Chapter 146 After Death Message
Adrian didn’t say anything more. He had already said enough. For a second, he just looked at Derek, then, slowly, he took a small step back.
Derek noticed it immediately, and a frown etched on his brows.
He’s leaving?
He thiught. Something in Derek didn’t like that. Not one bit.
Adrian gave a small nod that didn't seem friendly and neither was it considered to be rude.
Then without another word, he turned, and walked away just like that. There was no need to prove anything. He thiught.
Derek stood there, watching him go. His jaw tightened.
That’s it? That’s how he ends it? No reaction? No fight? No Nothing?
His fingers curled slightly at his side. Something about it made his chest feel tight like Adrian had just walked away with the last word… without even trying and that realization annoyed him more than anything Adrian had said.
Derek took a small step forward, his body already moving before his mind caught up.
“I’m not done,” he muttered under his breath but before he could take another step, a voice he recognized too well stopped him.
“Derek?” the person called like he couldn't believe it was Derek he was seeing.
Derek paused, his brows pulled together slightly, wondering if he was mistaken by the voice.
Without a second thought, he turned, and when he saw who it was, his expression changed to that of surprise.
“Mr. Lawson?” he said, his brows shooting up in a warm smile.
The older man smiled warmly as he walked closer. “Good evening, Derek,” he said, looking him over.
Derek blinked once, still somewhat surprised to see him. He hadn’t seen him in a while now. In fact, he'd gone to his office and house to see him but had been unable to.
Mr. Lawson was his grandfather's lawyer and he hadn't seen him again since after his grandfather’s funeral.
For a second, Derek forgot about everything before Mr. Lawson came. Even the fact that he'd been about to chase after Adrian. That was no longer important.
“You’re here?” Derek asked, his voice sounding calmer and less surprising now.
Mr. Lawson gave a small nod. “I could ask you the same thing.”
Derek let out a faint breath. “I almost didn’t come,” he admitted.
That was true. He didn't want to come until he heard about Adrian. Thinking about his name, he almost scowled but resisted the urge.
Mr. Lawson studied him for a moment, like he could see more than Derek was saying. Although he hadn't really recognized Derek earlier, he'd seen him having a heated conversation with Adrian.
“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything,” he added, glancing slightly in the direction Adrian had gone.
Derek followed the look for a second, then shook his head and quickly pasted a smile on his face.
“Oh! Of course not,” he said simply.
Even though something inside him said otherwise. They exchanged a few more polite words and Derek told him about when he'd gone in search of him since his grandfather had made it a tradition to always seek Mr. Lawson’s legal advice before making any legal decision.
After they had talked for a while, Mr. Lawson’s expression changed slightly.
Although not serious but sort of thoughtful.
“I heard Celia is back in town,” he said, looking directly at Derek.
Derek stilled.
Celia? Of all things to bring up, why her?
His mind moved quickly. Why is he asking about her? Did he know something he didn't? Had he known about his grandfather sending Celia away? Was that why he was asking? Could he possibly get answers now?
He thought in confusion but his face didn’t show it.
“Yes,” Derek said slowly. “She is.”
Mr. Lawson nodded, like he expected that answer. Derek watched him carefully now since this kind of question didn’t feel random. There has to be a reason why he asked.
“Why do you ask?” Derek said.
Mr. Lawson gave a small smile. Then said, “Your grandfather left something with me.”
Derek frowned slightly, his confusion deepening. “Something?”
“Yes,” he said. “He told me to give it to you… if Celia ever returned.”
Derek’s eyes narrowed just a little. That made no sense. Why wouldn't his grandfather tell him what happened but would leave an after death message for him if Celia ever showed up?
“What is it?” he asked.
Mr. Lawson shook his head lightly. “Not here,” he said. “Come to my office tomorrow. I'll give it to you and answer any question you might have.”
Derek held his gaze, trying to read the old man. But the old man gave nothing more.
“Alright,” Derek said after a moment.
Mr. Lawson smiled again. “Good. I’ll be expecting you.”
They spoke a little longer. Then the man excused himself and walked away.
After he left, Derek stood there alone again but this time, everything felt different now. His mind was full.
Not just with the thought of Adrian and Rebecca but with that of his grandfather and the mystery behind Celia leaving.
What could it be that he needed to know? What was it his grandfather had left? He exhaled slowly.