Selene gaped openly at the words, her earlier rage evaporating and replaced by a forced and fluttering politeness. But Adrian's gaze remained longest on Leo, the mute boy who appeared just as shocked as everyone else.
Adrian stared at Leo's dreadful state and realised that Aaron wasn't exaggerating. He recalled the report his assistant gave him the day before. He read about how the Ward family neglected their younger son.
At the time, Adrian had dismissed it as irrelevant noise that didn't factor into his equation. He just needed a fake husband to show his parents and shut down their endless blind-date parade, and nothing more. But now, seeing Leo cower in his family like a cornered animal, the reality hit harder. This wasn't just a bad home, it was a prison of pure cruelty.
He remembered flipping through Leo's written demands after their awkward meeting in his office. He'd expected the usual greed from the candidates his parents had shortlisted, demands for weekly shopping sprees in Milan, private yachts, unlimited credit lines for jewelry and designer wardrobes, or even stakes in his company's subsidiaries. Adrian could afford it all, of course, but it grated against his morals.
But Leo's list? It had stunned him in its simplicity. It contains no extravagance and no negotiations for luxury. Just the bare essentials of survival. Adrian had stared at the paper for a very long time. The bad handwriting and wrong spellings pierced through his icy composure.
Who demands something like that? He'd considered ignoring it entirely. It wasn't his style to get entangled in someone else's mess. He just needed a mute, compliant figure to fool his family, someone who wouldn't disrupt his life. Yet, as the hours ticked by, Leo's trembling figure from their meeting kept resurfacing in his mind. The boy's hesitant nods and downcast eyes which were filled with unspoken fear, nagged at him.
By midday, he got a headache and knew he needed to end this distraction before it spiraled. That's why he came here personally after canceling his afternoon meetings and driving here himself instead of sending Aaron.
Adrian's jaw tightened imperceptibly. Without a word, he stepped forward and bent down. His large hand closed around Leo's upper arm firmly but not bruising and pulled the boy to his feet. Leo was shockingly light, almost weightless. He stumbled slightly, his wide gray eyes flying up to meet Adrian's in pure surprise. For a split second, Leo just simply stared at Adrian. But after a while, he instinctively bowed his head deeply in an attempt to hide himself from that soulless gaze.
Adrian understood his fear instantly, even without words, as if the boy's actions and expression conveyed 'thank you' clearer than any voice could. It was an odd intuition, one Adrian wasn't used to.
"Go upstairs and change," he commanded. "We have to leave."
Leo blinked rapidly. He wanted to ask where Adrian was taking him but his body betrayed him and he stood frozen in terror. Adrian's cold aura was overwhelming, making Leo's heart pound so hard he thought it might burst, even his palms were wet with sweat. But years of conditioned obedience kicked in and his legs moved automatically, turning toward the staircase leading to the balcony without a single question.
He didn't even glance at Selene for permission, it's as if Adrian's order overrode everything. Up in his so-called room, Leo changed quickly into his other set of worn clothes.
Downstairs, Selene's internal rage boiled like acid in her veins. How dare that worthless mute act so confidently, and not ask for her permission? But she buried her anger and forced her face into a saccharine smile. This was Adrian Hale, after all, the key to everything she'd schemed for. Marrying into his family meant unparalleled benefits, exclusive business deals that could revive her husband's failing logistics firm, perhaps securing multimillion-dollar contracts for shipping Hale Corporation's goods. Invitations to elite galas where she could rub shoulders with investors, landing funding for her daughter's boutique startup.
Originally, she wanted to push her beautiful and talkative daughter as the match for this marriage. But when Madam Hale suggested the ugly mute instead, Selene had no choice. The benefits outweighed her disgust.
"Mr. Hale," she stepped closer with an exaggerated smile. "Please, come sit in the living room. Can I offer you coffee or perhaps tea? We have a great chef who makes lovely pastries."
