looked over his shoulder and saw someone standing at the door. It was none other than the one who had received Jenny's distress call, the one who had been

Adrian hurriedly arrived, with the buttons on his shirt still undone. He had put in a great deal of effort to find this place, fearing Eva would come out. Adrian breathed heavily, his eyes observing the scene before him, his handsome face covered with a layer of frost.

Since the man had his back turned to him, Adrian had not yet recognized who the one was. He smirked, staring into Eva's astonished eyes, and said, "Eva, come here!" His impatient tone signaled the end of his patience. Michael also heard the voice, paused, and then realized what was happening, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips.

Sensing that Eva wanted to push him away, Michael's hand tightened around her waist as he lowered his voice, "Don't you want to know how he would react if you don't go over?" What kind of reaction? Eva didn't need to think to know that Adrian would feel his male dignity bruised.

She had lost interest in finding out about something that had happened several times before. "I..." Before she could finish her sentence, Adrian, who had been standing at the doorway like an ice sculpture, walked towards them with a gloomy expression. Bang!

 

 

Chapter 79 Resentment in the Heart

Although he had already prepared himself mentally beforehand,

Michael didn't expect Adrian to hit him so hard when his jaw was punched.

After Adrian beat the other person, he didn't even bother to see what they looked like.

Instead, he forcefully grabbed Eva's delicate wrist and pulled her behind him, then lowered his head and stared at her with a warning and cold gaze. Eva: ""

He had a ferocious expression on his face, as if questioning her: are you frozen or just stupid, that you can't push away someone who's hugging you?

"Tsk." Michael wiped the blood on the corner of his lips, looking at Adrian with a smile before speaking: "I just came back to the country, and you're giving me such a grand gift, isn't that a bit too much, Adrian?" The familiar voice caused Adrian to pause, and then he shifted his gaze away from Eva's face to look at Michael.

Their gazes met in the air, with a moment of tension and awkwardness in the atmosphere.

After a moment, the expression on Adrian's face returned to normal, and he looked at Michael with a cold attitude: "You've returned."

Michael took out a handkerchief from his pocket and elegantly wiped away the blood on his hands.

"It seems that someone doesn't welcome me very much."

Adrian pursed his lips, displeasure hidden in his ink-colored eyes, his aura icy: "What were you doing just now?"

Michael's eyes, filled with a teasing gaze, glanced over Eva's fair face before meeting Adrian's again with a slight smile: "Because I told Eva whether she wanted to see how you would react when I hugged you, Adrian." Adrian: "..."

After a few seconds of stillness, the cold aura around Adrian diminished.

So it was to see his reaction, he thought that Michael...

Michael raised an eyebrow, "Tsk, didn't expect such a big reaction from you."

Adrian pursed his lips, not taking the bait, just snorted, then held Eva's hand while continuing the conversation with Michael.

"When did you come back? Why didn't you say anything?"

Michael glanced at the hands of them holding each other, smiling, "I took the morning flight today, arrived around noon."

For some reason, Eva recalled the black car downstairs at the company at noon and the piercing gaze she felt.

With this thought in mind, she looked at Michael and happened to catch him looking at her.

Adrian didn't notice because all his attention was on Eva's hand. Her small hand was delicate, soft, and her skin was smooth.

Holding it in his palm was like holding a ball of cotton.

They hadn't been close for a long time, so Adrian didn't even have the chance to hold her hand. Now that he had the chance to do so, he realized that he missed it.

Later on, Adrian even forced her to intertwine their fingers tightly.

Eva glanced at Adrian; her eyebrows furrowed.

"Since it's too late today, I can't accompany you and have a chat. Let's do it tomorrow when I have time."

"Alright." Michael nodded with a smile, "See you tomorrow, don't forget to invite everyone to get together."

Adrian nodded, "Mhm, it's getting late, let's head back."

"You guys go ahead."

"Let's go."

Adrian led Eva out of the room.

Once they left, the smile on Michael's lips disappeared, and he took out a handkerchief to wipe the cut on his lips. Then he threw the pristine handkerchief into the nearby trash bin.

-

After leaving the bar, Eva remembered something, "Where's Jenny?"

She came with me, but after I went to meet Michael, Jenny went to find reinforcements, and I don't know where she is now.

Adrian replied, "She left."

"She left?"

Adrian's tone was impatient, "Should she have stayed and waited for you? Do you know where we are?"

