The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 138

Audrey let out a heavy, dramatic sigh.

"Just the thought of our baby having to stay in the hospital for seven days breaks my heart. He's so tiny. Watching them poke him with that needle to draw blood... my heart was bleeding for him."

Before Adrian could reply, an older woman standing next to them chimed in.

She was clearly a mother herself, fully swept up in the emotion.

"That's just how it is! When your child hurts, your heart hurts a hundred times more. Us moms are all the same. We can handle any amount of suffering, but we can't stand seeing our babies in pain."

"But don't you worry, sweetie. Babies have weak immune systems. Getting a little sick here and there is totally normal."

Audrey replied with picture-perfect politeness, "Thank you so much."

She played the sweet, devoted mother so perfectly that strangers instantly adored her.

"You're so lucky to have a husband who dots on you like that to stay by your side. Look at me—I've been in the hospital taking care of my kid alone for days. That deadbeat husband of mine just throws money at the problem and claims he's 'too busy.'"

Hearing that, a surge of triumph swelled in Audrey's chest. She couldn't help but look up at the stunningly handsome man beside her.

Adrian didn't correct the woman. He simply accepted the title of "husband" with complete, unbothered ease.

Audrey was so happy she was practically vibrating.

The elevator hit the lobby.

The crowd flooded out.

Jocelyn hung back, waiting until everyone was gone before stepping out, intentionally lingering behind.

She didn't want to look at the filth anymore. It was burning her eyes.

But Murphy's Law is absolute.

The harder you try to avoid something, the faster it crashes into you.

Jocelyn abruptly stopped in her tracks and backed up to hide behind the corner.

It was Adrian and Audrey again.

The zipper on Audrey's coat had slipped down.

Afraid she might catch a chill, Adrian was personally zipping it back up to her chin.

Audrey spoke up, her voice calculated.

Audrey blinked in surprise. "Adrian, what do you mean?"

"Evans Corp's stock is tanking. If I launch a hostile takeover now, I'll get the whole company for a steal."

Audrey gasped. "You want to buy Evans Corp?"

"Back when the company was drowning in debt, I actually brought up an acquisition to Jocelyn's father. It's a shame that..."

It was a shame her stubborn father had outright refused to sell and practically chased him out.

Jocelyn couldn't hear whatever was said next.

Her hands were balled into tight fists, her entire body shaking uncontrollably.

Adrian's words were like a jagged knife, violently stabbing into her heart over and over again.

Her heart was shredded, bleeding out.

Adrian... was actually praying her father never woke up so he could steal their company...

Suddenly, a pair of warm hands reached from behind and firmly covered her ears.