Chapter 052 Adrian's Home
Colby, perched on the edge of a table, spoke with an air of concern. "She's running a fever. I've administered an IV," he said. He paused, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Who is this woman, anyway? Weren't you supposed to be hurrying back for Alice's birthday today? Why are you here? And..." He trailed off, the unspoken question hanging in the air. He had wanted to add, "You even brought a woman back with you."
Adrian, cradling a cup of coffee, responded dismissively. "Now that she's stable, you can leave."
Colby's protest was immediate. "How can you be so heartless? I rushed over to provide medical assistance to this young woman. And now, after utilizing my services, you're simply dismissing me."
Adrian chuckled, his tone light. "What? Should I invite you to stay for dinner?"
"No need. I'm leaving," Colby retorted, stepping out of the bedroom and slinging an arm around Brice's shoulder. "Brice, who is that woman?"
Brice was just as clueless. "Just someone from an ordinary family. I don't know either."
"Really?"
"Yes. Mr. Howard just disembarked from his flight. He's been swamped with work lately, all in an effort to make it back today. But on our way to the Fortune Hotel, we nearly collided with this woman. She lost consciousness, and Mr. Howard suggested we bring her here."
"Adrian's taste hasn't changed," Colby mused aloud. "He's always had a soft spot for innocence, a penchant for pure-hearted girls. This woman bears a striking resemblance to Andrea."
At the mention of that name, Brice's heart stuttered in his chest. He quickly interjected, "Dr. Cook, please refrain from mentioning that name casually. If Mr. Howard were to overhear..."
Colby raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment. "I understand."
As dawn approached, the rain began to subside.
Natalie stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She was dazed and exhausted from the fever. She took in her surroundings, confusion etching her features. Where am I...? The decor was cool-toned, the interior design strikingly similar to that of Riverside Villa. But Natalie was certain this wasn't Riverside Villa.
She remembered seeing Adrian in her fevered dreams.
Could it be? Was this not a dream?
Natalie sat up, noticing the IV attached to her arm. Without a second thought, she yanked the needle out and staggered towards the exit. She was certain she was in Adrian's residence. Having visited Riverside Villa in the past, as Alice, she found the decor eerily familiar, tailored precisely to Adrian's tastes.
Natalie sprinted down the stairs, her heart pounding as if she were being pursued by a wild beast. Adrian was in the living room, engrossed in a book. He glanced up at Natalie, taking in her panicked expression. His eyes narrowed as he spoke, "You're awake."
Adrian noticed the fear in Natalie's eyes—as if he were some kind of predator—and it displeased him.
She thought, 'Wasn't he supposed to be on a business trip? How is he here? How did I run into him? Even if he returned early, shouldn't he be at Alice's birthday party?'
"You fainted in front of my car. I saved you," Adrian stated matter-of-factly, closing his book and tossing it casually onto the couch. He rose from his seat and moved towards Natalie, who instinctively stepped back.
"Excuse me, Mr. Howard. I'll be leaving now."
"Leaving? This is a suburban area, no cars pass by here at night. Where do you plan to go?" Adrian's gaze fell to Natalie's bare feet on the ash-gray carpet. They looked delicate.
"Mr. Howard, that's none of your concern," Natalie retorted.
She'd rather walk back than stay here, or else her panic would consume her.
Baring her teeth in determination, Natalie continued towards the door. Adrian's irritation flared. He felt as though Natalie kept appearing before him to garner his attention. He couldn't deny that her face had haunted his thoughts while he was away, leaving him uncertain if he was missing Natalie or Alice.
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