Chapter 69

After the photo session, Adrian glanced quietly at Mr. Turner, who lingered at the edge of the crowd. Mr. Turner immediately made his way over to Mr. LaRosa, likely preparing for their meeting. Adrian was about to leave as well but was stopped by Caelia. 'Adrian, let's go inside. The event is about to start," Caelia said sweetly, gripping his arm. 'I'd love for you to meet some friends after the wine launch." Adrian saw through her playful tone but didn't want to spoil her evening. With a resigned sigh, he gently pulled away from her grasp and nodded. They entered the venue together, and heads turned. Adrian ignored the stares, heading to the space reserved for him, while Caelia took center stage. The event proceeded smoothly, with Caelia confidently addressing the crowd. She spoke about the prospects of her new wine brand, impressing both her younger and older guests. Her every move exuded grace, and she played the role of the charming host flawlessly—yet her eyes constantly flicked to Adrian, watching him. Throughout the evening, Caelia made it a point to acknowledge Adrian. She thanked him publicly for his support and even invited him onstage for the ceremonial first sip of wine. As they raised their glasses, Caelia noticed Mr. Turner approaching from across the room, likely to whisk Adrian away. She wasn't about to let that happen. Turning toward Adrian, she blocked his view of Mr. Turner. "Adrian, remember? I wanted to introduce you to my closest friends. Come with me?" Her manicured nails lightly tugged at his sleeve, her voice dripping with eagerness. Adrian paused, then reluctantly agreed, allowing her to lead him to the far side of the hall, where her friends waited. As they approached, Caelia discreetly signaled to several servers, who intercepted Mr. Turner with a "planned" mishap. He was stalled, just as she intended. Her friends exchanged quick, surprised glances as Caelia arrived at their table with Adrian in tow. The trio, elegantly dressed and glowing for the occasion, greeted her with air kisses and warm congratulations. 'Caelia, congratulations on your business launch!" one of them, Marinette, said, handing her a bouquet. 'Thank you," Caelia replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, passing the flowers to an attendant. 'We didn't think we'd see you tonight," Marinette teased. 'You've been so busy—now we know why," she added, casting a sly glance at Adrian. Adrian glanced at his watch, subtly checking the time, but Caelia noticed his distraction. She was quick to pull him back into the conversation. 'Don't be like that! It's been hectic setting up the winery. Thankfully, Adrian helped take care of many things." She smiled at him, a small gesture, but one that didn't go unnoticed. Marinette shot another teasing look at Adrian. "What would we do without you, right? We're just the extras." The girls giggled as Caelia joined in, playfully swatting Marinette's arm. 'Adrian, meet my friends. Their fathers do business with you, so they've been dying to meet you." Marinette was the first to introduce herself. 'I'm Marinette Alfonso. My father always speaks highly of you, Mr. Cagliari." Adrian gave a polite nod. 'Likewise." The next was Angela Carmelo, who leaned in with a wide smile. 'I'm Angela. Caelia's told us so much about you. Honestly, we didn't think you'd make it." Adrian raised an eyebrow. 'Is that so?" His tone was neutral, but his gaze was sharp, making Angela sit up a little straighter. The final friend, Flora Giovanni, spoke up, her tone softer than the others. 'My father's also mentioned you many times, Mr. Cagliari. And thank you for helping Caelia—it means a lot to her." Adrian inclined his head again, but this time, his voice softened slightly. 'The LaRosa family has always been close to mine. Caelia's practically family." The word 'family" hung heavy in the air. Caelia's smile faltered just a little, while Angela couldn't resist pushing further. 'Family, huh? Seems like you two are closer than that." Adrian took a long, measured look at the women. He could sense some genuine concern in their eyes, while others seemed more interested in the drama. With Mr. Turner still nowhere in sight, he decided it was time to set things straight. 'Caelia and I are childhood friends," he explained. 'I've always considered her a sister. My mother and cousins are close with her as well. That's the foundation of my support for her." The tension at the table became palpable. Caelia's expression darkened, and the awkward silence stretched, only broken by Mr. Turner's sudden appearance. 'Sir, Mr. LaRosa is waiting for you," he whispered urgently, though it was loud enough for Caelia to hear. Adrian straightened. 'Excuse me, ladies. Enjoy the rest of your evening." Without another glance, he left, Mr. Turner in tow. Once out of earshot, Adrian's mood shifted. His voice turned cold. 'Why did it take so long to meet LaRosa? What delayed you?" Mr. Turner stammered. 'I—uh—I was just about to meet you when—" 'Save it," Adrian cut him off. 'Because of Caelia's stunts, we now have only ten minutes. Has there been any feedback from Ashleigh's security?" 'None yet, sir," Mr. Turner replied quickly. Adrian's frustration simmered. 'I'll handle that when we return to the States. For now, we need LaRosa to sign that contract." They entered a private room where Mr. LaRosa sat among older businessmen, the air thick with cigar smoke and the scent of whiskey. LaRosa's face lit up when he saw Adrian. 'Ah, son! Come in, sit with us. Let's have a drink before we discuss the Luigi project," LaRosa said, raising a glass. Adrian remained standing, his expression icy. 'I don't have time for drinks, Mr. LaRosa. I have other matters to attend to." LaRosa chuckled, exchanging glances with his companions. 'Young businessmen—always in a rush! Relationships are built over time, with trust and loyalty. Your father understood that." Adrian's jaw tightened. 'Trust and loyalty, you say? My father valued those principles. But you've delayed the Luigi project for years. Is that the legacy you want to pass on to Caelia?" LaRosa's face reddened. 'Watch your tone, Adrian. Respect your elders." Unmoved, Adrian signaled to Mr. Turner, who handed over a tablet with an electronic contract. 'Respect is earned, Mr. LaRosa. Here's the agreement we discussed. You have until winter to begin the project, as per your promise to my father." The room grew silent as LaRosa, humiliated and cornered, begrudgingly signed the document. Just then, Caelia burst into the room, her eyes burning with anger but it fizzled as Adrian walked past her without a word. At the door, he paused. 'And one more thing, Mr. LaRosa—control your daughter." As Adrian exited the building, satisfaction settled over him. The chapter with the LaRosa's was closed satisfactorily for now. He made his way to the underground parking lot, waiting for the car when his phone buzzed. It was Alexander Myron. 'Adrian, have you heard from Ashleigh today?" Alexander asked as soon as he picked up. Adrian frowned. 'No. Why?" Alexander's voice hardened. 'Have you even called her? Do you know what's going on with your wife?" Adrian's brow furrowed. 'What's happened to Ashleigh?" 'Check your messages," Alexander said, hanging up. Adrian's pulse quickened as he opened the message. His face grew cold as he watched the video, his anger rising. When Mr. Turner arrived with the car, he sensed the storm brewing in his boss. 'Turner," Adrian said quietly, 'we're going to Robin College. Now." As they sped into the night, Caelia stepped out from the shadows where she had been eavesdropping, her expression hardening with resolve as she watched the car disappear. Author's note: Hi guys! I know it's been a while, I apologize to those who eagerly awaited updates. At first I was demotivated and then I fell ill, still ill though but I feel better now. Thank you to all my loyal readers ?