Chapter 20
A strange, unsteady feeling stirred inside him.
“N–No…” Eugene stammered, gripping the steering wheel as he drove, but it was obvious he was even controlling his breathing.
Adora leaned back, as if in a good mood, and casually started a conversation.
“So,
when are you and Ruby planning to reschedule the engagement party?”
Eugene, still holding his breath, felt his head grow light from the lack of oxygen.
He glanced at her, startled by her unexpected question.
“Uh… it’s not set yet. Your brother and his girlfriend are already talking about marriage, so they might go first. She’s coming over
tonight to discuss it.”
“Oh…”
Adora nodded, then suddenly asked with curiosity, “Who’s my brother’s girlfriend?”
“The heiress of the Carter family.”
“Julianne Carter?” Adora was taken aback.
She turned to Eugene with interest.
“Didn’t she used to like you? Back when we were together, she even came to me, demanding that I step aside and hand you over. So how did she suddenly fall for my brother?”
After a short pause, Adora smirked, boldly speculating, “Could it be that since she couldn’t be with you as a lover, she decided to become your sister–in–law instead?”
Eugene’s face darkened. “I… I don’t know.”
As they chatted, the Bentley pulled up in front of the Matthews estate.
The moment Ruby spotted Eugene’s car, she ran out like an eager butterfly. “Eugene!”
But in the next second, she saw Adora stepping out of the passenger seat.
Her entire expression collapsed.
Adora glanced at her sister before flashing a bright, almost affectionate smile at Eugene.
Her voice was soft, even gentle.
“Eugene, thank you. I knew you still cared about me… not like some cheap knockoff who’s so heartless and cruel.”
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Ruby’s face turned pale with fury. “Who are you calling a knockoff?”
Adora’s smile didn’t waver.
“If it wasn’t obvious enough, then let me spell it out–it’s you.”
Ruby was speechless.
Eugene quickly stepped out of the car and hurried over to her, attempting to pacify her.
“Ruby, don’t be mad. I just ran into her on the way and gave her a ride, that’s all.”
“Don’t touch me!”
Ruby shoved him away, looking disgusted. “You know she’s sick, and yet you still got so close to her!”
Eugene instinctively glanced at Adora before lowering his voice. “I… I didn’t touch her. It’s fine.”
Hearing that, Adora let out a cold, silent laugh and turned toward the house, walking inside without another word.
+15 Bonus
The Matthews estate’s living room was lively with conversation, but the moment Adora stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.
Sitting among the guests was a familiar face.
It was Julianne.
Her former rival in love… and now, apparently, her soon–to–be sister–in–law?
The once–boisterous room fell into an abrupt silence.
Several pairs of eyes turned toward the entrance, all fixated on her.
Peter’s gaze darkened with authority as he addressed her.
“Adora, go to your room. Dinner will be brought to your door later. Just stay inside and don’t come out.”
Adora’s eyes flicked toward the dining area, where an extravagant feast had already been set on the table.
She let out a small laugh, but instead of heading back to the servant’s quarters, she strode over to the table and took a seat.
There’s no need for the extra effort. I’ll eat right here.”
With that, she picked up the utensils and started helping herself.
he entire room was stunned.
ugene and Ruby, who had just walked in behind her, were just as dumbfounded.
Adora Matthews! Are you deliberately trying to go against everyone?” Peter’s temper flared, his voice rising sharply.
lora smiled, unfazed. “Brother, you should be more gentle in front of your fiancée.”
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‘Peter clenched his jaw, seething.
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Theodore, who was silently observing, finally spoke in a stern voice. “Adora, go to your room. Do as you please after tonight, but for now, stop causing trouble.”
“Causing trouble?” Adora’s voice was calm as she lifted her gaze.
“Dad, when did sitting down for a meal become a crime?”
Her attention then shifted, landing on Julianne.
“Miss Carter, we meet again. The last time we saw each other, you were demanding that I give up Eugene to you.
“You swore you loved him so much that you couldn’t live without him. You
even…”