The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 129

Jocelyn already knew that Quentin had deliberately dropped that comment to give her leverage.

The Evans family wasn't what it used to be, and the Lowell family was treating them with increasing disrespect.

Quentin's casual mention instantly made the Lowell family wary of Marcus Evans.

Jocelyn felt a bit like she was hiding behind Julian’s shadow, wielding a power that wasn't entirely her own.

It was Julian who had given her the ability to straighten her spine within the Lowell family.

She decided she might as well play the part all the way.

"Commissioner Davis and my dad crossed paths a while back. They're basically old friends."

"You never mentioned that before," Adrian said.

"I only found out after asking my dad."

"When you get the chance, have your dad invite Commissioner Davis out. We should all get dinner together."

Your dad?

How very filial of him all of a sudden.

Whenever Adrian spoke to Jocelyn before, he had always referred to Marcus as "your father."

Clearly, maintaining a friendly relationship with her was entirely dependent on her immediate utility.

Jocelyn brushed him off.

"Maybe when the timing is better. After all, Commissioner Davis just took office in Northwood City. If people see him fraternizing and dining privately with business owners, it could look bad for him."

Adrian found that extremely reasonable.

"You're right. We'll revisit it later."

Adrian chuckled.

"It seems you really aren't mad at me anymore."

Jocelyn didn't bother validating that.

Acting and spinning lies all day was utterly exhausting.

"Where are you? I'll come pick you up, and we'll head to the award ceremony together this afternoon."

"I'll just head straight there," Jocelyn replied. "We can meet at the venue."

Adrian didn't push it. "Alright, see you this afternoon."

After hanging up, the corners of Adrian's lips remained turned upward.

Audrey had been eavesdropping on the call, absolute hatred brewing in her chest.

She carried the baby out of the room.

For the past three years, let alone complimenting her, he hadn't even wanted to look at her.

Why the sudden change?

Adrian kissed the baby's cheek.

Watching the child grow day by day filled him with the overwhelming joy of fatherhood. But this child would never be allowed to call him "Dad."

Adrian's smile slowly faded.

"Audrey, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"Let's not make a big deal out of Leo's one-month celebration."

Audrey had gotten pregnant during the second month following Arthur's death.

To conceal the fact that Adrian was the father, Eleanor had orchestrated a flawless cover-up.

The day Audrey gave birth, they didn't make a public announcement, terrified that the timeline wouldn't match up and people would get suspicious.

So they couldn't throw a big welcome party for the baby. It would just be a quiet dinner between the Lowell and Preston families.

A wave of self-pity washed over Audrey.

"But it’s his first major milestone! If we don’t mark the occasion, I’ll feel like we’re treating him like an afterthought."