The Billionaire's Insignificant Wife novel Chapter 146

Emma felt hope beginning to crack. “So… you won’t be able to help us?”

“I didn’t say that,” Adrian cut in.

He leaned back in his chair and looked at them with a thin, resolute smile.

“I said it won’t be easy. But I have never been afraid of a difficult fight. Especially when it’s for someone who cannot fight on their own.”

Adrian looked at the screenshot of Mrs. Helen’s message describing Alina’s condition – thin, unable to sleep, frequently weeping.

“I will take this case. And I will make sure Alina gets out of that house safely. Whatever it takes.”

Emma wept from sheer relief. Richard wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

“Thank you,” Emma whispered in a trembling voice. “Thank you, Adrian.”

Adrian nodded. “I’ll start with a petition for an emergency wellness check based on your testimony as her father,

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Mr. Hayes. We’ll also build a case for a protective order. And we need medical documentation – if Alina is truly pregnant as a result of coercion, that could become powerful evidence.”

“What should we do?” Richard asked.

“For now, do not contact Daniel or anyone connected to him,” Adrian replied. “Don’t give him grounds to claim harassment. I will handle all legal communications. And be prepared – this is going to be a long and ugly fight. Daniel will not surrender easily.”

“We’re ready,” Emma said with conviction. “Whatever it takes to save Alina.”

Adrian smiled thinly. “Good. I’ll contact you within twenty-four hours with an update on the wellness check petition. And one more thing-”

He held them both with a serious gaze.

“If Daniel or anyone from his team contacts you, do not respond. Forward every communication directly to me. Don’t give them any ammunition that could be used against us in court.”

Emma and Richard nodded.

After discussing several legal details and next steps, they said their goodbyes.

“We’ll be waiting to hear from you,” Emma said at the door.

“I’ll work as quickly as I can,” Adrian answered. “And don’t worry. We will get Alina out.”

The door closed.

Adrian stood alone in his office.

He walked back to his desk and looked at the folders Emma and Richard had left behind.

The timeline of events. The screenshots of Mrs. Helen’s messages. The documentation of Daniel’s verbal threats.

All of it pointing to one conclusion: systematic abuse and coercive control.

Adrian sat in his chair and opened his laptop. He began typing the petition for an emergency wellness check.

But before that, he looked at the photo of Alina in the printed message Mrs. Helen had sent. Then he looked back at the name on the folder he was about to fill in.

Alina Hayes Blackwood.

Adrian’s hand clenched at his side. His jaw tightened.

“So you weren’t happy after all,” Adrian whispered in a voice that trembled somewhere between anger and regret. “If I had known you would suffer like this… if I had known that man would hurt you the way he has…”

He closed his eyes. Drew a long, slow breath.

“I was a coward back then. Too afraid to say how I felt. Too afraid to approach you. Only watching from a distance like an idiot.”

Adrian opened his eyes. He stared at the laptop screen with a blazing, unwavering determination.

“But I won’t be a coward anymore, Alina,” he said in a low voice full of quiet promise. “This time I will fight that man for you. I will get you out of that hell. And I will make Daniel Blackwood pay for every single tear he has caused.”

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Adrian’s fingers moved across the keyboard with speed and complete focus.

He worked with a determination he had never felt before in his professional career.

This was not merely a case.

It was personal.

And Adrian would make certain he won. No matter what had to be put on the line.

Meanwhile in another part of the city, Daniel sat in his study.

Marcus had just entered with a report that left Daniel unsettled.

“Sir, I have a full report on Ms. Carter’s meeting with Adrian Lawson.”

Daniel looked up sharply. “How long did they meet?”

“Ninety minutes, Sir. Our man tried to follow Ms. Carter and Mr. Hayes into the building, but lobby security wouldn’t allow anyone up without an appointment. We could only confirm they entered Adrian Lawson’s office on the twenty-third floor and left ninety minutes later.”

Daniel’s jaw tightened. “NINETY MINUTES. That’s more than enough time for Emma to build a case.”

Daniel drew a deep breath, working hard to keep his anger in check.

“What did you find on Adrian Lawson?”

Marcus opened his tablet and began reading carefully.

“Adrian Lawson, age thirty. Graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude. Eight years in practice, specializing in corporate litigation and civil rights cases. Impressive track record – he has won against several major corporations in class action cases.”

“Family?”