Adrian's exchange stayed unchanged at her fake gesture as he glanced at his watch while ignoring her entirely. And it was silent once again in the room. Selene's cheeks burned, but she tried again making her voice sweet.
"After all, we're about to become family. And of course, we'd love to host a small family dinner to celebrate. Next weekend–"
"I'm busy," Adrian cut in flatly without elaborating.
Embarrassment flooded Selene's face, making her smile crack at the edges. "O-Of course, of course! Your time is incredibly valuable. A man of your stature has no time to waste. Then...may I ask where exactly you're taking Leo?"
Adrian's dark eyes turned to her finally. He didn't want to explain, talking to them seemed like a waste of his breath. But since he was taking their son, decorum demanded it. "To register for marriage."
Selene's eyes widened in genuine shock. "T-Today? Isn't it so soon? I mean you just met Leo yesterday. We thought there would be more time to prepare—"
"I'd like it done as soon as possible," Adrian interrupted impatiently. "I can't waste much time on things like marriage."
Selene nodded vigorously, hiding her internal smirk. As expected of ruthless and emotionless Adrian Hale. Part of her had feared Leo's life might improve after marriage, and that he would escape their grasp and perhaps even become a thorn in her side. She thought her would enjoy the richness of Hale's family. But Adrian's frigid demeanor and dismissive words reassured her. Leo would be nothing more than a silent accessory in that vast mansion, he would be ignored and forgotten soon. His life wouldn't get better, if anything, it might be worse.
Perfect. She was relieved.
Leo came down the stairs slowly. He was now wearing his only other set of clothes, a faded blue sweater with frayed cuffs that hung loosely on his slender frame and worn jeans patched in places with mismatched thread. They were marginally better than the stained rags he'd been scrubbing the floor in moments ago, but still screamed poverty, the sweater's color had dulled from countless washes, and the jeans sagged at the knees from years of wear. He kept his eyes fixed on the floor, avoiding the judgmental stares he imagined from everyone in the room.
Adrian's eyes followed him immediately, tracing the boy's frail silhouette with detachment. There was no warmth in that gaze, just a cool judgment, like evaluating a potential asset in a business deal. Leo felt it like a physical weight, heat rose to his pale cheeks in a deep shameful blush.
He must think I'm so filthy, dressed so poorly, Leo thought, his stomach twisting with humiliation.
Who wouldn't? Adrian was immaculate in his tailored suit, oozing power and wealth, while Leo looked like something dragged from a thrift bin. To escape that piercing stare, Leo lowered his head further, his messy brown hair falling over his forehead, hiding his flushed face. Without realizing it, he twisted his finger repeatedly, a small fidgety habit that made his nervousness look almost childlike, though he was oblivious to how helpless it appeared.
Selene, still forcing her candy smile said with false maternal warmth. "Leo, darling, be nice for Mr. Hale now. Remember how lucky you are to have this opportunity. Show him your best behavior."
Leo nodded quickly. His stormy gray eyes darted up for the briefest second before dropping again, and without thinking, he bit his lower lip gently, nibbling on it in anxiety, a subconscious tic that softened his scared expression into something innocently endearing. He didn't notice how it made his lips pout slightly, or how his long lashes fluttered as he blinked rapidly to hold back tears of fear.
"Let's go," Adrian let out, forcing himself to stop noticing Leo's every action or expression. He turned toward the door without waiting for Leo.
Leo followed him silently, his small steps hurrying to keep up while his heart pounded wildly in his chest. As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Selene's smile vanished, contorting into a scowl of pure venom.
"That lucky little mute bastard," she hissed under her breath, her nails digging into her palms. "Getting rescued like some damsel. As if he deserves a life with the Hales."
She whirled on Kyle, who was still lurking by the counter, rubbing his wrist where Adrian had gripped it earlier, his face twisted in sullen anger. "You fool! How many times do I have to tell you to be aware of your surroundings before you pull stunts like that? We can't afford to offend Adrian Hale. One wrong move, and everything we've planned will go up in smoke!"
