Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire novel Chapter 38

'What? Give Adrian a chance to lead the company?' Fredrick thought. If it were last year, he would never consider this, but with the current state of the conglomerate, he might benefit from the setup.

The construction company was losing projects, and Fredrick was at his wits' end trying to figure out how to restore it to its former glory, but Adrian might have a solution that he was unwilling to share.

Inside Fredrick's head, he thought, 'If Adrian thinks he can prove himself by temporarily taking over my position, he is wrong. I'll use him, and by the end of his brief leadership, I'll take credit for everything he has done. Haha!'

'You don't know, Adrian. You don't know what kind of backing I have within the board of directors now.' Fredrick was laughing in silence, but however amused he was, he concealed his inner thoughts and said with a complicated expression, "Fine!"

"I agree," Fredrick said, his voice dripping with a hidden agenda. "But you have to take care of the company, Adrian. Remember, the stakes are high."

"You didn't have to ask," Adrian said in his deep voice. A smirk formed on his face as he declared, "I'll fix the problems you couldn't solve."

***

Because of the incident involving Riley and Fredrick, Abner King's welcome-back dinner ended early. Anthony, his wife, and Fredrick left for their own home while Riley and Adrian lingered in the living room.

Adrian and Riley were waiting for Abner. After all, Abner planned to live with them for a week and wasn't waiting for another day. No, he meant to go home with them that very night.

"What are we going to do?" Riley whispered, leaning closer to Adrian from her seat.

Adrian casually glanced at Riley and softly answered, "We are going to be ourselves, acting like the normal couple that we are, Riley. Just relax."

'Relax?' How could she relax now? Abner King was going to observe their relationship. She couldn't help but overthink. She mumbled silently, 'Just stay sweet to Adrian, Riley. You are on your honeymoon stage now, so act that way.'

Minutes into her planning, Adrian said, "Thank you, by the way. I didn't expect that kind of settlement from you. Are you sure that's what you want? Wouldn't you rather that we attempt to put Fredrick in jail?"

Riley smiled at Adrian. She answered, "While he did harass me, his actions aren't considered a significant offense. The judge will let him off with a penalty and maybe a month in jail. So, it's not worth troubling myself for. I'd rather use that opportunity for you to get what you want."

Adrian remained quiet for some time, merely studying Riley's face. She felt conscious that her ears burned. After a while, he reached for her hand and held it tightly. That instant touch warmed her palm and sent happy tingles down her stomach. She gasped but looked away to hide her embarrassment.

"I appreciate how you considered me in your decision. Don't worry; I'll make sure Fredrick doesn't come closer to you next time," Adrian promised.

"I'm counting on it," Riley said before squeezing back Adrian's warm, big hand.

Finally, Abner came down the stairs with a butler carrying his luggage. Abner smiled happily and said, "Let's go."

"Grandpa, are you sure about this?" Adrian asked. "Wouldn't this be troubling for you?"

Abner's smile grew wider as he claimed, "Not at all, Adrian. Not at all."

Heartbeats later, they arrived at Adrian's villa. Linda was happy to see Abner, and the two chatted momentarily in the living room. Soon, they all took Adrian's lift to the second floor.

Adrian, Linda, Abner, and Riley moved steadily towards the first rooms. Riley automatically marched to her room when Abner called, "Riley?"

"Yes, Mister King?" Riley asked, halting in her steps.

"Oh, dear. Please call me Grandpa. After all, you are dating my grandson," Abner suggested.

Riley smiled and acknowledged, "Sure thing, Grandpa. Thank you so much."

"Where are you going?" Abner asked.

The question confused Riley. She tried to ask Adrian and Linda for help, but eventually, Abner made it clear to her. He said, pointing to the opposite room, "This is Adrian's room. You are going in the wrong direction. Or, wait. Don't tell me you are staying in a different room."

Slowly, Riley walked over to Adrian. She said, "Goodnight, Grandpa."

She sheepishly smiled at Linda, saying, "Goodnight, Aunt Linda."

"Goodnight, Riley," Linda said, her smile reaching her ears.

"Goodnight, Grandpa," Adrian said.

"Goodnight, Riley and Adrian," Abner said, his smile remaining bright. He stood there, watching as Riley and Adrian entered the same room, and he dared not leave for ten minutes.

***

An hour later.

"Oh, my god, Adrian, your grandfather is still there," Riley said after peeking through the small opening of Adrian's door.

Riley had allowed Abner some time to relax in his room, but after settling for minutes, he stepped out again and sat in the small sitting area on the second floor. From where Abner sat, he had a good view of Adrian's door.

"Hah?" Riley pushed the door shut and leaned back with a hand on her chest. "I think he saw me."

Adrian had been checking his email from the coffee table. Seeing Riley's reaction, he said, "I'm going to shower first." He pointed his head toward the closet and suggested, "You might as well choose from my shirts. You should sleep here tonight."

'Sleep here?' Riley silently said. Adrian's room did not have a daybed or a sofa because he technically didn't need them. Given that, Riley gulped and said, 'So, we will share the same bed?'

The thought of sleeping in the same bed as Adrian King made Riley's heart restless. 'Oh, no. Can I handle this?'