Chapter 19 The Bait of Marriage
Adeline’s fingers rested lightly on the doorknob. The knocking outside was steady, carrying an undeniable pressure. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she slowly opened the door.
“Mrs. Layton” She gave a slight nod, her tone as indifferent as if she were addressing a stranger. “Please, come in.”
Diana was dressed in an elegant navy–blue dress, her hair neatly pulled back into a bun, and her face adorned with a perfectly poised smile. She glanced at Adeline, a flicker of complicated emotions flashing in her eyes before being swiftly concealed.
“Addie, it’s been a long time.” Diana’s voice was gentle, as if she were simply an elder visiting a long–lost relative.
Adeline stepped aside, allowing her to enter. The apartment was simple and unembellished, a stark contrast to the opulence of the Layton residence, Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a glow on the floor, but instead of warmth, it only accentuated the emptiness of the space.
Diana took a sweeping glance around, a fleeting trace of disdain in her eyes before she masked it with concern. “Living alone like this… don’t you find it too lonely?”
“It’s fine, Adeline replied nonchalantly, setting a cup of tea before Diana. “Have some tea”
Diana lifted the teacup but didn’t drink. Instead, she reached for Adeline’s hand, her voice thick with emotion. “Addie, you’ve suffered all these years. Your father and I have always worried about you, but.. sigh, some things were simply beyond our
control.
Adeline gently withdrew her hand, her smile faint. “The past is in the past. I no longer dwell on it.
Diana’s expression stiffened momentarily but quickly reto normal. “I’m relieved to hear that. But… Your grandmother hasn’t been well lately. She’s been thinking about you.”
At the mention of her grandmother, Adeline’s gaze wavered slightly before regaining its calm. “What happened to Grandma?”
“She had a heart attack a few days ago and is still in the hospital” Diana sighed. “The doctors have advised her to rest, but she keeps asking for you. She really wants to see you.”
Adeline was silent for a moment before nodding, “I’ll go visit her,
Seeing how readily she agreed, a glint of satisfaction flashed in Diana’s eyes, though her tone remained warm. “She’s old now, and all she wishes for is to see the family reunited. Especially you.. she’s always her most beloved grandchild.”
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Adeline let out a quiet scoff but quickly suppressed her emotions. “She has always been good to me. I haven’t forgotten.”
Diana’s smile deepened as she subtly guided the conversation toward her real purpose. “Besides your grandmother, there’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you
“Go ahead” Adeline picked up her tea, observing Diana without revealing her thoughts.
“You’re not young anymore,” Diana said earnestly. “As elders, we always hope to see our children settle down with a good
match.
Adeline set down her teacup and met Diana’s gaze, saying nothing
Seeing her silence, Diana continued, “There’s a suitable candidate–Justin Kyree, the heir of Kyree Group. He’s taken an interest in you and has even inquired about you through acquaintances. I believe you two should meet.”
Justin Kyree? The name made Adeline’s brows furrow slightly. Though he was well–known, the rumors surrounding him were far from pleasant
“Kyree Group is certainly powerful,” Adeline said after a pause, her voice turning colder, “but do you really think I am a good
match for him?”
9:47 AM
Chapter 19 The Bait of Marriage
+8 Pearls
Adeline lowered her gaze, absentmindedly tracing the rim of her teacup with her fingertips, offering no immediate response.
Sensing hesitation. Diana’s voice softened, growing even more persuasive. “Madam Teresa has been worrying about your future. If you’re willing to consider this, it would put her mind at ease, and it would also be beneficial for your own future. It’s a win–win situation.”
That struck a nerve. Grandma was the only person who had truly cared for me. If this could bring her peace of mind…
But the name Justin Kyree carried a heavy shadene, making it difficult for me to agree so easily.
In that moment of internal struggle, an image of Christopher Conor’s smirking face surfaced in her mind. His words from the past echoed clearly.
“In high society, marriage is never about love. It’s about power and gain.”
With that thought, she lifted her gaze, her expression turning icy. “If this is what Grandma wants, I can consider it. But if anything goes wrong. I hope you won’t regret what you said today.“
Diana’s smile stiffened for a fraction of a second before she quickly recovered. “Of course not. This is for your own good, as well as for our family.”
After Diana left, Adeline sat alone on the sofa, lost in thought. The sunlight outside was bright, yet she felt none of its warmth.
Her phone screen lit up with a message from Eden, “I’ve looked into your arranged match. It’s Justin Kyree. He has a complicated background–be careful.”
So, it really was him.
Adeline stared at the name on the screen, her fingers clenching slightly. I was well aware of the dangers that came with this name. But at this moment, I had no other choice.
For Grandma. For myself. For justice that had long been overdue.
I could only brace myself and move forward.
The hospital was filled with the sterile scent of disinfectant, suffocating and oppressive. Inside the ward, Teresa lay pale on the bed, her frail lips hidden beneath an oxygen mask. The once dignified and graceful woman now looked heartbreakingly fragile.
“Grandma” Adeline called out sofily, placing her hand over Teresa’s cold, thin fingers. “It’s me, Addie. I’m here to see you.”
The elderly woman slowly opened her eyes, gazing at the familiar yet distant figure. A tear slipped down her cheek as she struggled to lift her other hand, using all her strength to grasp Adeline’s delicate fingers.
“Addie…” Her voice was barely a whisper, filled with sorrow and remorse. T’m…. so sorry…
“No need. It’s all in the past. Adeline lowered her head, pressing her forehead against Teresa’s hand, swallowing back the tears threatening to spill. “All that matters is that you get better.”
Teresa’s lips trembled as if she had more to say, but exhaustion overtook her, and she drifted back into unconsciousness.
The hospital corridor was eerily quiet, the sound of footsteps echoing sofily against the walls. Adeline stood by the window, watching the bustling streets below, feeling momentarily lost.
Marry Justin Kyree? I knew exactly what that meant.
But if this was the only way to ease Grandma’s worries.
stanu tlontakta na tha baale of har mind Whan aka anaund tham nmin har