“Mother: Katherine Lawson, passed away five years ago from cancer. Father-” Marcus paused briefly.”- William Montgomery. CEO of Montgomery Industries.”

Daniel raised his head with wide eyes. “Montgomery? William Montgomery?”

“Yes, Sir. Adrian uses his mother’s surname for his legal practice, but biologically he is William Montgomery’s

son.”

“Damn it!” Daniel stood with a sharp motion. His chair scraped back.

Montgomery Industries was one of Blackwood Enterprises’ largest competitors. A technology company that nearly matched Blackwood in market share and influence.

And William Montgomery was a man Daniel could not threaten or pressure carelessly.

“What is Adrian’s relationship with his father?” Daniel asked in a dangerous voice.

“According to our information, their relationship is reasonably close even though Adrian chose an independent career path. William Montgomery is very proud of Adrian’s achievements and has frequently provided financial support for his legal practice. Adrian is also listed as one of the primary heirs to Montgomery Industries.”

Daniel felt anger and frustration burning in his chest.

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“Personal assets?”

“A trust fund from his mother valued at twenty million dollars. Personal investments around fifteen million. Property valued at eight million. Total net worth approximately forty-five million dollars – independent of his father’s wealth.”

Daniel clenched his fists until his knuckles went white.

“Family? Wife? Children? A partner?”

“None, Sir. Adrian is unmarried. No children. No recorded relationship in the past two years. He is quite private about his personal life.”

“Scandals? Debts? Legal troubles?”

Marcus shook his head. “Nothing, Sir. His reputation is clean. No malpractice claims. No complaints to the bar association. No personal or professional scandal we could find.”

Daniel walked to the window with heavy steps. He stared out with a hardened jaw.

“So the man is independently wealthy, has the backing of William Montgomery, a clean reputation, and no obvious pressure points.”

“Unfortunately, that appears to be the case, Sir,” Marcus answered carefully. “Adrian Lawson is not like Rachel Chen or Emma Carter – he can’t be pressed so easily. He has resources and connections that are nearly on par

with our own.”

Daniel spun around with blazing eyes.

“No one is immune to pressure, Marcus! Everyone has a weakness! Look deeper! I don’t care how long it takes or how many people you have to hire! I want to know EVERYTHING about Adrian Lawson! Who his friends are! Who his clients are! What he does in his spare time! Who he cares about! THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING!”

Marcus nodded quickly. “Yes, Sir. I’ll intensify the investigation.”

“One more thing.”

Daniel fixed Marcus with cold, calculating, dangerous eyes.

“Get our best legal team ready. If Adrian Lawson tries to file any petition or motion, I want us ready to counter every single one. I want every argument he makes challenged. Every claim he raises dismantled. Do you understand?”

“Understood, Sir. I’ll coordinate with Mr. Peterson in the legal department.”

“Do it now.”

Marcus turned to leave but his steps stopped mid-way. He stood with his back to Daniel, visibly hesitating.

Daniel furrowed his brow. “What else, Marcus? Why are you still standing there?”

Marcus turned slowly with an uncomfortable expression.

“Sir, there is one more thing you may need to know. About Adrian Lawson.”

Daniel held him with a sharp stare. “Say it.”

Marcus drew a slow breath. “In our background investigation, we found that Adrian Lawson and Mrs. Alina

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attended the same school. Lincoln High School. They were in the same graduating class.”

Silence.

Daniel felt something cold creep up his spine.

“What?” His voice came out low and dangerous.

“Adrian Lawson and Mrs. Alina were at the same high school, Sir. They graduated the same year.”

Daniel walked closer with slow but weighty steps. “Did they have any special connection?”

Marcus shook his head quickly. “No recorded relationship, Sir. Based on information we gathered from several alumni, they were never seen to be close. It appears they were simply classmates, or perhaps didn’t even know each other well.”

Daniel felt a slight easing of tension in his chest but the tightness remained. “Then why do you look nervous telling me this?”

Marcus looked increasingly uncomfortable. “Because there is additional information we obtained from a source in Adrian’s social circle, Sir.”

“Say it!” Daniel snapped with impatience.

Marcus swallowed. “Among Adrian’s close friends, there is a longstanding story that he once had feelings for someone during high school. A woman. But he never expressed those feelings and never told anyone who she was. Even his closest friends did not know her identity.”

Daniel felt the anger begin to boil again. “And you think that woman was Alina?”

