The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 213

But Adrian felt entirely empty inside.

It was as if something vital had quietly slipped away from his heart.

With Jocelyn gone, even Laura, the housekeeper, seemed much happier.

"Adrian, you're finally home! I made all your favorites today. Hurry up and wash your hands for dinner."

Audrey walked over, cradling the baby.

"Grandma and Mom were just saying that Leo seems to have lost some weight from all that suffering in the hospital, but I actually think he looks a little chubbier."

"Adrian, look. Do you think Leo looks chubbier or thinner?"

Adrian was distracted.

"He looks fine to me."

Audrey picked up on his distant mood. "Adrian, what's wrong? You look upset. Did something happen?"

Eleanor walked toward the dining table, speaking as she went, "Don't come home with a long face. Leo might be small, but babies can sense adult emotions. As his father, you shouldn't pass your negative energy onto him."

The word "father" gave Audrey a secret thrill.

Perhaps it wouldn't be long before she could officially take her place by Adrian's side as his wife.

But the word only made Adrian irritable.

"Didn't I say I'm just his uncle?"

Eleanor's face hardened.

"Adrian, what kind of nonsense are you spouting now? Have you forgotten what you promised me?"

"If you keep throwing these tantrums, my patience will run out."

"If you don't want to stay in the Lowell family, you can change your last name right now. I won't stop you. If it comes to that, I'll transfer every asset into Leo's name. Leo will be my sole heir."

Audrey smiled and offered comforting words.

"Grandma, it's totally normal for a young girl with her first crush to act a little crazy. You live and you learn. Someday she'll figure out who her true match is."

"Please don't be angry, Grandma. If you're upset, it brings the whole house down. You're the heart of this family, after all."

Eleanor beamed at the flattery.

"Audrey is always the sweetest. It's no wonder your mother and I adore you so much."

Audrey stole a glance at Adrian.

His jaw was tight, and he looked weighed down by heavy thoughts.

Suddenly remembering something, Eleanor put down her utensils.

"Oh, right, Adrian. I had Todd pick up the paternity test report."