The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 264

Adrian returned to his room.

Audrey followed closely behind.

With everything that had happened in a single day, Adrian's head was pounding, and his irritation was only growing.

So, when he spoke, he didn't bother being polite.

"Go keep Leo company. I want to be alone for a bit."

Audrey didn't leave. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Don't take what Grandma said to heart. She was just trying to scare you. Why would my dad ever try to take over the Lowell family's assets? He's already swamped with his own company."

"So please, Adrian, don't overthink it, and definitely don't misunderstand him, okay?"

For some inexplicable reason, Adrian felt a wave of repulsion at her embrace.

What was wrong with him?

Wasn't this fragile, helpless, clingy version of Audrey exactly what he used to love most?

He used to love it when she doted on him and acted sweet and dependent.

Compared to that boring woman, Audrey was supposed to be a million times better.

But what was happening now?

Why was he starting to hate the way this felt?

Instead, he was missing...

Adrian gritted his teeth and cursed himself internally.

*Adrian, have you lost your mind?!*

Audrey wasn't stupid. She could feel his physical rejection.

A wave of deep loneliness washed over her.

"Adrian..."

Just as she started to speak, her eyes zeroed in on an injury on his ear.

And worse—he smelled like another woman's perfume.

Audrey's chest tightened painfully.

But when she spoke, she kept her tone extremely cautious.

"Adrian, what happened to your ear?"

Adrian paused for a fraction of a second.

"I accidentally scratched myself."

Scratched?

It looked suspiciously like a bite mark.

And that perfume—it definitely wasn't hers.

"It's gorgeous. Put it on me, Adrian."

Despite his reluctance, Adrian fastened it around her wrist.

Once it was on, Audrey stood on her tiptoes and pressed a passionate kiss to his lips.

Adrian tightened his jaw.

All he could think about was the soft feeling of his lips brushing against Jocelyn's cheek in the car.

That woman's skin really was flawless.

Taking his silence as acceptance, Audrey grew bolder, her hands reaching up to unbutton his shirt.

"Adrian, I'm ready..."

Faced with her aggressive advances, Adrian felt absolutely zero desire.

He pushed her hands away, a frown creasing his forehead.

"Audrey, I'm seriously exhausted today. With everything going on with Grandma, I'm just not in the mood."

Audrey had no choice but to back off.

"Okay."

Remembering something else, she quickly added, "By the way, I found this amazing new restaurant. Let's go together tomorrow."

Adrian answered dismissively, "I'm signing the equity transfer with her tomorrow. I won't have time."