“I cannot confirm it, Sir,” Marcus answered carefully. “There is no concrete evidence. But… the fact that they attended the same school, and that Adrian agreed to take Mrs. Alina’s case immediately after Emma contacted him… there may be a personal connection there.”

BANG!

Daniel slammed his fist onto the desk.

The laptop nearly fell. Several documents scattered.

“DAMN IT!” Daniel swore in a voice shaking with fury. “If Adrian has any personal feelings toward Alina — past or present – that means he’s challenging me directly. I will not allow anyone to set their sights on my wife.”

Marcus nodded with a trembling body. “That’s exactly why I thought you needed to know. Adrian Lawson is not only a skilled and well-connected lawyer. If he truly has a personal attachment to Mrs. Alina, then his motivation is not purely professional. And that will make him far more persistent.”

Daniel laughed – a sound that was bitter and laced with fury.

“So now I’m fighting a man who may have had or still has feelings for my wife. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

He stared at Marcus with a look that made the assistant take a step back.

“The investigation must be more intensive. I want to know EVERYTHING about Adrian and Alina’s history. Who their mutual friends were. Whether they ever spoke. Ever interacted. ANYTHING. Contact Lincoln High alumni if necessary pay them for information. I don’t care about the cost.”

“Yes, Sir.”

–

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“If you find any evidence that Adrian and Alina ever had any kind of relationship – dating, closeness, anything –

I want to know immediately. Because we can use that to disqualify him as counsel in this case. Conflict of interest.

Marcus wrote quickly. “Understood, Sir. I’ll prioritize the investigation in that direction.”

“Go. Do it now.”

Marcus left quickly, leaving Daniel alone in a silence thick with rage.

Daniel walked to the window. He stared at the city below with a hardened jaw and tightly clenched fists at his sides.

“Adrian Lawson,” he murmured in a low voice full of hatred. “You think you can play the hero and rescue Alina from me? You think because you have money and connections you can take my wife?”

Daniel stared at his own reflection in the glass. His eyes full of a terrible, obsessive determination.

“You are very wrong. Alina is MINE. She is my wife. The mother of my child. And no other man – no matter how wealthy or powerful – will take her from me.”

Daniel turned to look at Alina’s photo on his desk with a thin, cruel smile.

“You will stay with me, Alina,” he whispered in a voice that was equal parts promise and threat. “And anyone who tries to separate us – including that damned Adrian Lawson – I will destroy.” 1

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Junior’s Deepening Hatred

In the art studio where Junior attended painting lessons, several children sat around a large table with paper watercolors in front of them.

Junior focused on painting a house with a garden-this week’s assignment.

and

“Junior,” called Tommy, his classmate sitting beside him. “I heard you’re going to have a sibling. Is that true?”

Junior stopped painting. His hand stiffened holding the brush.

“Who said that?”

Tommy shrugged. “My mom said so. She heard from Lily’s mom. She said your dad told everyone that his wife is pregnant.”

Mia-a little girl across the table-chimed in with a cheerful voice.

“Wow, how exciting! You’re going to have a baby sibling! You can play with them!”

Junior felt anger beginning to boil in his chest.

“I don’t want a sibling,” he said in a low voice full of hatred.

Tommy and Mia stared at him confused.

“Why? Having a sibling is fun,” said Mia.

“BECAUSE THE MOTHER IS AN EVIL WOMAN!” Junior suddenly screamed in a loud voice that silenced the entire

class.

The teacher-Ms. Sarah, a young blonde woman-immediately approached with a worried expression.

“Junior, sweetie, don’t shout in class,” she said in a gentle but firm tone. “And don’t speak rudely about others.”

Junior looked at Ms. Sarah with teary eyes. “But it’s true! Alina is evil! She’s the one who made me have the accident! She’s the one who made me forget so many things! And now she wants to have another child to replace me!”

Ms. Sarah was shocked to hear the intensity of hatred in Junior’s voice.

“Junior, why do you think that? Who told you this?”

“Mama told me!” Junior answered with a trembling voice. “Mama said Alina doesn’t love me! Mama said Alina only wants her own child! And I believe Mama!”

Ms. Sarah glanced at the other children who were staring at Junior with wide eyes.

“Alright, children. Continue with your painting. Junior, let’s go outside for a moment. I want to talk with you.”

Junior followed Ms. Sarah out of the classroom with heavy steps.

