The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 357

Michelle stared at her son in utter shock.

His expression was terrifyingly cold.

A chill ran down her spine, and she didn't dare say another word.

"Also, if you want to run to Grandmother and repeat what I just said, be my guest," Adrian added smoothly. "That is, if you're not afraid of making things spectacularly worse."

Without looking back, Adrian turned and walked away.

Just as he reached the door, Michelle snapped out of her daze and hurriedly called after him.

"Adrian, just listen to me! You've endured it for this long, can't you just hold on a little longer? Once the Lowell family empire officially belongs to you, you'll be the one making the rules. You can do whatever you want then, and no one will be able to stop you."

"Forget one woman—you could have ten women if you wanted. But right now, at this critical moment, you need to keep a low profile. Don't let one impulsive mistake ruin years of hard work."

Adrian's jaw tightened. He offered a cold grunt of acknowledgment and walked out.

Downstairs, Eleanor's complexion had significantly improved.

Adrian walked over and offered a dutiful greeting.

"Grandmother."

Eleanor pointed to the sofa across from her.

"Sit down. We need to talk."

Adrian sat exactly as instructed.

"Don't blame me for losing my temper with you. You're the one who messed up," Eleanor said sharply.

Adrian rigidly stuck to his alibi.

"The woman in that photograph is strictly a client. There is absolutely nothing going on between us. You're all misunderstanding the situation. If you don't believe me, I can call her right now, and you can ask her yourself."

He had already rehearsed the story with Lana, anyway.

Lana knew exactly what to say to back him up.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes dangerously.

"You can try spinning that lie to Audrey or your brainless mother, but don't try it with me."

"Do you honestly think I didn't single-handedly keep this empire from collapsing after your grandfather died? I've survived more crises than you've had hot dinners. Don't try to play your pathetic little games with me."

Adrian instantly snapped his mouth shut.

His mother was right.

"Grandmother, I'll go to the Prestons' house tomorrow. I'll apologize to Audrey and her father, and I'll bring her back home."

"See that you do," Eleanor said, her rigid posture relaxing slightly. "But make sure you know exactly what to say. The truth stays between us. When you talk to Audrey, you spin the best lie you can, and I'll back you up."

"Understood," Adrian muttered.

"There's one more thing."

Eleanor took a slow sip of her herbal tea. She set the cup down and fixed him with a sharp look.

"I heard you want to scale back the wedding?"

Adrian's dark gaze hardened.

So Audrey really had gone crying to Grandmother to force his hand.

If he had known she'd pull this, he never would have suggested keeping it simple. He had only created more trouble for himself.

"I was just joking with her," Adrian lied smoothly. "Why would I want to scale it back? If you and Mr. Preston want a massive celebration, I'll follow your lead."

Eleanor nodded in satisfaction.

"It's not just about us wanting a grand affair. The Lowells and the Prestons are prominent families in this city. Audrey is Mr. Preston's only precious daughter. We cannot afford to make her look cheap."