Chapter 186: The Brakes Actually Failed!

The next week, Adrian showed up around Violet more and more.

Monday morning, when Violet walked out of her apartment building, she spotted the black Maybach parked by the curb right away.

Adrian was leaning against the car door, holding a paper bag.

He'd changed into a dark gray suit, and he still looked tired, like he hadn't slept.

Violet kept walking toward her own car.

"Violet," Adrian called from behind.

She didn't turn around.

Adrian hurried a few steps and blocked her path, holding out the bag. "Breakfast."

Violet glanced at it, then looked away, her face cold. "Adrian, I told you to stop sending stuff."

"You don't have to eat it," Adrian said, not pulling his hand back. "But I'll still bring it."

Violet stepped around him, got in her car, started the engine, and drove off.

She'd already told the front desk at work to turn away anything from Adrian.

But Adrian had switched to delivering it himself downstairs.

That afternoon, Adrian's secretary Roman showed up at VelocityTech carrying a big gift box and a brocade box.

The gift box held a custom evening gown, and the brocade box had a full set of pearl jewelry worth millions.

Roman could read the room. He could tell Adrian was taking Violet more seriously now, so he didn't dare treat her lightly like before.

Violet didn't care about those old petty fights anymore.

Roman smiled and handed her the boxes. "Ms. Reed, Mr. Hart hopes you'll wear this to VelocityTech's business banquet this week. He said this color would look good on you."

Violet's expression stayed flat. "Tell Mr. Hart thanks, but I already have plans tonight."

Roman's smile froze. "Ms. Reed, Mr. Hart picked this out himself—"

"Roman." Violet looked up. "I got the message. Take it back."

Roman wanted to push more, but her calm, firm stare stopped him. He set the boxes down gently. "Ms. Reed, I'll head back then."

Saturday at 6:30 p.m., when Violet walked into the banquet on time, Adrian spotted her immediately.

She wore a wine-red velvet gown, simple and fitted, showing off her waist. She hadn't put on any of the jewelry Adrian sent—just her own pearl earrings.

Adrian stood by the champagne tower, eyes on her, fingers tightening around his glass.

Dylan leaned over and followed his gaze. "Tsk, what about the gown you sent? She didn't wear it?"

Adrian said nothing.

"Right," Dylan shook his head. "She hates you so much now. She'd have to be crazy to wear it."

People were moving around the hall. As soon as Violet appeared, several people came over to chat.

VelocityTech's recent projects were getting good buzz, and as tech director, she was in the spotlight.

A few tech execs chatted with her over drinks, friendly. One young VP even tried to hand her a glass.

Violet gave a small smile but didn't take it—she was driving back to the Reed family estate tonight.

Julian was there too.

He stood on the other side of the room, talked to an investor for a bit, then walked toward Violet with his glass.

When Violet saw him, she gave him a faint smile, and they naturally ended up together.

Julian leaned in slightly to talk to her, keeping a polite distance—nothing unusual to anyone watching.

But Adrian had been staring so long that his knuckles were turning white.

Dylan leaned in again, voice low. "Adrian, if you keep looking, your eyeballs are gonna glue themselves to her."

Adrian looked away, set his glass down, and didn't take another sip.

Dylan sighed. "You regret it now? What took you so long? I always thought you couldn't stand her."

Adrian didn't answer.

Just then, the side door opened and Quinn walked in holding a glass, wearing a dark green designer gown, makeup done, moving easily.

Caleb followed behind her. They kept some distance—not walking together, but not avoiding each other either.

Dylan's brows twitched when he saw Quinn. "What's she doing here?"

Adrian pulled his eyes off Violet and looked at the dark green figure, face blank.

Quinn ignored Adrian's cold stare and walked straight up to him.

"Adrian," she stopped in front of him, voice soft. "I know you don't want to see me, but I came with friends tonight."

Adrian didn't answer. He just set his glass on a waiter's tray and turned to leave.

Quinn reached out lightly to stop him, eyes a little red. "How've you been lately?"

Adrian paused and looked at her, calm. "Quinn, we're done."

"I know," Quinn's lips moved. "But I can't help it."

Adrian didn't look at her again and walked off.

Quinn stayed where she was, glass in hand. Her eyes flicked toward Violet, who was surrounded by Julian and some guys. Hatred flashed across her face.

She took her glass to a corner, pulled out her phone, and texted Jane.

[Everything ready?]

The reply came fast: [Don't worry, Ms. Quinn. All set.]

Quinn locked her phone, put it away, and looked toward Violet in the middle of the crowd, a cold smile on her lips.

The banquet ran until past ten.

After saying goodbye to some partners, Violet was heading out when Julian called her at the door.

"Violet." Julian caught up. "Want me to drive you back?"

Violet shook her head. "No need, I drove."

Julian didn't push. "Drive safe."

Violet smiled at him. "Okay, good night."

She turned and walked toward the parking lot, her heels clicking on the ground.

When she reached her car, Violet heard footsteps behind her—steady, keeping a fixed distance.

Violet didn't turn around. She unlocked the door and got in. In the rearview mirror, she saw Adrian standing three meters away by another spot.

He didn't come closer, just stood there.

Violet started the engine and drove off.

In the mirror, Adrian's figure got smaller until it disappeared into the night.

Violet drove straight to the Reed family estate.

As the car sped up, she hit the brakes—but they weren't working.