Chapter 278

Chapter 278

Adeline looked at Rupert and noticed the gray in his temples. It hadn't been there two years ago.

Rupert sighed. "He's still him, but he's not." He wasn't a heartless man, but he had always believed that a man who wanted to achieve great things couldn't have weaknesses. And Edward's weakness was too obvious. "If someone wants to threaten him, all they have to do is grab you."

Adeline thought of Edward's furious assault on the robber and couldn't argue. "But you think this is my fault?"

"I don't care who's right or wrong. I only look at interests." Rupert was a businessman, and he weighed everything from a businessman's perspective. "I only know that being with you, aside from some fleeting emotional value, he won't gain anything. In fact, you'll become his weakness, and he'll fall into someone else's trap. There are many people watching him in his position."

"So he can never get married or have children? He should never have anyone he cares about?" Adeline said calmly. "But even without me, he has you, and he has Lily. Aren't you his family? Won't you become his weakness?" If they were also weaknesses, what was Edward to do? "Are you planning to leave yourself, or take Lily with you?"

For a rare moment, Rupert was silent, as if she had caught him off guard.

"Don't worry," Adeline said. "I never planned on being with him. I only came today because you invited me on this trip with him. If I had known you didn't welcome me, I wouldn't have come."

"But you're still with him." Rupert said, his eyes probing.

Adeline smiled faintly. "You should know Edward's personality better than I do. Some things, you have to go along with him." Otherwise, his stubborn temper would surely explode.

"You plan on going along with him forever?"

"Not really." Adeline put her hands behind her back and walked to the edge of the water, looking out at the calm sea. It was evening now, and the sky was growing cloudy. There was no one on the sea, just the vast expanse of water and the salty sea breeze. "It's almost over." There had always been a countdown between them. Though they never mentioned it, it was always there, a constant reminder that each day that passed was one less day together.

"What do you mean?" Rupert didn't understand.

Adeline didn't bother to explain. "You just need to believe that we won't be together."

"Can I believe you?" Adeline's words weren't entirely convincing. After all, she had left once and come back.

"I can only tell you the facts. But if you want a promise or a written agreement, I'm afraid I can't give you that."

Rupert nodded. "If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. I won't force you. I believe you'll keep your word."

"Of course."

Adeline thought that was the end of it. But as she turned to look at the sea, she was pushed from behind. She disappeared into the water in an instant. The rushing water was so strong she couldn't even struggle. Only a hand broke the surface before she was submerged.

Darkness, suffocation. Her body sank slowly, enveloped by the current. It was a feeling of absolute despair.

The next second, a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the icy water. Water streamed down her face as she gasped for air. Before her was Edward's anxious face. "Are you okay?"

Adeline shook her head, still in shock. "I…" 'I was pushed.' But the words died in her throat when she saw Rupert behind Edward. She had no proof. There were two staff members watching nearby. Adeline couldn't be sure who had pushed her. Her mind was a mess. She couldn't think straight. "I want to go back and rest." she said softly. She was pale, soaked, and utterly miserable.

"I'll take you back." Edward said. He scooped her up in his arms. Rupert, concerned, called after him, "Get her back quickly. Make her some ginger soup so she doesn't get sick."

"I know."

Back in the room, Edward placed Adeline on the sofa, went to the bathroom to run a hot bath, and got a clean set of clothes and a dry towel. Adeline was in a daze the whole time. When Edward put the towel on her head and started drying her hair, she didn't react. He was worried. "What happened? How did you fall into the sea?"

Adeline scratched her cheek. "I… what if I told you I didn't fall in by accident?"

Edward frowned. "What do you mean? Someone pushed you?"

Adeline fell silent.

"Did someone push you?" Edward could see her apprehension. She had no proof. How could she tell him? Besides, she didn't even know who had pushed her. She thought about it and finally shook her head. "I don't know right now. My head is a mess. I want to rest."

Edward gave her a long, deep look. "Okay. You get some rest." He turned and left, closing the door softly behind him.

Adeline went into the bathroom, wanting to take a bath. But as she stepped into the water, the feeling of suffocation in the sea came rushing back, and she quickly sat up. It seemed she had developed a psychological trauma. She took a deep breath, quickly washed herself, and went to the bedroom to rest. As she passed the window, she saw Edward walking downstairs. It looked like he was heading to Rupert's room.

Rupert was reading when he heard Edward come in. He didn't look up. "This is a good book. I had someone buy both volumes. I…"

"What happened at the beach?" Edward interrupted.

Rupert slowly closed the book. "Nothing happened. Ms. Brown accidentally fell into the sea. I was about to go save her when you arrived."

"Is that all?"

"That's all."

Edward stared at him. "I know you don't like her, but she's the person I love most in this world. I won't let anyone hurt her. Do you understand?"

Rupert smiled faintly. "What reason would I have to hurt her? I've already accepted the reality of you two being together. Why would I do that?"

Edward didn't say anything.

"Did Ms. Brown say something to you?"

"She didn't say anything." Adeline hadn't mentioned it, and even if she had, he wouldn't have told Rupert. "She was scared. I'm worried about her. I'm going to check on her."

At the door, Edward paused. "I don't want what happened two years ago to happen again. I don't know what you said to her, but she was gone for two years. You had a hand in that."

"When did you find out?" Rupert had thought he had hidden it well. He had been confident that Adeline wouldn't tell. Adeline… she wasn't the type to stir up trouble.