Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 85:

It was midday, and Joelle observed that rather than taking their usual breaks, every employee was busy with a detector, scanning the premises.

“What are you all doing?” Joelle inquired curiously. The receptionist elaborated, “This morning, Mr. Miller sent out a notice. There was a report of possible hidden cameras in the company. So, he distributed detectors to all of us and even granted us the afternoon off to thoroughly check the area. He’s quite serious about ensuring our safety!”

Joelle understood immediately that Adrian had taken the previous day’s discovery seriously. “Well, you guys go on.” With her lunchbox in hand, she made her way to the elevator, accidentally running into Spencer.

He was notably dressed in a sharp, formal suit, drastically different from the janitorial attire he had donned the day before. Their eyes met, and a mutual acknowledgment was unavoidable.

In a light-hearted tone, Joelle commented, “That suit doesn’t exactly scream ‘janitorial work,’ does it?” Spencer’s smirk was one of pride. “Thanks to your advice, my cousin gave me a promotion this morning.” Joelle had once suggested to Adrian that pushing someone into a corner without an escape could foster deep resentment, potentially causing greater issues. She was pleased to hear of Spencer’s promotion, yet puzzled why he credited her for it.

“You earned it on your merit. Adrian recognized your abilities. It has nothing to do with me.” Yet, Spencer’s smile didn’t waver. “It has everything to do with you, Joelle.”

He stepped closer, causing Joelle’s nerves to tighten. Could Spencer have discovered she was the one who reported the hidden cameras? She maintained a composed facade, watching cautiously as Spencer moved nearer. “The elevator’s here. See you later, Joelle.”

His departure did little to ease the unease that clung to her. The thought of how Lyla could have raised someone like Spencer nagged at her. She made her way to Adrian’s office.

Finding him immersed in work, she quietly set out the lunch she had brought. Once he was done, she got to her feet. “I’m leaving now.” Adrian, who had given the staff the afternoon off, could have used the break himself. He loosened his tie, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “You didn’t wait for me yesterday, and now you’re leaving me to eat alone?”

Joelle returned the smile, feigning innocence. “Sorry, it’s not that I don’t want to wait. But I’ve waited before, and you never showed.” Lately, Joelle had adopted a sharper tone, like a rose bristling with thorns, which, rather than deterring Adrian, only drew him in more.

“Are you holding that against me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I’m not significant?” He closed the distance between them and firmly wrapped his hand around her waist, drawing her close. The disparity in their strength was clear as she was pressed tightly against him. Adrian’s voice was a deep murmur. “Still upset about last night? Didn’t get enough?”

Joelle’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and she pushed against him with all her strength. “Stop talking nonsense.” The more Joelle struggled, the firmer Adrian’s grip became. He began to nibble her earlobe, his voice oozing seduction. “No problem. I can take care of you right now.”

Joelle fought against the rising desire within her. Despite her deep love for this man, she resisted his advances. As his lips approached hers, Joelle turned away. “Not here. I don’t want it here.”

The possibility of someone entering at any moment weighed on her, and the office blinds were wide open to the daylight. The thought of being intimate in such an exposed setting embarrassed her.

Adrian let out a low chuckle and strolled over to his desk, where he pressed a button concealed underneath. Instantly, two rows of bookshelves along the wall slid apart, revealing a secret room outfitted with a shower and dim lights, creating a more suitable ambiance.

Still reeling from the reveal, Joelle found herself lifted into Adrian’s arms. As she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, she questioned, “Do you often bring women here?” Adrian paused, momentarily caught off guard. Truthfully, Joelle was the first. The existence of this hidden sanctuary was unknown to most.

“What do you think?” he asked. Joelle’s gaze dropped, her thoughts drifting to Rebecca. Given their closeness, she presumed Rebecca must have been here before. This thought caused a shadow to pass over Joelle’s expression. Adrian only noticed her distant air as he laid her down on the bed.

As he began to unbutton her shirt, he gently bit her lip, a reminder tethering her back to the moment. “Stay with me here, now.”

“Okay.”

Joelle was seeking comfort, but as Adrian drew closer, a sharp pain surged, bringing tears to her eyes.

“Did that hurt?”noveldrama

Joelle was confused by the intensity of the pain—it was not her first time. She fought back tears. “Please, be gentler.”

Adrian whispered his assent. Yet, as he proceeded, Joelle gasped, the pain causing her body to recoil, extinguishing any remnants of desire instantaneously.

Adrian halted abruptly, too apprehensive to continue. Joelle was covered in a cold sweat. This was unlike any discomfort she had previously experienced. “No, something’s not right.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Adrian rose and disappeared into the bathroom. By the time he returned, Joelle was already dressed.

“You should go to the hospital this afternoon,” he suggested, his face betraying nothing. Joelle simply nodded. The unease was mutual, a silent acknowledgment that something was amiss, heightening her anxiety.

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