Chapter 148 I Am the Victim

Chapter 148 I Am the Victim

Isabella frowned, still confused. "You're George's cousin. You two should be the close ones. There's no reason for you to be close to me."

Adrian's lips curved into a slight smile. "Are you mad?"

"I'm not mad, just... I think it's inappropriate," she said seriously, meeting his gaze. "I really don't want George getting the wrong idea, or Patricia and Damon feeling weird about it."

"You're way overthinking this," Adrian said with a playful grin.

"Overthinking it? Do you like me or not? If you don't, why are you trying so hard?" She needed to be blunt to avoid any further pretense.

Adrian simply smiled, offering no explanation.

Isabella was irritated by people who created this kind of ambiguous atmosphere without being upfront about their intentions.

From the second-floor balcony, three people observed the scene unfolding below.

Thalia crossed her arms and shot a look at Patricia and George. "See? I told you. I wasn't making it up."

George's expression was unreadable. Patricia's face tightened with displeasure.

"Thalia, you and Adrian should head home," Patricia said.

Thalia dug in her heels, clinging to Patricia's arm. "I want to spend the night."

"I picked up some coffee beans for your dad. You can take them to him."

"Aunt Patricia..."

"Be a good girl."

Patricia successfully dismissed the troublesome Thalia, and Adrian left the Spencer Manor soon after.

Patricia then beckoned Isabella over. Her gaze was skeptical. After a moment, she said slowly, "George's health hasn't been great. I've asked him to take it easy for a while. Since you two came back, you've both been busy with your own things and haven't had much time together. Use this opportunity to reconnect."

"I understand, Mom," Isabella replied.

"Isabella, sometimes George can be a little clueless. If he's not as attentive as he should be, please be understanding. Remember everything he's done for you, and don't hold it against him."

"Mom, I know how much George cares for me. I wouldn't betray him, don't worry."

So, it all boiled down to the fear that she would cheat on George.

Patricia, feeling slightly embarrassed, clarified, "That's not what I meant. I just want you two to be happy, be understanding with each other, and take care of one another."

"I will."

Later, Isabella decided she needed to explain the situation with Adrian's gifts to George. She was tired of the constant misunderstandings.

Before going to bed, she knocked on the master bedroom door. "George, you awake?"

"Come in," George replied.

Isabella opened the door. A small nightlight cast a soft orange glow across George's face.

"We need to talk."

George set his book aside and looked at her. "About?"

"The gifts."

"Still want to explain yourself?"

Isabella nodded. "Yes."

"Go on, then."

Isabella bit her lip, walked closer, and stood beside the bed. "Actually, I think you owe me an apology first."

George remained silent.

"I didn't ask for those gifts. Adrian insisted on giving them to me. I'm the one who's been put in an awkward position. You got mad at me for no reason. So, you should apologize." Isabella looked down at him, her expression firm. "But, you can apologize after I explain, if you prefer."

Taking a deep breath, Isabella continued, her voice lacking some of its earlier conviction. "The gifts were from Adrian. I have no idea what he's thinking, but he just kept sending them. I threw the flowers away, and Elodie has most of the other stuff. I plan on returning everything to him when I get the chance."

George raised an eyebrow, prompting her to continue.

"Don't think I'm trying to cause problems between you two. I didn't do anything to encourage him; he just started sending gifts out of the blue. Honestly, I'm the one who's been put in a difficult spot. I wasn't even going to mention it, but since you already know, maybe you could tell Adrian there's really no need for the gifts." Isabella finally finished, feeling as though a weight had been lifted.

George simply nodded. "Okay."

Isabella was taken aback by his nonchalant response. "Aren't you mad?"

"No," George said flatly.

"No? You seemed pretty upset on the drive home."

"I told you, as long as you're happy."

"So, you accept my explanation?" Isabella asked, searching his face.

George nodded. "Yes."

"Then apologize."

She felt wronged. He couldn't just brush the whole thing off. She'd even been banished to the guest room last night.

"Sorry," George mumbled.

Isabella inwardly fumed. 'That's the most insincere apology ever. Fine. He's sick, I'll let it slide.'

"Get some rest. I'm going back to bed." Isabella walked out slowly, half-expecting him to ask her to stay now that they'd cleared the air. But George simply said, "Good night."

Isabella was convinced he didn't love her anymore.

About an hour later, with Isabella fast asleep, George got up, dressed, and slipped out of the house.

At the entrance of the Nightfall Club in Stellar City, a black car screeched to a stop. George tossed his keys to the valet and strode inside.

The club pulsed with its usual decadent atmosphere. George moved purposefully, heading straight for his destination.

He pushed open the heavy carved door, and the music inside abruptly cut off. Every head turned in his direction.

"George! Adrian, you didn't tell us George was coming! Get some girls over here, quick!" The man who spoke shoved the woman beside him, who scrambled to her feet and hurried away.

Adrian swirled the red liquid in his wine glass. "You're supposed to be taking it easy. What are you doing here?"

"Mr. Spencer, please have a seat," another man offered nervously.

Ignoring everyone else, George walked directly to Adrian. "I need to talk to him. Alone."

"We're all friends here. What's the big deal? Just say it." The man who'd offered George a seat tried to mediate, but George silenced him with a glare, and the man quickly retreated.

Adrian seemed unfazed by George's demeanor, casually swirling his wine. "What's so important that you couldn't wait until we were home?"

George slowly unbuttoned his coat, shrugged it off, and tossed it aside. "The last time I laid hands on someone in this place, Joseph was still alive."

Adrian finally looked up, his eyes cold as they met George's. "What could possibly be worth fracturing our brotherhood?"