Chapter 15 Silence In The Elevator
Adeline stepped into the elevator, feeling Christopher’s gaze on her back like an invisible chain binding her in place.
The elevator doors slowly closed, shutting out the noise of the outside world. Inside the confined space, only their steady breathing could be heard. Christopher stood beside her, his fingers lightly pressing the floor button–his movements, as always, were elegant and composed, yet carried a hint of restrained emotion barely perceptible.
Adeline lowered her gaze, staring at the black high heels on her feet. The tip of her shoe lifted slightly before settling back down, mirroring the emotions she kept suppressed deep within her heart
Christopher turned slightly, his eyes resting on her profile. She was thinner than she had been three years ago, her shoulders so frail they seemed as though a gust of wind could break them apart. The once vibrant and radiant face was now veiled by an expression of cold indifference, creating an air of wnapproachable distance..
“Ms. Dustin.” He finally spoke, his voice low and restrained
Adeline lifted her head at the sound, her eyes briefly meeting his. A fleeting mix of emotions swirled within them before she quickly masked them with reason. “Is there something you need, Mr. Conor? Her rone was indifferent, as if she were asking about the weather.
Christopher was momentarily taken aback by her cold demeanor, but he soon regained his composure. “How is Gavin these days?” he asked, his voice carrying a trace of concerti.
ug into a
Adeline frowned slightly at his words but quickly smoothed her expression. She lifted her head, her lips curling mocking smile. “Mr. Conor, showing concern for Mr. Gavin? That’s quite unexpected”
“I just Christopher hesitated for a moment. “I wanted to know what you think of him.”
“My thoughts?” Adeline chuckled softly, though the laughter never reached her eyes. “There’s nothing worth discussing between Gavin and me.”
With that simple statement, she severed whatever fragile balance remained between them.
Christopher frowned. He could sense the coldness and resistance in her words. But the more she distanced herself, the more he wanted to understand–what had happened in those three years that had transformed the warm, bright girl I once knew into the person before me!
“You’ve changed.” He stated quietly, not as an accusation but as a simple fact.
Adeline offered no response. She merely lowered her eyes, letting silence speak for her. The elevator was filled with nothing but the mechanical sound of the numbers changing
In the suffocating silence, a memory from three years ago suddenly flashed through her mind-
The cold, damp concrete floor. The stinging scent of disinfectant. The mocking, malicious whispers surrounding me. Everything had pushed me to the edge, leaving me no room to breathe. The only thing I could do was press my lips together and remain silent, shielding myself from further pain.
“Silence is the best protection.”
It was a lesson I had learned in prison, a belief that had carried me through those dark days.
Her fingers clenched into a fist at the thought, her nails digging into her palm. The sharp pain pulled her back to the present.
Christopher noticed the brief shift in her expression but chose not to press further. Instead, he changed the subject. There’s a fashion gala tonight. Would you like to attend with me?”
At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and both of them stepped out simultaneously. Upon hearing his invitation, Adeline’s footsteps faltered for a brief second, but she did not turn around. “Sorry, I’m not interested,” she replied coolly, her
Chapter 15 Silence in The Elevator
+8 Pearls
She ustaninterested–she simply didn’t want to step foot into that world of schemes and deceit ever again. But the more she resisted, the more determined I became to pull her back in. That was where to both belonged
Or rather, that was where I wanted me and her to belong
In her small apartment, Adeline sat on the couch, holding a cup of tea that had long since cooled. The neon lights from outside cast slutting patterns across the dimly lit room, reflecting her unsettled mood. Her phone screen displayed a series of missed calls, fueling an unexplainable sense of irritation.
Just then, her phone rang again, breaking the silence. The caller ID displayed a familiar name–Madam Teresa. She hesitatedl for a second befour answering, “Grandnu,”
A warm, affectionate voice came through the speaker. “Addie, I heard there’s a fashion gala tonight. Would you like to
“I don’t enjoy those events” Adeline refused without hesitation,
“Silly gul. Teresa sighed gently. “These gatherings may be complex, but they also present opportunities for you to reclaim what’s
‘s rightfully yours. I believe you can handle it well,”
Hearing those words, Adeline tightened her grip on the phone, her knuckles turning pale. Over the years, Grandma had been the only one who had truly cared for me, yet despite this, I still couldn’t bring myself to fully trust anyone–not even the one person who had shown me kindness,
“Thank you for your concern. Grandma,” she finally replied, her tone calm but detached. “But I really don’t want to g
go”
After ending the call. She leaned back against the couch, closing her eyes. Yet, her mind refused to rest, conjuring images of the influential figures attending the event and the countless hidden agendas concealed beneath the glittering lights. The inner conflict exhausted her, but it was something she could never truly escape.
Outside Layton Group’s headquarters, a sleek black car slowly pulled out of the parking lot. The half–lowered window revealed Christopher’s refined yet slightly weary face. In his hand, he held a delicate box from a well–known patisserie.
When the car came to a halt by the curb, he stepped out and handed the box to the waiting assistant. “Deliver this to Ms. Dustin,” he instructed. “Just say… a friend sent it.”
The assistant took the box, glancing at him with mild surprise, but did not question further. After the assistant left, Christopher returned to his car, but he did not start the engine right away. He simply sat there, lost in thought.
I am sure why I was doing this, nor did I know if my actions would only complicate things further.
Some things were beyond my control–yet impossible to let go.
As night fell, the grand ballroom of a luxury hotel was illuminated with dazzling lights. The elite of the city gathered in elegant attire, celebrating the extravagant occasion.
Meanwhile, not far from the venue, a taxi quietly pulled over at the corner of the street.
woman stepped out of the vehicle, her attire simple yet sophisticated. The black dress accentuated her slender frame, standing in stark contrast to the world of opulence around her. But as the city lights fell upon her face, her cool, exquisite beauty instantly drew countless gazes.
It was Adeline Dustin.