Kyle snarled. "But Mom, that worthless freak deserved it! He spilled the juice on purpose, I swear—"
Selene cut him off with a sharp smack to the back of his head. "Shut your mouth and think with your head for once! Do you want to ruin our chances? The Hale connection could save your father's failing business. We need this, Kyle. Don't be the idiot who screws it up."
Outside, Adrian walked ahead while Leo trailed behind him silently, keeping a safe distance. To say the man scared Leo was an understatement, Adrian terrified him to his core. The CEO looked unapproachable and unpredictable.
Leo's mind raced with suspicions. Why had Adrian agreed to marry him? The man sure had no shortage of admirers, from wealthy heirs to beautiful socialites, powerful families who must be dying to ally with the Hale empire. People who could match his status. So why choose Leo, the mute orphan with nothing? It had to be a stunt, maybe to use him as a tool and discard him later.
The thought sent a fresh wave of fear through Leo, making his breath come in shallow and silent puffs. Without realizing it, he hugged himself tighter, his fingers kneading the fabric of his sweater absentmindedly to soothe his mind.
When they reached the black car, Adrian opened the passenger door. There was no driver and just the two of them. Leo hesitated for a second, glancing around in confusion, then realized it must be for him since there was no one else. He slipped into the luxurious leather seat, feeling utterly out of place. The interior smelled of faint cologne.
After making sure that Leo was settled securely, Adrian closed the door with a thud and circled to the driver's seat, sliding in gracefully. He glanced sideways at Leo. The boy was still shivering uncontrollably, his thin hands rubbing together in his lap in an attempt to warm them up. His fingertips were red from the cold and his teeth chattered silently.
Adrian noticed the lack of proper winter clothes on him, the sweater offering no insulation against the biting chill.
"Did you forget your coat?" he asked, though the logical part of him suspected otherwise.
Leo blushed fiercely, the color spreading from his cheeks to his ears, convinced that Adrian was mocking him. His chest burned in shame and he gulped audibly. He slowly lifted his head to meet Adrian's gaze. Those wide eyes peered up timidly, framed by long lashes, reminding Adrian of a small animal emerging from hiding but ready to bolt at any time. Leo shook his head no.
"You don't have one?" Adrian stated matter-of-factly.
Leo shook his head reluctantly, dropping his head again. Adrian sighed in mild irritation. He knew he should ignore it. Whatever neglect or abuse Leo endured in that house and however his family mistreated him, it was none of Adrian's concern. This marriage was a contract, a means to silence his parents' nagging, not a charity case.
He's aware very well that attachments were weaknesses and empathy was a liability in his world of cutthroat bargains. But practicality won out, how could he tolerate the distraction of someone shivering right beside him?
With a shrug, he peeled off his expensive wool jacket which was already warm from his body heat, and thrust it toward Leo. "Wear it."
Leo's eyes widened in panic. He shook his head vigorously, hands fluttering up in silent refusal, not wanting to soil the fine material or impose on this intimidating man. What if Adrian got angry at him later for wearing his expensive jacket?
"We're already late, so please don't piss me off further. Wear it," Adrian ordered coldly, he was on the verge of losing his patience. He didn't wait for Leo and leaned over to drape the jacket around Leo's trembling shoulders. The oversized jacket swallowed Leo's slimmer than the frame, making him look even smaller. Adrian then flicked the heating controls higher and pulled the car away from the curb.
Slowly, the chill ebbed from Leo's bones and was replaced by a soothing warmth. The jacket was blissfully cozy, and carried a soft intriguing scent that Leo had caught a whiff of earlier during their tense encounter from yesterday.
What kind of perfume does he use? Leo wondered innocently. Without realizing it, he burrowed his face deeper into the collar, nuzzling it slightly to inhale more of the comforting aroma. His nose twitched adorably as he sniffed, eyes half-closing in unwitting contentment, like a content puppy nestling into a blanket.
From the corner of his eye, Adrian caught the action and thought.
He definitely reminds me of an animal.