The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 379

Adrian flicked his ash into the tray, his gaze turning somber. "I spent our entire marriage thinking she was nothing but a pretty face, a trophy to be managed."

Lana offered a knowing, quiet smile. "From the moment I met her, I knew she was so much more than that."

Beyond Jocelyn's stunning features, it was her eyes that commanded attention—sharp, piercing, and terrifyingly intelligent. She carried an aura of absolute dominance masked by quiet grace.

Adrian shot Lana a dark, defensive look. "Are you saying I was blind?"

Lana didn't back down. "Not your eyes, Adrian. Your heart."

"You kept her locked out. You refused to look past the surface because you didn't want to see the real her."

For a man fueled by ego and pride, it was a bitter truth to swallow. Adrian exhaled a long breath. "You're right."

"You're only seeing her clearly now because you're finally letting yourself care."

Because he wanted to understand her. Because he was obsessed.

But it was too late. Some women, once they realized their worth and walked away, never looked back. Jocelyn was gone forever.

Adrian let the heavy silence stretch for nearly two minutes, the tension thickening in the dim room. Finally, he turned to Lana, his eyes narrowing.

"Are you hiding anything from me?"

Lana went rigid. Panic flared in her chest, but Adrian was staring at the wall again, missing the devastating fear that flashed across her face.

"Yes," she whispered.

Adrian's head snapped toward her, his irritation spiking. "You too?"

Lana managed a broken, fragile smile. "Everyone has secrets, Adrian."

Secrets too heavy to share. Secrets that required a courage she simply didn't possess.

Adrian reached out, his fingers gripping her chin and forcing her to look at him. "I don't tolerate secrets. If you're lying to me, then how are you any different from the rest of them?"

The rest of them.

The words felt like a slap. Lana's smile vanished completely. "Do you really want to know?"

"Am I getting old?" Julian murmured. "I don't feel as resilient as I used to."

Ethan chewed furiously and swallowed, nearly choking in his haste. "Are you kidding me? You're in better shape than guys half your age! Have you seen your own abs? I'd kill for that kind of stamina."

Julian merely offered a soft, dismissive sigh.

Ethan shifted closer, his tone turning serious. "You're not physically tired, Boss. You're emotionally drained."

Julian didn't deny it. Ethan had been by his side through everything; he read him better than anyone.

"You're worried about Miss Evans, aren't you?" Ethan asked gently.

Was he? Her radiant face had indeed been haunting his thoughts all morning.

Julian smoothly pivoted the conversation. "Has Caleb Preston made any moves recently?"

Before Ethan could answer, his phone buzzed violently.