The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 160

"Yes, sir. It's been securely delivered. The lab confirmed receipt."

"Are they discreet?"

"Highest level of confidentiality. A standard investigator wouldn't be able to pull the records."

"How long until we get the results?"

"Five to seven business days."

Adrian lit a cigarette, took a deep, aggressive drag, and rested his arm on the open window frame.

"Audrey didn't suspect anything, did she?"

"No, sir."

The car fell back into a heavy silence.

Todd practically bit a hole through his tongue before finally working up the nerve to speak.

"Mr. Lowell... honestly, I think your wife is just severely lashing out because she's jealous of Audrey. I'm absolutely certain the boy is your biological son."

"Of course I know Leo is my son."

Todd was thoroughly confused.

"Then why are we even running a DNA test?"

"Because shoving the certified lab results in her face is the only way to shut her up for good."

Todd finally connected the dots.

"Oh, I see. You're just getting the paperwork to prove her wrong so she stops harassing Audrey."

Todd felt a surge of righteous indignation.

"Your wife is seriously out of line. The whole thing with you and Audrey happened so long ago. Why is she still obsessing over it? She's acting completely unhinged."

Adrian's eyes instantly went lethally cold.

"Since when do I pay you to critique my wife?"

Todd froze.

Wait, what?

Normally, if Todd ever badmouthed Jocelyn, Adrian would enthusiastically agree with him.

Why did he suddenly look ready to commit murder?

Adrian nodded in satisfaction and casually handed the manager a thick stack of cash as a tip.

The manager practically bowed to the floor in gratitude.

The massive VIP suite wasn't loud or flashing with obnoxious club lights. It was as quiet, refined, and private as an executive office.

Lana, wearing a perfectly tailored, classic Chanel suit that accentuated her elegant figure, was sitting gracefully on the sofa waiting for him.

The moment he walked in, she stood up to greet him.

She instinctively helped him take off his suit jacket and handed him a freshly poured glass of expensive red wine.

"What a surprise. You didn't even text me you were coming. You caught me totally unprepared."

Adrian sank deeply into the plush sofa, swirling the dark red wine in his glass. His face was a mask of cold exhaustion.

"You don't need to prepare anything. I prefer you exactly like this. You know how much I hate women who drown themselves in cheap perfume and heavy makeup."

Lana offered a warm, understanding smile.

"It looks like you've had an incredibly rough day."

She stepped behind the sofa and began gently massaging the tight knots in his shoulders.