As Adrienne’s car drove down the winding road towards the Jiang estate, she couldn’t help but think about the past. The mories of her past life ca flooding back, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand.
"Are you okay, Addie? Don’t worry too much. I won’t allow them to force you to marry Alistair Han." Reese said as he looked at his niece with concern.
Adrienne has been unusually silent since that morning. He even noticed how Lennox was unwilling for her to leave. In Reese’s opinion, it would be better if these two announced their marriage, but he also understood the danger the Qin family posed to his niece.
Reese knew Lennox could not protect Adrienne from everyone, but he could see the determination in the young man’s eyes. He looked at Adrienne as if she were his entire universe, thinking that if sothing bad happened to Adrienne, Lennox Qin would perish as well.
"I’m fine, Uncle. This eting was already long overdue, and I cannot wait to share with my grandfather a piece of my mind." Adrienne replied. She was relieved that her Uncle Reese was here. His presence alone was enough to calm her nerves.
When she arrived at the Jiang estate, she was greeted by Alistair Han, who was wearing a smug grin on his face. The sight of him made her skin crawl, but she put on a brave face and greeted him with a nod.
Reese Zhao frowned upon seeing him. It was a good thing he insisted on accompanying Adrienne today, or else they would bully her into submission.
"Mr. Han," Adrienne greeted him coldly. "What brings you here?"
Her grandfather wasn’t even trying to hide his intentions during this eting. To think he would invite Alistair Han as well—was her grandfather certain she would be willing to marry this despicable man for the sake of this family?
Her grandfather had no idea. For Adrienne, they could burn to hell for all she cared, but she wouldn’t marry Alistair the second ti around. She refused to relive the sa nightmare all over again. Adrienne had endured enough pain and heartbreak in her previous marriage to Alistair. She had finally found her freedom and was determined to never let anyone control her life again.
"I could ask you the sa thing, Adrienne," he replied, his eyes roaming over her body. "You look stunning as always."
Adrienne resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his obvious attempt to flatter her. Instead, she narrowed her eyes at him, wondering what he was up to. Adrienne knew better than to trust Alistair’s smooth words. She had learned the hard way that his complints were often a precursor to manipulation and deceit. As she stood there, she braced herself for whatever ga he was about to play, determined not to fall into his trap again.
"Adrienne? Mr. Han, I don’t think we’re acquainted enough with each other to regard by my first na."
Alistair smirked. "Does it matter? You would have to get used to hearing it, Adrienne. You are to beco my wife anyway."
"I would have never thought you were this brazen to claim such a ridiculous thing, Mr. Han." Reese interjected, reminding Alistair of his presence.
Alistair turned his eyes and regarded Reese Zhao with a cold look. He could sense the animosity coming from the older man. He sneered inwardly, hating how Adrienne was surrounded by pesky n. He couldn’t wait to marry her and kept her at ho, only for him to keep her by her side forever.
"Mr. Zhao, I assure you. I’m more than qualified to have Adrienne’s hand for marriage, he said confidently.
Reese Zhao’s eyes narrowed. As much as it irked him to acknowledge Lennox Qin as his nephew-in-law, he would rather side with him than accept Alistair Han as Adrienne’s husband.
"It’s not for you to decide whether you are qualified or not, Mr. Han. My marriage... it’s for to decide, not the Jiang family." Adrienne walked past him and gave him a freezing look.
Once she reached the study where her grandfather was waiting, she knocked on the door twice to announce her arrival.
"Co in," her grandfather’s voice bellowed from behind the door.
Taking a deep breath, Adrienne pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her grandfather was sitting behind his desk, looking over so papers.
"Ah, Adrienne, you’re finally here. Please, have a seat." He gestured to the chair in front of his desk.
Adrienne sat down, noticing the severe expression on her grandfather’s face. She couldn’t help but feel nervous, wondering what he had in store for her.
"I understand that you are not pleased with the idea of marrying Alistair Han," her grandfather began, his voice stern. "But you must understand that this is for the greater good of the Jiang family."
Adrienne snorted, unable to believe her grandfather’s words. "The greater good? You an your good, grandfather. You don’t care about what’s best for . All you care about is securing our family’s fortune."
Her grandfather’s face reddened with anger at her words. "You are being disrespectful, Adrienne. Alistair Han is a wealthy and influential man. Marrying him would put our family in a better position."
"I don’t care about his money or influence, grandfather. I refuse to marry soone who doesn’t respect or treat as an equal. You both know how this marriage would end for ."
Her grandfather sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Adrienne, you must understand that this is not about love. It’s about securing our family’s future. And Alistair Han is the best candidate for that position. He has connections and resources that could greatly benefit our family’s business ventures and ensure our financial stability for generations to co. It may not be the ideal situation, but sotis sacrifices have to be made for the greater good of our family."
"I refuse this marriage arrangent." Adrienne insisted. "I do not care about your Jiang family anymore, and in case you haven’t heard yet, Lennox Qin and I are seeing each other now."
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