In the corridor, Ms. Sarah knelt in front of Junior to be level with his height.

“Junior, I know you’re upset. But speaking rudely about others-especially about your stepmother-isn’t good. What’s happening at home? Why are you so angry at Mrs. Alina?”

Junior looked down. Tears began to fall down his cheeks.

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“I don’t remember much about her, Miss. But Mama said she’s evil. Mama said she’s the one who caused my accident. And now Papa pays more attention to her than to me. I hate her, Miss. I hate Alina!”

Ms. Sarah took a deep breath. This clearly wasn’t just a child’s tantrum. There was something deeper and more complicated. Moreover, Ms. Sarah knew that Junior and Alina used to be close. But now their relationship was terrible.

“Alright, Junior. I understand you’re confused and angry. But I think I need to talk to your Mama about this. May I?

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Junior nodded slowly.

***

Thirty minutes later, Clarissa arrived at the studio with a perfectly concerned smile.

Ms. Sarah greeted her in a small office at the back of the studio.

“Mrs. Sterling, thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Of course,” said Clarissa while sitting with elegant posture. “What’s wrong with Junior? Did he cause trouble?”

Ms. Sarah sat across from her with a serious expression.

“Junior shouted in class earlier. He said he doesn’t want a sibling because ‘the mother is an evil woman’. Then he mentioned Mrs. Alina’s name-I assume there’s a problem between Junior and Mrs. Alina. He even said Mrs. Alina caused his accident and wants to replace him with a new child.”

Clarissa closed her eyes briefly. She let out a long sigh looking very sad.

“I was afraid this would happen,” she said with a slightly trembling voice. “Junior is experiencing very severe trauma, Miss Sarah.”

Ms. Sarah nodded sympathetically. “What happened? If I may know.”

Clarissa took a deep breath as if it was hard to tell.

“Junior had an accident a few months ago. He lost many memories. And unfortunately… the accident happened. while he was under his stepmother’s care.”

Clarissa let that information sink in for a moment before continuing

“I don’t want to accuse Mrs. Alina unfairly. But the fact is Junior had an accident under her supervision. And since then, Junior has become very traumatized and uncomfortable with Mrs. Alina’s presence. Especially now that Mrs. Alina is pregnant. Junior feels… threatened. Feels he’ll be replaced.”

“Oh dear,” said Ms. Sarah in a sympathetic tone. “That must be so hard for him. And for you.”

Clarissa nodded while wiping the corner of her eye as if holding back tears.

“I’m very worried about Junior’s mental health, Miss Sarah. He’s still very young and has to face all this. A stepmother who… well… is emotionally unstable. A father who’s too busy taking care of his new wife. And now there’s a new baby coming.”

Ms. Sarah looked at her with eyes full of sympathy. “Is Mrs. Alina really unstable? I mean, are there mental health issues? Because the last time I met her, she seemed fine.”

Clarissa pretended to hesitate to answer.

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“I shouldn’t be talking about this,” she said quietly. “But since this concerns Junior’s welfare… Mrs. Alina is indeed unwell. She needs a lot of medical attention and… well… Daniel-my ex-husband-is very burdened by this situation.”

Ms. Sarah nodded understandingly. “I see. This must be very difficult for everyone. Especially Junior.”

“Exactly,” said Clarissa while taking Ms. Sarah’s hand with a gesture that looked desperate. “I just want what’s best for my child. I just want him to be happy and healthy. But with the situation at home like this… I don’t know what to do.”

Ms. Sarah squeezed Clarissa’s hand sympathetically.

“I understand, Mrs. Sterling. I’ll watch Junior more closely in class. And if there’s anything I can help with- whether it’s a referral to a child psychologist or anything-please let me know.”

“Thank you,” Clarissa whispered in a moved voice. “Thank you so much, Miss Sarah.”

After another brief conversation about Junior’s progress in class, Clarissa said goodbye and took Junior home.

In the car, Clarissa looked at Junior who sat quietly in the back seat.

“Junior, sweetie,” she called in a gentle tone. “Mama knows you were upset earlier. But you can’t shout in class like that. Miss Sarah got worried.”

Junior looked down. “Sorry, Mama. I was just upset when Tommy and Mia said I was going to have a sibling. I don’t want a sibling from Alina.”

Clarissa smiled slightly while looking at Junior through the rearview mirror.

“Mama knows, sweetie. Mama understands your feelings. But you have to be more careful speaking in front of others, okay? Not everyone understands our situation.”