Eva paused, not knowing how to respond to his brotherly scolding tone.

It's always like this!

Eva pulled away from his hand and responded defiantly, "Of course I know where we are, but so what? After I leave, only Jenny can take over my position. I have to accompany her and discuss our collaboration." Adrian's expression remained cold, "Do you have to discuss collaboration in a place like this?"

"What else can we do?"

"What are you talking about?"

Thinking about what happened tonight, Eva was annoyed.

Kris has been disrespecting her because Adrian has been bringing Vivian to the company lately, which has led to a lot of negative rumors about her.

Now everyone thinks she is just a discarded woman by Adrian.

Although she knows she shouldn't feel resentful and shouldn't have any grounds for resentment, she accepted someone else's affection.

Adrian always cleans up those who humiliate her, helps her father, and even brought her to the company to learn, providing her with such a good environment for growth. She should be grateful, full of gratitude. But why...

Why does resentment grow in her heart? Jealousy takes root, sprouts, and grows in secret places.

Eva knows that her feelings are wrong, so she can only suppress and restrain herself, not allow any hatred towards Adrian and Vivian.

They are people who have helped her.

But sometimes, when Adrian is gone, and she thinks about the strange stares at the company, she can't help but wonder.

Why?

Why now, when she just needs to wait for her grandmother to finish her surgery.

It wouldn't take long, so why would he bring Vivian to the company at this time and let people criticize her so much?

Why did she have to fall in love with Adrian?

If she didn't like him in the first place, everything would be better.

Adrian, is unaware.

Eva's thoughts at this moment were only focused on her standing there, with redness in her eyes.

he realized that his words just now may have been too harsh.

But if he didn't speak sternly, she would have no idea about the treacherous nature of the outside world. If she hadn't run into Michael tonight, and instead encountered someone else, and if he happened to miss Jenny's call? What would happen then? The consequences would be unimaginable.

Adrian softened his voice a bit.

"Didn't I tell you to choose a safe place when discussing work? If the other party refuses, you simply don't go. You are the young mistress of the Blackwood family, and no one dare to bully you." Eva couldn't help but laugh sarcastically.

"The young mistress of the Blackwood family? No one dare to bully me? But what if one day I'm no longer associated with this title?"

Adrian was surprised.

Eva watched him; her voice gentle.

"You tell me, how would those people view me if they knew that our marriage is fake?" The Hansen family went bankrupt long ago, and she has had nothing for a long time.

She has been working hard in the past two years, trying to prove herself because she urgently wants to show that she is not respected solely because of being the young mistress of the Blackwood family.

But only after putting in all that effort, did she realize that without the title of the young mistress of the Blackwood family, she is still nothing.

 

Chapter 80 Leave Early

On the way back, them remained silent.

Adrian's face was gloomy, his hands tightly gripping the steering wheel with such force that it seemed like he wanted to dismantle it. Thinking about what Eva said before getting into the car, Adrian felt restless.

He had never thought about this issue before, but now that Eva brought it up, he understood something. Adrian glanced at Eva.

Since getting into the car, she had curled up into a ball, huddled in her seat with her eyes closed, as if shutting out the entire world and only leaving herself. After living with her for so many years, how could Adrian not understand how hard she worked and how much she wanted to prove herself in her career? But today, she had been frustrated.

On the way here, he had listened to Jenny describe what had happened today, but when she reached the end, she hesitated and stopped talking.

How smart was Adrian? He pressed her for more.

Jenny, as expected of someone who had been by Eva's side, took the opportunity to speak up, "That Mr. Blackwood, you can't blame me, and you can't tell Eva sis that it was me who said it." Adrian frowned, "Nonsense."

"Well, I'll say it then!"

Jenny took a deep breath and then said over the phone, "That Mr. Myers said to tell Eva sis that she doesn't need to work so hard anymore.

Mr. Blackwood has brought women into the company, and she's about to be abandoned and left with no one. the Hansen family has gone bankrupt, so anyone can bully her however they want in the future, and Mr. Blackwood won't stand up for her either."

Adrian's brow furrowed as he heard this, "What did you say?"

Jenny emphasized, "Mr. Blackwood, I didn't say that!"

Adrian reached out and pinched his temples, making a sound of agreement.

His thoughts returned, and Adrian felt a headache coming on.

Half an hour later, the car stopped in the underground garage of the Blackwood family mansion.

Eva, who had been curled up all along, opened her eyes and her gaze met Adrian's.

