Chapter 16 The Marriage Proposal
Adeline stepped into the Layton mansion, and the familiar scent immediately engulfed her. The grand estate remained as solemn and imposing as ever, as if time had left no trace upon it.
Her gaze swept across the spacious living room, where the intricate chandelier cast a soft glow, illuminating every corner with meticulous clarity
Teresa sat on the sofa, surrounded by maids busy pouring tea. Seeing Adeline enter, the elderly woman’s wrinkled face relaxed into a warm smile. “Addie, you’re here. Come, let Grandma take a good look at you
Adeline returned a gentle smile and walked over to sit beside her. Teresa took her hand–her aged, wrinkled palms were slightly cool but carried a warmth that felt nostalgic.
“How have you been?” Teresa asked, her voice tinged with a hint of probing
“I’ve been well,” Adeline replied lightly, her tone devoid of unnecessary emotions.
Teresa nodded, hesitated for a moment, then said, “I heard that Christopher has returned recently. He used to treat you so well–have you ever considered giving each other another chance?”
The words dropped like a pebble into a still lake, sending ripples through the air. Adeline lowered her gaze, staring at the fingers held within the elder’s grasp,
“Grandma, right now. I just want to focus on my studies and work. She lifted her head, her tone calm yet firm. “I have no interest in romantic matters for the time being.
Teresa was momentarily taken aback but quickly smiled again. “That’s understandable. You’ve suffered enough over the years. It’s time you started living for yourself.”
Adeline didn’t respond, merely lowering her eyes to the elder’s warm yet timeworn hands. I knew this woman truly cared for mr yet no matter how sincere, I couldn’t bring myself to fully trust anyone
As they spoke, footsteps echoed from the entrance. Adeline looked up to see Gavin and Michelle walking side by side into the living room. Both of them paused upon seeing her but soon regained their composure.
“Grandma.” Michelle greeted sweetly before turning to Adeline. “Sister Adeline! You’re here too. It’s been a while.”
The word “sister” sounded affectionate, yet to Adeline, it carried an unshakable sense of irony. She merely nodded slightly. offering no further response.
“Since everyone is here, why don’t we go out for a meal together?” Gavin suggested, his tone measured.
Teresa nodded in agreement. “That’s a good idea. It’s been a long time since our family has gathered
The luxurious restaurant was bathed in the shimmering light of crystal chandeliers, illuminating the private dining room. with a radiant glow. A long table was adorned with exquisite dishes, each emitting an enticing aroma.
However, the atmosphere at the table was starkly at odds with its opulence–tense and unnervingly quiet.
Adeline sat by the window, absentmindedly poking at her salad with a fork while listening to the idle chatter around her. She neither participated nor showed any interest.
“Addie, this was your favorite dish. Have some more.” A knife and fork extended toward her, placing a piece of steak onto her plate.
She looked up to find Gavin’s cold yet slightly conflicted face. It seemed like he was trying to ease the tension between them, but Adeline simply glanced at the steak before pushing it aside. “Thank you, but I’m fine.”
Chapter 16 The Marriage Proposal
+8 Pearls
“Since we’re all here, there’s something I want to discuss Rayden finally broke the silence, setting down his utensils and speaking in a deep, authoritative voice. About the past… I know we’ve wronged you. But over the years, we’ve done our best to make amends. I hope you understand our intentions”
Adeline’s fingers tightened around her fork. She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes directly. “Make amends? I’m not sure what you mean by that.”
“A portion of Layton Group’s shares has been transferred to your name. That should ensure your financial security,” Rayden continued, his tone carrying an unmistakable finality.
“So,” Adeline let out a cold chuckle. “you think that by giving me this, I’ll forget everything that happened?”
The air turned suffocating. An unspoken pressure filled the room, yet before anyone could process her words, Gavin suddenly spoke up. Don’t be greedy. We’ve given you more than enough. What more do you want?
His voice, tinged with anger, shattered the fragile tension in the room. All eyes turned to him–some shocked, others furious, and some bearing complex, umeadable emotions.
Adeline slowly stood up, her dark eyes locking onto Gavin’s. A fire of suppressed emotions burned within her gaze. “Greedy?” she echoed softly before curling her lips into a mocking smile. “If not for all of you, would I have ended up like this?”
At that moment, years of pent–up resentment and fury erupted like a dam breaking. And faced with her accusations. Gavin was momentarily speechless, unable to retort.
Michelle suddenly interjected, “Adeline, don’t blame Gavin. He’s just thinking of the family. None of us wanted what happened back then-”
“Shut up“” Adeline cut her off sharply, her icy stare making Michelle shudder. “You dare bring that up? If it weren’t for you
“Enough” Diana, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. Forcing a strained smile, she tried to defuse the situation. This is a family dinner. Let’s not dwell on unpleasant topics.”
But no one responded.
The room remained heavy with unspoken tension. Each person harbored their own thoughts, unwilling to completely break the thin veil of civility. The surface remained calm, but underneath, an undercurrent of conflict raged.
After the dinner, everyone left the room one after another, leaving Adeline alone to gather her belongings. When the last door shut behind her, she finally let out a slow breath, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes.
In this fleeting moment of vulnerability, hurried and heavy footsteps approached from outside. The next second, the door was pushed open forcefully.
Standing there was Christopher. His sharp gaze locked onto the lone, slender figure in the center of the room. His lips parted. slightly, as if searching for words, yet nothing came out. It seemed as though countless thoughts were swirling in his mind. but some invisible force kept them trapped in his throat.
Their eyes met.
For that moment, time stood still.
