"It truly is surprising. Most of us had nearly forgotten about Adam Collins. When rumors spread that you were the Collins family's daughter-in-law, everyone naturally assud you were Spencer's wife. But this—well, congratulations, Director lanie."
"Indeed, Director Roy. But I must say, it's quite astonishing. You and Adam Collins couldn't be more different. He's infamous for his carefree nature, a known playboy with a rather... colorful reputation, especially in the last three years. And yet, you—you're so composed, so disciplined. The contrast is remarkable."
lanie offered the gathered directors a polite smile, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Were they genuinely surprised, or were they trying to insult her by implying sothing? However, how could these people be satisfied with simple comparisons and taunting? Another line of questioning was inevitable.
"So, Director lanie," another director chid in, leaning in with barely concealed curiosity. "How did you and Adam et? It must have been quite the story."
"Yes," another joined in, chuckling. "Given how different the two of you are, one can't help but wonder how it all began."
What was she supposed to say to that? They had not discussed this line of conversation.
"I can answer that," Adam cut in smoothly, stepping into the circle of vultures that had gathered around lanie. He handed her a glass of wine letting his fingers linger against hers for a mont, while his other arm slipped effortlessly around her waist.
"I saw her. Wanted her. Chased her—and caught her," he said with a lazy confidence, his smirk just shy of arrogant. Then, with a glint of mischief in his eyes, he added, "Surely, you don't doubt my ability to attract lanie?"
The directors chuckled, so exchanging amused glances while the others exchanged more aningful glances. After all, many had heard that she was indeed supposed to be with Spencer but Adam had been the one to break the couple apart, beco the third party. And his words now seed to prove it.
Once he'd extracted her from the people, he quickly moved her towards the food tables and lanie could not help but think back to their conversation last night.
She swallowed a sip of the wine and turned her head to look at him, "So... what? They're going to bring in an ex-girlfriend or two to stir up trouble?"
"Sothing like that." Adam answered easily.
lanie frowned. "And you're not worried?"
"Worried?" He let out a soft chuckle. "No. But I am curious to see just how far they'll go."
lanie could not help but frown, wondering what it was that he ant. It was almost as if he was waiting for soone specific to arrive.
***
lanie could never have imagined just how accurate her guess would be. Adam was indeed waiting for soone to arrive.
Six years.
Six long years had passed since he had last seen her. And yet, even after all this ti, the thought of her still had the power to shake him. If there was anyone in this world who could make him willingly give up everything— even this marriage--it would be her.
And he knew Robert Collins knew it too.
All these years, she had been the one reason that stopped him from retaliating, the only reason he had continued to turn a blind eye to the old man's manipulations. He had played along, endured the power plays and sches, because he knew until Robert Collins allowed it, she would not return.
If she had even the slightest inkling that the biggest reason he had agreed to this marriage was to force the old man's hand—to make him bring that girl back—she would undoubtedly be furious. No, furious wouldn't even begin to cover it. She would be livid. But he was willing to endure that as well.
Just then, a person appeared at the door and he stiffened.
***
lanie noticed the shift imdiately when Adam stiffened. Following his gaze, she turned her head, just in ti to see a woman step into the room.
She was striking, for sure. Dressed in a deep red gown that clung to her form like a second skin, the woman moved with the kind of confidence that turned heads without effort. Dark waves cascaded down her back, and the glint in her eyes was sharp—assessing. She was also the opposite of her.
lanie lowered her glass slightly and smiled at him, watching as his eyes remained fixed on the woman. "Friend of yours? The one you expected to create trouble?"
Adam's jaw tightened as he shook his head, his grip around his glass tightening until his knuckles turned white. He turned his head to glare at the old man. Dam* it! Even now, Robert Collins was not willing to bring out the one he wanted to see?
"No," he answered lanie, his voice simring with barely restrained fury."She's not the one I was expecting. But don't worry. She is definitely a troublemaker."
lanie caught the edge in his tone and frowned. Well, it almost seed he was disappointed at the person who had appeared just now.
Before she could question him, the woman at the door turned her head in their direction, as if she had known exactly where to find them all along. lanie watched as her eyes fell on Adam.
Like a heat-seeking missile locked onto its target, she moved across the room, never once breaking eye contact with Adam.
lanie could not help but raise her brows as a bystander. Well, there was chemistry and then there was danger... This sohow reeked of the second one... Once near him, she raised her hands, called out his na... "Adam!" and then, hugged him, almost pushing lanie out of her way.
If not for Adam's hand holding her wrist, lanie would definitely have fallen backwards. But the woman did not seem to care. Even as she hugged him with abandon, she raised on her tiptoes, caught his face and planted her lips on his.
lanie stiffened then.
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