Chapter 162 What Exactly Was Their Relationship?
Observing their dynamic play out, Dalton had began to piece together the underlying currents at play.
Contradicting his earlier assumptions, Donovan's demeanor towards Riley wasn't what he had anticipated. Since uncovering their connection, Dalton had always presumed Donovan would detach himself from Riley, yet the reality proved otherwise. Donovan appeared to be supporting Riley both overtly and covertly.
On the other hand, it was Hollis who seemed to be sidelined by Donovan's attention.
Witnessing their interaction, Dalton faintly detected Donovan's deeper concern for Riley. Consequently, interpreting Donovan's abrupt chill, Dalton posed such a suggestion.
Donovan's furrowed brow and icy silence lingered, signaling his discomfort.
Knowing Donovan well, Dalton bravely addressed him again, "Dr. Monroe is a guest I specially invited. It wouldn't look good to leave her unattended. I'll go greet her. Care to join me?"
After a tense pause, Donovan finally emitted a low response. The pair exchanged pleasantries with the surrounding guests before making their exit.
Meanwhile, Riley animatedly conversed with Adam. Suddenly, she caught sight of two approaching figures behind Adam. Her brow faintly creased, her smile waning slightly.
"Adam, when did you get back in town? No heads-up?" Dalton casually greeted Adam with a pat on the shoulder.
Turning around, Adam reciprocated the smile. After a brief exchange, Dalton glanced at Donovan beside him and casually inquired, "Are you familiar with Dr. Monroe?"
Adam nodded with a grin. "Of course, I know Riley quite well."
The way Adam referred to Riley sent a jolt through Dalton. Glancing at Donovan, Dalton witnessed the shift in his demeanor to a cooler stance, and the atmosphere around them seemed to chill a few degrees.
Dalton wisely held his tongue. For a moment, the air between them thickened with an awkward silence.
"Dalton, who's this?" Donovan's voice, frosty, shattered the quietude.
Internally trembling, Dalton subtly pushed Adam towards Donovan, stepping aside, introducing, "I almost forgot - this is Adam, the youngest from the Smith family, who's been immersed in medical studies abroad for years."
He then turned to Adam, "And this is Mr. Donovan Wilder, the current head of the Wilder Group. You may have heard of him."
Donovan, his countenance neutral, extended his hand, "Adam, pleasure to meet you."
Though a gentlemanly gesture, Adam sensed an underlying hostility from Donovan. After a moment's pause, he reciprocated the handshake. "I've heard much about Mr. Wilder's reputation. You and Riley..."
At this juncture, Adam's gaze instinctively sought out Riley opposite him. Before he could continue, Riley interjected, "Adam, I'm not well-acquainted with Mr. Wilder, so let's shift topics."
Meeting Donovan's gaze with a composed nod, Riley offered a cool acknowledgment.
Noting this, Adam's words tapered off abruptly. His gaze flitted between Riley and Donovan before redirecting the conversation, "Apologies for overstepping. But Mr. Wilder, your reputation precedes you as a renowned young talent."
The silent interplay did not go unnoticed by Donovan. Observing their uncanny rapport, his displeasure etched deeper lines on his forehead. Responding with a curt nod to Adam's words, he maintained an inscrutable expression.
In that brief exchange, Adam's unfinished sentence hinted at a familiarity Donovan had already anticipated.
Despite their lack of prior acquaintance, Adam's knowledge of his tie to Riley indicated a past occurrence, likely referencing the incident six years before.
Curiosity gnawed at Donovan. What exactly transpired between Riley and Adam, prompting her to disclose such details?
The thrum of unease within him grew more palpable.