Junior nodded slowly.

Clarissa continued in a more serious tone.

“But Mama is proud of you, Junior. Mama is proud because you were brave enough to say your feelings. Because you know who really loves you.”

Junior raised his head. “Mama loves me, right?”

“Of course, sweetie. Mama loves Junior very much. More than anything in this world.”

They arrived at the mansion that afternoon.

Clarissa brought Junior inside with her arm around his shoulders.

“Junior,” Clarissa whispered in a serious tone as they stood in the foyer. “Mama wants to ask you something.”

Junior looked at her with innocent eyes. “What is it, Mama?”

→ “Shouldn’t you tell Alina directly that you don’t want a sibling from her? That you don’t like her?”

Junior looked hesitant. “But… Alina is in her room. Papa said I shouldn’t disturb her.”

“Papa isn’t home now,” said Clarissa while kneeling in front of Junior. “And Mama thinks Alina should know how you feel. She should know that you’re not happy with her presence. That you don’t want a sibling from her.”

Junior still looked hesitant. “But Papa-”

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“Papa won’t know,” Clarissa cut in gently but firmly. “This is between you and Alina. And Mama will accompany you. Mama will be there to protect you if you’re scared.”

Junior was silent for a moment. Then nodded slowly.

“Okay, Mama. I’ll tell Alina.”

Clarissa smiled with satisfaction. She stood up and took Junior’s hand.

“Good. Now let’s go. We’ll go to Alina’s room. And you say everything you feel. Don’t be afraid. Mama is here.”

They walked toward the hallway to Alina’s room with slow steps.

Clarissa felt tremendous satisfaction imagining what would happen.

Alina-the woman who had dared to take her family-would hear directly from Junior’s mouth that she was hated. Not wanted. And would never be considered a mother.

This would destroy Alina more than anything Clarissa could do.

In front of Alina’s room door, Mr. Harris and Mrs. Helen stood with shocked expressions seeing Clarissa and Junior approaching.

“Mrs. Sterling,” Mr. Harris greeted in a formal tone. “Is there anything we can help you with?”

“Junior wants to see Alina,” said Clarissa with a sweet smile.

Mrs. Helen looked at Junior with teary eyes. “Young Master Junior, you want to see Mrs. Alina?”

Junior nodded but didn’t smile. “Yes. I want to see Alina.”

Mrs. Helen felt pain in her chest hearing Junior call “Alina” by name instead of “Mama” like before.

Mr. Harris looked hesitant. “Mrs. Sterling, I think I should ask Mr. Daniel’s permission first before-”

“That’s not necessary,” Clarissa cut in with a tone that remained sweet but had firmness behind it. “Junior just wants to see her briefly. He misses Alina. What’s wrong with that?”

Mr. Harris was still hesitant. He looked at Junior who stood with an expressionless face.

“Young master, do you really want to see Mrs. Alina?” Mr. Harris asked gently.

Junior nodded. “Yes, Uncle Harris. I just want to see her for a moment.”

Mrs. Helen touched Mr. Harris’s arm gently.

“Mr. Harris,” she whispered in a trembling voice. “Mrs. Alina misses Young Master Junior very much. Maybe… maybe this could make her better. Seeing Young Master Junior. Talking with him.”

Mr. Harris looked at Mrs. Helen whose eyes were full of pleading.

Then he looked at Junior who stood patiently waiting.

Finally, with a heavy breath, Mr. Harris nodded.

“Alright. But only briefly. And Mrs. Sterling, I hope you won’t cause trouble.”

Clarissa smiled sweetly. “Of course not. I’m just accompanying my child.”

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Mr. Harris opened the door with a slow movement.

Junior stepped inside followed by Clarissa who stood at the doorway with a crooked smile, full of satisfaction.

“Perfect,” she whispered to herself. “Absolutely perfect.”

Alina’s room was dim. The curtains were closed. Only the table lamp was on with a soft yellow light.

Alina sat in a chair near the window with her bandage-wrapped hands in her lap. Her eyes stared blankly toward the closed curtains.

Not moving. Not reacting when the door opened.

Like a statue.

Junior stepped inside with hesitant steps. His eyes widened seeing Alina.

The woman looked very different from his vague memories.

Thin. Pale. Disheveled hair. Empty eyes without life.

Junior stopped a few meters from Alina. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable.