Chapter 347 I'm Not Joking
Adeline almost dropped her phone, shaking with fear. "How are you holding up?" she whispered.
"We've split up," Sebastian said, sounding exhausted. "Tim and Tom took Lauren. We're laying low for now. Andrew's men will meet us soon, then we're out of here."
He sighed. "Don't worry. I was worried about drawing too much attention if Bennett and Lauren left together, so I let Bennett stay behind."
"They're mainly after Bennett and Lauren. I'm not their main target."
"I called to warn you. Stella's making her move. Be careful, Adeline. You could be in danger too."
Adeline gripped the phone tighter, trying to stay calm. "I'll be fine," she lied. "I have my ticket. Linda arranged for David's men to take me to the airport."
She closed her eyes, feeling a mix of fear and gratitude. "Sebastian, thank you. For everything."
Back in Radiance Springs, Stella had warned her about the bodyguards Jasper assigned to Bennett and Lauren, saying they were loyal to her. Adeline was scared at first, but Jasper assured her he replaced them with his own men. He even sent Tim and Tom, who were fiercely loyal to Bennett, for extra protection.
Months passed without incident, and Adeline started to believe they were safe.
She didn't realize it was just the calm before the storm.
Sebastian's concerned voice snapped her back to reality. "Your flight leaves in four hours, right?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Get to the airport ASAP. Once you're through security, go straight to the gate. It's safer."
"Don't worry about us," he added firmly.
Adeline nodded, unable to speak.
"Sebastian," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it. It's the least I could do." He chuckled, strained but genuine, then the line went dead.
Adeline stared at the phone, her heart pounding. As she turned to leave, she came face-to-face with Jasper.
He stood at the top of the stairs, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his dark eyes piercing. "Pregnant with his child," he said coldly, "and you're still so formal with him?"
Adeline met his gaze defiantly, pushing down her fear. "Of course. Some things go without saying."
Jasper scoffed. "I meant to tell you yesterday, but I forgot. I'm divorcing Stella."
The words hit Adeline like a punch. "Why?" she whispered.
"No particular reason. We're just not suited for each other." He took a drag from his cigarette, looking distant. "David's speech gave me some perspective."
He looked up, locking eyes with her. "Linda can abort another man's child and run off with her lover. If you get rid of that bastard you're carrying, we can be together."
Adeline's fists clenched. "Mr. Foster, I made myself clear yesterday. Joking about my child isn't funny."
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "What if I'm not joking?"
Adeline took a sharp breath. "Jasper, don't you think you're being a bit narcissistic?" she snapped, her voice shaking with anger. "Linda aborted that child because she was disgusted by the father. She's with David because she loves him."
"Why would I abort Sebastian's child to be with you? Do you honestly think I have feelings for you?"
"Don't you?" he asked, his voice calm.
"No!" Adeline shouted, her patience gone. She glanced at her watch—just over three hours until her flight.
"Jasper, for the last time, I don't love you. I never have, and I never will. Stop being so self-absorbed!"
She turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm, spinning her around and pinning her against the wall. His grip tightened, his anger palpable.
"Adeline, do you even hear yourself?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
'Has all her supposed affection, her dependence on me, been a lie? How dare she call me a narcissist? Does she not remember the countless times she has seduced me, the nights we have spent tangled in each other's arms?'
'And now, pregnant with Sebastian's child, desperate to escape to him, she dares to say such things to my face?'
These thoughts struck him like lightning, making him doubt everything from his past.
"I know exactly what I'm saying!" Adeline retorted, her voice trembling with fear and anger. "And I'm telling you the truth. Now let me go!"
The more she struggled, the tighter his grip became.
In frustration, she sank her teeth into his hand.
Jasper hissed in pain, his grip loosening momentarily. But instead of releasing her, he grabbed her chin, forcing her face up to his, and kissed her with bruising intensity.
Adeline's eyes widened in shock and disgust. She struggled, but he was too strong. Desperate, she bit down hard on his lip, drawing blood.
Jasper flinched, but his grip didn't waver.
"Enough, you two!" David's cold, sharp voice cut through the tension.
Jasper finally released Adeline, stepping back with a scowl.
Maybe it was the stress, the hormones, or sheer terror, but the moment he let go, Adeline's legs buckled. She slid down the wall, collapsing onto the floor, her stomach churning.
David shot Jasper a disgusted look. "Look what you did. You made her sick."
"She's pregnant, you idiot," Jasper spat back. "If she'd just listen to me and get rid of it, this wouldn't be happening."
Adeline's head snapped up, eyes blazing with fury. "I told you," she hissed, struggling to her feet. "I don't find these jokes funny."
Jasper stalked towards her, menacing. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I told you, I'm not joking," he growled. "What if I insist you get rid of it?"
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