Adrian raised his chin towards her, "You go ahead, Grandma is still awake, waiting for you."

Eva understood his meaning and nodded, "Alright, I'll go and tell Grandma."

After she finished speaking, she unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to get out of the car. "Wait."

Eva turned around, confused, and saw Adrian leaning over, his familiar cold scent instantly surrounding her.

As she watched his handsome face draw closer, to the point where she could even see the lines on his lips, Eva's pupils contracted, and she leaned back.

Adrian's movements paused, and after realizing what Eva was doing, a layer of frost formed on his face. "What's wrong? Avoiding me so much, do you think I want to kiss you?"

Eva saw that his expression was off and knew that she had misunderstood just now.

She pursed her lips and turned her head away without looking at him.

Eva was going to explain, but at this point, any explanation seemed superfluous.

So Eva simply couldn't be bothered to explain, instead she asked, "Why did you suddenly come closer?"

Adrian snorted softly but did not answer. He returned to his seat with a sour expression on his face.

"Go downstairs, and remember to get rid of the smell of alcohol before you see Grandma."

Hearing this, what else was there for Eva to misunderstand?

He had come close to her just now to check if she had the smell of alcohol on her.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward, but in the end, Eva didn't say anything and got out of the car. After she left, the inside of the car quieted down.

Adrian took out his keys, got out of the car, and leaned against it while pulling out his phone.

-

His tone was cold: "Check the recent acquisition plans."

Eva hadn't been drinking; the smell of alcohol was all from the private room, so she just went back to her room to change her clothes and wash her face before going to report her safety to Grandma. Granny Blackwood was indeed still awake, and only after seeing Eva safe and sound did she breathe a sigh of relief.

"It's good that you're fine."

Granny Blackwood held her hand and patted it gently, sighing with heavy emotion, "I don't know if my surgery will be successful. If it isn't, I might not have the chance to see you all again. I'm old and don't have any particular wishes; I just hope that all you young ones stay safe and sound."

Upon hearing this, Eva's expression changed.

"Grandma, what are you talking about? The surgery will definitely be successful, and you'll be with us for a long time! You can't talk like that anymore; otherwise, I'll be upset."

The elderly Granny Blackwood noticed the change in her tone and expression, and couldn't help but smile.

"I knew you cared about me. Alright, alright, I'll try to be fine." After saying that, she gently poked Eva's puffed-up cheek, "You girl... let me tell you a little secret."

"A secret? What secret?" Curiosity appeared on Eva's face.

"That boy, as soon as he heard something happened to you, ran out without even dressing properly, all flustered. In such cold weather, he didn't even wear a coat." Eva paused for a moment.

She hadn't expected Granny Blackwood to speak for Adrian.

She must have noticed the recent tension between her and Adrian.

Sure enough, without waiting for her to respond, Granny Blackwood asked, "Hasn't the awkwardness from last time been resolved?"

Eva didn't want to speak ill of Adrian, so she just pursed her lips and said softly, "No, it's a new awkwardness."

"Hmm?"

Eva bit her lower lip, somewhat helplessly saying, "It's about work, we have some disagreements, so..."

There was no other excuse, otherwise, it would be too difficult to convince Granny Blackwood.

But to her surprise, Granny Blackwood didn't seem to fully believe this explanation and instead asked, "Is it just about work?"

Eva looked at her uncertainly.

Granny Blackwood chuckled softly, "Does it have anything to do with that Vivian Morrison?"

Eva couldn't help but reveal her thoughts, despite her efforts to control her facial expressions. "Grandmother..."

"She is beautiful and with a nice personality. she saved Adrian's life. Like, a benefactor of our entire Blackwood family. It's normal for you to have some concerns when you see her. But throughout the generations, there hasn't been a second- marriage man in the Blackwood family. Even though someone has passed away, let me earnestly tell you that the men of the Blackwood family have always been faithful. If they fall in love, it's for a lifetime."

Granny Blackwood's words were meant to ease Eva's worries and prevent her from overthinking because of Vivian's presence.

Eva marveled at Granny Blackwood's keen observation in her heart, while also falling silent because of her words.

Yes, the men of the Blackwood family have always been faithful. If they fall in love, it's for a lifetime.

But these words were based on the assumption that Adrian loved Eva.

Unfortunately, they didn't know that the one Adrian loved was Vivian. Eva felt even more compelled to leave as soon as possible.