Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife

Chapter 89:

The quickest way for two women to bond was indeed over a shared disdain for another. Lacey possessed an undeniable allure that almost made Joelle want to align with her. However, Joelle was keenly aware of Lacey’s closer ties to Adrian, Michael, and their circle, maintaining a cautious distance.

“Surely you didn’t come here just to speak ill of Rebecca with me, did you?” Joelle poured Lacey a cup of coffee, a gesture inviting her to relax and speak her mind without reserve.

Lacey offered a knowing smile. “I really don’t understand Adrian. You’re so elegant and intelligent, yet he remains fixated on a driver’s daughter.”

Joelle replied with measured calmness, “Perhaps Adrian is simply blind.”

Lacey arched an eyebrow as she tasted her coffee. “You’re not concerned I might mention this to Adrian?” Unfazed, Joelle maintained her composure. “If I’m bold enough to say it, I’m not concerned about him hearing it. Besides, if you relish a bit of spectacle, Adrian and I might just entertain you.”

“Don’t worry, I prefer to keep out of drama.” Lacey shifted in her seat, leaning forward with purpose. “I actually came to discuss Spencer.”

Joelle had expected as much and silently urged her to proceed.

“You’ve met Fiona, right? She isn’t exactly the brightest. Since visiting the Miller Mansion, her perspective on the engagement has shifted drastically. Having known Adrian for over a decade, I’m well aware of the dynamics within the Miller family. The facade of a harmonious family might deceive my sister, but I’m not so easily fooled.”

Joelle didn’t dispute it. She understood Lacey’s concerns about her sister getting engaged to someone like Spencer. However, as she wasn’t part of Spencer’s family, her hands were tied.

“I’m afraid I can’t help you. I wouldn’t want Fiona to get engaged to Spencer either, but it’s not my place to stop it. This arrangement is between your father and Spencer’s parents, not something I can influence.”

Lacey pressed on, “So, you agree that my sister shouldn’t get engaged to Spencer, correct?” Joelle paused momentarily. With a flick of her perfectly manicured fingers, Lacey declared, “That’s all I needed to know!”

Joelle was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Leaning in, Lacey whispered, “Now that you’re aware, I trust you won’t stand by as my sister walks into a disastrous engagement, will you?”noveldrama

Before Joelle could respond, Lacey seized her hand, her grip chillingly cold. “Joelle, I only have one sister. If you won’t help me, I’ll find another way to stop this engagement.”

“And what would that be?”

Without faltering, Lacey said, “I’ll threaten my own life. Without our mother, and with a father who views us merely as tools, I have little else to lose.”

Joelle caught her breath, the resolve in Lacey’s eyes unmistakable. Gently squeezing Lacey’s hand, she expressed her limitations. “Lacey, you know I don’t hold enough sway in the Miller family to intervene. Perhaps Adrian or Michael could be more influential.”

Lacey shook her head. “If Adrian steps in, Irene will not take it well. She’ll suspect that he’s trying to manipulate Spencer’s engagement for his own advantage.”

Joelle lowered her gaze, biting her lip in contemplation. “Let me think about it.”

“I won’t press you.” She then picked up a pen and paper from the table and jotted down her contact information. “Joelle, I’m not suggesting anything reckless. I just need your help to demonstrate to Fiona that Spencer isn’t the right match for her.”

During Fiona’s last visit, the Miller family had orchestrated an impressive charade that had left a strong impression on her. Initially hesitant, Fiona’s opposition had softened significantly after her departure from the Miller Mansion. Lacey expressed her concerns that Fiona might be subtly coerced by the Millers, potentially turning into an unwitting pawn.

After Lacey departed, Joelle remained seated, lost in thought for a long while. The disquiet over Spencer’s dark demeanor and Fiona’s simplicity gnawed at her. She felt compelled to act. That evening, while she was still wrestling with her thoughts, Adrian broached the subject unexpectedly. “Did Lacey speak with you?”

“About Fiona?”

“Yes.”

Adrian loosened his watch, maintaining a composed expression as he scanned her face. “If Spencer and Fiona’s engagement falls apart, it benefits us. If her request seems reasonable, you should consider helping her.”

Joelle met his gaze, her mind conflicted. She was not opposed to assisting, but entangling herself in this situation seemed perilous. Besides, her relationship with Lacey wasn’t close. Why should she provoke Irene’s ire over this?

“What if I refuse?”

A chill flickered through Adrian’s eyes. In their marriage, neutrality was almost as problematic as opposition. “Tell me, what’s your price?”

Joelle’s eyes widened in disbelief. “This isn’t about money.”

“Isn’t money often the simplest solution?” Adrian countered, slowly unbuttoning his shirt to reveal his toned chest.

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