Chapter 113: When Trusts Falters

"Yeah, you mentioned him. Remember, you said he placed numerous orders."

"I did?" she inquired, struggling to recall.

"Absolutely. How else would I be aware of him?" he asserted, attempting to convince, or perhaps, muddy the waters. He regretted resorting to such tactics, but it was the only way to assist her.

"I must have," she replied, dismissing any suspicion. "Anyway, he finally agreed to meet me after…" she continued, returning to her discussion about Mr. Wade.

As Sharon spilled the details of her dinner with Donnie Wade, Adrian's calm facade began to crumble. His steady gaze turned into disbelief, his brows furrowing with confusion.

How could he? He met her privately without Adrian's knowledge? The very thought sent a cold shiver racing down Adrian's spine, unsettling the delicate balance he had strived so hard to maintain.

How had that happened?

So what if she had been insistent on meeting him? He should have turned her down. A thousand times, if possible!

His mind raced, desperately searching for answers. He had carefully orchestrated the setup, ensuring that Sharon and her new helper would only interact through virtual means.

Adrian had been meticulous, maintaining a tight rein on every aspect of their communication, hoping to maintain his own control over the situation. He had never considered the possibility that they would somehow cross paths in the physical world.

His absence during his time in Miami created the opportunity for this loophole.

Adrian struggled to comprehend the repercussions of this clandestine encounter.

He had trusted this person implicitly, counting on his loyalty and dedication to Sharon's success.

Adrian deemed that dinner date forbidden. What were his true intentions?

The fact that a secret rendezvous was initiated struck a nerve, raising concerns and planting seeds of doubt within Adrian's mind.

Dinner? Really?

Betrayal and jealousy coursed through his veins, clouding his reasoning and causing his vision to blur for a second.

He knew he had to tread cautiously now, along this frail path, determined to protect his fragile relationship with Sharon from anything that threatened to unravel it.

"Adrian, are you even paying attention to me?" Sharon complained.

"Of course, I am," Adrian assured her. "Mr. Wade wants another meeting to discuss a new jewelry design. Those were your last words."

"You were listening," she said, smiling.

"Hmmm hmmm."

"You seemed lost in thought," she said, standing up to sit on his legs. Like a little girl would. "Am I boring you?"

"Nope, I'm interested in every aspect of your life," he said, putting her hand across his back, on his shoulders.

"I just wanted to update you on my business," she said.

"I'm pleased it's going great," he expressed. Eager to shift the conversation away from that backstabber, he inquired, "Where's Thomas?"

"With Fann."

"When can I meet him?" Adrian asked.

She remained quiet.

"Soon...I hope," he said, understanding her hesitation.

She nodded.

"Can he stay with Fannie tonight?" Adrian asked.

"Why?"

"Because I'm spending the night here."

"You are?"

"Hmmm hmmm."

"But you didn't bring anything with you,' she said. "Is your stuff in your car outside?"

"My car is gone.I need only you and my phone."

"Okay," she said, standing up. "I'll go over to Fannie's to let Thomas stay the night."

"Hurry back," Adrian said, tapping her arse and smiling mischievously at her.

She hit him playfully on the shoulder. She packed the remainder of the rice and chicken and headed to Fannie's.

"Hello my dear," Fannie greeted as she opened the door to Sharon's knock.

"Hi Mommy," Thomas greeted. He was seated on the couch watching cartoons.

"Hi Baby. I brought dinner," Sharon announced.

"Thank you dear. What is it?" Fannie asked.

"Jasmine rice and grilled chicken with lemon and herbs."

"Just the way I like it," Fannie said excitedly, collecting the food from Sharon.

"I know, right," Sharon said, walking over to the couch to sit beside Thomas. She ran her fingers through his hair playfully.

"You okay?" she inquired.

He nodded, eyes fixed on the TV screen.

"Do you want to spend the night at Gran Fannie's?" Sharon asked.

"Can I?" Thomas responded, his eyes lighting up.

"Of course, darling."

"Going somewhere?" Fannie inquired from the kitchen.

"No," Sharon replied, rising and heading to the kitchen to join Fannie. "Adrian is at my place, and he wants to stay the night."

"That's a significant step for you, dear," Fannie remarked with a small smile.

"I don't mean to impose…" Sharon began, but Fannie cut her off.

"Don't be silly. Go live your life. Mummies are human too. He should stay as long as he wants," the elderly woman insisted.

"Thank you, Fann," Sharon expressed, giving her a hug. Grateful but mindful not to take Fannie for granted, just because she was always available.

"Go on now, don't keep him waiting."

Sharon kissed her son goodnight before heading back home.