The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 102

"He's welcome to come by the house more often," Adrian said.

That was exactly what Diana wanted to hear.

"Jeremy, did you hear that? Adrian says you should come by more. You need to really learn from him."

Jeremy didn't reply, simply turning his head away. He watched as Claire walked out of the bedroom, her chin held high.

"Adrian, Leo seems like he's grown a bit more! And his features are starting to look more and more like—"

"Claire!" Eleanor barked sharply.

Claire snapped her mouth shut.

Dammit! She had almost let the secret slip in front of outsiders.

Jocelyn sneered internally. Claire really had no filter.

Leo's features did have some similarities to Audrey, but he looked absolutely nothing like Adrian.

"Adrian, I actually came today specifically to thank you," Diana suddenly interjected.

Adrian frowned slightly. "Thank me?"

"Yes, thank you for helping the Evans..."

"Mom!" Jocelyn shouted.

Diana jumped.

"You girl, what are you—"

"Mom," Jocelyn said, shooting her a desperate look. "Adrian has been exhausted all day. Don't bother him with business while he's trying to rest."

Everyone in the room was playing their own little game, holding their own secrets. Keeping up this act was exhausting.

Diana quickly caught on. "Right, right, right! I should be going anyway. Your dad is waiting for me to have dinner."

Eleanor offered a fake, obligatory invitation. "It's rare that you visit. Why don't you stay for dinner?"

"You silly girl, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Diana whispered, glancing back at the front door and lowering her voice. Through gritted teeth, she added, "That old witch is unbelievable. There's no way she would have agreed to lend us that kind of money. It seems Adrian really does care about you. Don't you dare take him for granted."

"You heard her in there," Diana continued. "The old lady is blaming you for not having a son. You need to get on that immediately."

Jeremy cut in from the side. "Mom, who says it's definitely my sister's fault? If the man's the one with the problem, it won't matter what my sister does."

"You're too young to understand adult matters, keep your mouth shut!" Diana scolded.

Jeremy laughed, unbothered. "I'm twenty-four. I'm a grown man."

Diana gave him a symbolic smack on the arm. "Get in the car. I still have things to discuss with your sister."

But Jeremy pulled her toward the car door instead. "It's freezing out here. What's there to talk about? Let's just go home."

And just like that, Diana was dragged into the car.

Before sliding into the passenger seat, Jeremy suddenly leaned down and whispered into Jocelyn's ear.

"I'll get back at them for you today."