The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 360

Low moans and soft gasps filled the room as the intoxicating scent of their passion lingered in the air.

An hour later.

Adrian led Audrey down the stairs, their hands securely intertwined.

Audrey was absolutely glowing, her face radiant with total bliss.

Seeing them, Eleanor beamed with satisfaction. "Well, look at that. The young couple has finally made up. That's more like it. You know what they say—lovers always resolve their arguments in the bedroom. There's no such thing as a lingering grudge between partners."

Audrey blushed furiously. "Grandmother, we aren't even married yet."

Eleanor practically cooed at her. "Audrey, Adrian was deeply in the wrong this time. I know you were hurt, but rest assured, once you join the Lowell family, this will never happen again. As long as I'm around, no one will dare disrespect you."

Audrey leaned affectionately against Adrian's shoulder like a clinging vine.

"I know. You've always been so wonderful to me."

"I was just thinking," Caleb abruptly spoke up. "Could that photograph have been deliberately sent by that woman?"

At the mention of her, a nearly imperceptible frown creased Adrian's brow.

Eleanor, having almost entirely forgotten about her existence, looked momentarily confused.

"You mean Jocelyn?"

"What do you think, Mrs. Lowell?" Caleb pressed. "Is it possible?"

Eleanor considered it.

"It's certainly possible. She's the only one who harbors enough venom toward Adrian and Audrey to pull a stunt like this. She knows they're getting married, so she stirred up trouble to tear them apart."

Caleb's eyes hardened with malice.

"It has to be her. Clearly, she hasn't been taught a harsh enough lesson yet."

A shock of alarm bolted through Adrian.

"Dad... Audrey and I are getting married very soon. It's best not to invite unnecessary drama right now. Besides, she's under Commissioner Davis's protection. It's better to leave it alone."

Eleanor paused sharply.

"Commissioner Davis's protection? What are you talking about?"

"The Commissioner took a liking to her and formally adopted her as his goddaughter," Adrian explained. "I found out the day I went to deliver the tea."

"And why didn't you bother to mention this to me?" Eleanor scolded.

Adrian was utterly speechless.

Audrey was still utterly intoxicated by her newfound happiness.

"Dad, what did you want to tell me?"

Caleb's eyes gleamed with cold calculation.

"I'm warning you—if something like this ever happens again, you are to turn a blind eye. Adrian swallowed his pride and came crawling to you this time, but there's no guarantee he will next time. The man has a vicious temper."

Audrey froze, her smile faltering.

"Dad, what are you talking about?"

Caleb scoffed.

Did Adrian really think he was blind?

Adrian had spent the entire afternoon holding back his rage solely because of Eleanor's presence.

"Audrey, do not forget what you have done! Compared to your secrets, Adrian's little mistake is nothing."

"So, from now on, even if he decides to play around with other women, you will endure it. You will pretend you see absolutely nothing, and you will secure your position as the new Mrs. Lowell. Nothing else matters."

In an instant, all the color drained from Audrey's face, leaving her deathly pale.