Chapter 95
"My birthday is in a few days. We're having a family dinner. You haven't forgotten, have you, Edward?"
Edward gazed out the window. "Of course not. I've already prepared your gift."
"Good. Come with Vivian. She doesn't have anything appropriate to wear—take her shopping for a dress."
Edward paused at these words.
In the silence, he eventually gave a soft agreement.
Anson glanced at him through the rearview mirror. Others might not know, but he was well aware that when Edward first got out of prison, he had nothing.
It was only through Rupert's help that he'd become who he was today.
Rupert wasn't just his adoptive father, but his benefactor.
"Your schedule for tomorrow is already arranged. Would you like to make any changes?"
Edward opened his laptop, answering casually, "1 PM, Meridian Grand Department Store."
"Understood."
---
Adeline was tidying up her house.
She had almost finished packing her clothes and belongings when she finally received a call from the real estate agent.
She knew this day would come.
The agent mentioned that the potential buyer was currently out of the country but would return tomorrow. Adeline thought this was perfect—it gave her some extra time to take care of a few things.
With some money still in her account, Adeline decided to go shopping at the mall.
She wanted to buy gifts for Olivia and Lily.
Besides Cara, these two were now the most important people in her life.
After all, she'd get a substantial sum from selling the house, and she had no particular use for the money. She decided to visit the city's largest shopping center.
All that was sold in the mall was luxury goods.
After browsing for a while, she bought a trench coat for Olivia and a necklace for Lily.
The necklace featured a four-leaf clover.
A symbol of luck.
Lily was growing quickly, so clothes might soon be outgrown.
Adeline really loved the necklace.
As she was paying, she heard a familiar voice.
"Edward, how does this dress look on me?"
Adeline turned toward the sound.
It came from a luxury boutique filled with stunning gowns.
Edward sat on a sofa, his expression icy.
Vivian wore a white strapless gown, her face perfectly made up, long hair cascading over her shoulders.
She looked beautiful.
Edward gave her a cursory glance. "It's fine."
Vivian pouted. "Is that all you ever say? You're not even paying attention! Can't you look at me? Each dress is completely different—different styles!"
What frustrated her most was that no matter what she wore—sexy, innocent, or cute.
Edward's answer was always the same, "It's fine."
So dismissive.
Edward suddenly looked up in Adeline's direction. She instinctively ducked behind the corner.
Vivian followed Edward's gaze but saw nothing. She stomped her foot in frustration. "Edward, why are you so distracted when you're out with me? Can't you look at me instead of constantly glancing elsewhere?"
Edward replied flatly, "Have you chosen one yet?"
He was clearly impatient to leave.
Vivian huffed and turned toward the restroom.
She needed to cool down.
But after taking just a few steps, she spotted a figure at the corner trying to slip away.
"Adeline?"
Edward's head snapped up.
Adeline froze mid-step, pretending not to hear as she continued walking.
Vivian clicked over in her high heels and caught Adeline's arm.
"Don't go! What a coincidence running into you here. Are you shopping for a dress too?"
"I'm not buying a dress."
"Then what are you doing here? Everything's so expensive." Vivian casually flaunted, "I'm shopping for a dress because I'm going to meet Edward's father in a few days."
Adeline was taken aback.
Were they moving that fast? Already meeting the parents...
"Oh, you probably don't know—Edward's father is his adoptive father, Rupert. When Edward got out of prison, Rupert supported him, which is how he reached his current position."
Adeline responded with a simple "Oh."
She hadn't known any of this.
"I'm having dinner with Edward next. Why don't you join us?"
Vivian had her own agenda.
Adeline politely declined. "No thanks. I'm on a diet and don't eat dinner. Besides, I have plans with a friend."
As Adeline turned to leave, Vivian pulled her back forcefully.
"Running into each other like this is fate! Let's have dinner together. There's something I want to discuss with you anyway."
Vivian dragged Adeline back without taking no for an answer. Adeline couldn't very well make a scene.
Edward checked his watch and walked to the door. "I'd like to get dinner."
"Perfect, I'm starving too."
Vivian walked over and linked her arm through Edward's, the gesture intimate and possessive.
Adeline stood watching, feeling like an intruder.
"You two go ahead. I'll—"
"Join us."
Edward brushed past her.
Vivian smiled at Adeline. "Come on, don't be shy. Edward's already agreed."
---
Sitting in the restaurant, Adeline felt disoriented.
She couldn't understand why she'd accepted, why she'd put herself in such an awkward position.
The table was laden with delicious food, but she had no appetite.
She felt completely out of place.
Head down, she didn't notice Edward's gaze resting on her.
She seemed thinner.
How had she lost so much weight in just two days?
The thought flashed through his mind, and Edward suddenly realized he was concerned about Adeline.
Zach's words abruptly surfaced in his memory.
Edward's expression darkened.
He picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Vivian's bowl.
Meeting Vivian's surprised, almost ecstatic gaze, Edward furrowed his brow, suppressing his discomfort.
"Eat more. You've lost weight."
Vivian couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you for your concern, Edward."
Though the meat had some fat on it—which she despised—she ate it anyway.
This was the first time Edward had shown concern for her.
Even though it was her least favorite fatty meat, she ate it with apparent relish, especially with Adeline sitting right across from them.
The satisfaction Vivian felt doubled.
Adeline absentmindedly checked her phone, completely oblivious to their interaction.
She was feeling unwell.
She hadn't taken her medication recently, and her mental state wasn't stable.
"Please continue your meal. I need to leave—I have something to attend to."
Adeline hurriedly departed.
Edward put down his fork and stood up. "I have business at the office. I need to go."
Vivian stomped her foot in frustration.
"Adeline!"
Adeline walked quickly down the street, unsure why this episode was particularly severe. Though she was just walking normally, her hands were shaking.
Her ears felt muffled, the bustling traffic around her seeming distant and indistinct.
Until a car horn pierced her consciousness like a needle.
Adeline snapped back to reality and turned to see Vivian sitting in a red sports car, staring coldly at her through the window.
"I want to talk to you."
"Another time. I'm not in the mood right now."
Adeline responded sluggishly, lowering her head and turning to leave.
But Vivian's next words froze her in place.
"Don't you feel guilty at all?"