Adrian was going to find Riley.
No matter what, he would bring her back.
After getting out of the car at the foot of the mountain, Riley wandered along the street, eating as she went.
She hadn't eaten all day. The moment she saw food, her mouth watered.
The food here felt different from the city—street stalls lined the road, filled with sizzling sounds and drifting smoke. It was messy, lively, and oddly comforting.
She took her time, enjoying it.
By the time she was full, night had already fallen.
Beside the food street ran a river. Riley hugged her arms and stood by the railing, letting the cool breeze brush against her face.
It had been a long time since she'd seen a night like this.
Ever since returning to Lumut, she'd either been trapped in the Cole household or confined in Clearbrooke Estate.
There was no freedom at all.
Just then, a leering voice sounded behind her.
"Hey, pretty girl. All alone?"
Several men with dyed hair—blond, green, red—closed in on her, grinning in a way that made her skin crawl.
As they approached, the sharp stench of alcohol hit her all at once.
Riley nearly gagged, her stomach churning with the barbecue she'd just eaten.
"Stay away from me," she said, frowning.
Instead of backing off, the men burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, interesting. I like girls with attitude."
As they spoke, one of them reached out, aiming for her face.
A cold glint flashed in Riley's eyes.
She was just about to move when, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of someone rushing toward them.
Her clenched fist loosened instantly.
Her expression shifted, turning fearful.
"Don't come any closer!"
"Who said you could touch her?!"
Adrian's face darkened as he strode forward, his fist slamming straight into the blond man leading the group.
A sharp cry rang out as the man dropped to the ground.
The others rushed in.
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
Within moments, his punches sent them all crashing down one by one. Before long, the drunken men lay sprawled on the ground, bruised and groaning.
Riley stared, stunned.
He can fight?
No, that's not even the point.
Where's his wheelchair?
Where are his bodyguards?
Where's Derek?
She craned her neck, glancing behind him—
Nothing.
A flicker of suspicion rose in her chest.
Did he come here… to find me?
The thought barely formed before she shoved it aside.
No way.
He's always so aloof, so untouchable.
Why would he come looking for me?
He didn't even bring his wheelchair. Isn't he afraid of exposing himself?
He's the one who told me to leave.
Adrian glanced at the men writhing on the ground, a dangerous edge flashing through his eyes. He raised his arm, ready to strike again—
Then he saw her.
Standing by the railing, trembling.
His expression shifted.
He straightened, quickly pulling off his suit jacket and draping it over her shoulders. Then he drew her into his arms and guided her away.
Before leaving, he cast a final cold look at the men.
"If I see you again, and I won't go easy next time."
His voice was icy.
Riley didn't say a word. She let him hold her, letting him lead her away.
Warmth spread through her body from the coat.
Her heart softened with it.
The faint scent of pine lingered on his jacket, clean and comforting.
For a moment, she forgot that he was the one who had driven her away.
Only after they turned onto another street did Riley snap back to herself.
She pulled free from his grip, her expression turning cold.
What is this supposed to mean?
When he wants me, he comes to find me.
When he doesn't, he tells me to get lost.
What am I to him?
A pet he can call and dismiss at will?
The sudden distance made Adrian pause.
He turned to look at her.
Something complicated flickered across his face.
Just as Riley thought Adrian was about to lose his temper again, he let out a sigh, almost too quiet to hear.
"Are you okay?" he asked. "Did they touch you?"
Riley glared at him, refusing to answer.
Even if they did, it would've been your fault.
Of course, I would never let those filthy hands get near me.
But the moment she remembered how he had kicked her out, a surge of frustration rose in her chest. Her expression darkened, anger flickering across her face.
Adrian watched her—saw the stubborn hurt in her eyes.
Something softened.
He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I won't lose my temper with you again."
The sudden gentleness caught her off guard.
Riley blinked, staring at him as if trying to figure out whether he'd been replaced.
He… apologized?
Did he really come all the way out here just to find me?
Curious, she leaned in slightly, studying his face.
There it was.
Guilt. Regret.
Clear as day.
A grin spread across her lips.
Well, well. Look at you now.
Her mood shifted instantly, turning smug. She reached up and patted his head the same way he had hers.
"Alright, alright. I forgive you," she said, lifting her chin. "But if you chase me away again, I'll hide somewhere you'll never find me."
The irritation in her chest melted away without a trace.
"No matter where you hide, I'll find you."
Adrian caught her hand, a faint smile tugging at his lips, unconcerned by her threat.
Since he snuck out without his wheelchair, Riley ended up doing something she never expected. She climbed over the wall with him to get back into the estate.
That night, he held her tightly as they slept.
For once, she didn't resist.
And for once, they both slept peacefully.
***
The next morning, when Arthur saw the two of them coming downstairs together, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Wasn't she missing?"
Riley bounced over to him, eyes sparkling. "Ta-da! I can do magic. Surprised?"
Arthur shot her an annoyed look, then quickly composed himself, returning to his usual cold demeanor.
Since Riley is back, there's no point stirring trouble.
I haven't missed the subtle change in my grandson.
With that silly girl around, Adrian isn't as cold as before.
Sometimes… he even smiles.
Fine.
For now.
I'll replace her with Felicia in the future.
After breakfast, Riley and Adrian stayed in the living room, chatting with Arthur.
Mrs Hales's condition hadn't fully stabilized, so they weren't leaving yet.
Soon, Arthur and Adrian sat down for a game of chess.
Three rounds later, Arthur was completely crushed.
His face turned red with frustration.
Across from him, Adrian remained calm, as if winning was nothing unusual.
With the final move placed, Arthur huffed.
"I'm not playing anymore. You don't even go easy on me!" He waved a hand. "You, come play!"
"Me?" Riley pointed at herself, blinking.
Arthur glared. "Who else would it be?"
Riley fell silent.
You can't beat him, so now you're picking on a 'fool'? Really?
Adrian let out a quiet scoff. "If you can't win, just admit it. Why drag her into this?"
"Oh? You didn't even ask if she can play, and you're already defending her?" Arthur shot back. "What, don't trust your own wife?"
His tone carried a hint of sour amusement.
Riley rolled her eyes inwardly.
What is there to ask? Since when do 'fools' play chess?
But then, her eyes flickered.
A playful idea formed.
"Sure!" she said brightly. "I'll play with you!"