The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 9

The Astoria was a luxury condominium building in a prime location in Northwood City. Built along the river, it offered a perfect blend of urban convenience and tranquil beauty. The units were well-designed, with excellent light and cross-ventilation.

The building had sold out before construction was even finished.

Adrian had bought one of the units.

A 1,700-square-foot, lavishly decorated, move-in-ready apartment.

Since money was no object, he hadn't bothered to rent it out. It had sat empty ever since.

Jocelyn saw Adrian hesitate and added calmly, "You don't live there anyway, and you're not going to sell it. Why not give it to me as a birthday present?"

Adrian asked, "What do you want that apartment for?"

Jocelyn replied, "I don't know. Maybe for a sense of security."

"After all, when we got married, the money the Lowells gave my family was all taken by my mother. I didn't get a cent."

"For the past three years, I haven't worked, and you only give me a small allowance each month."

"So I always feel... unsettled."

Adrian's heart softened slightly. "You have me. What's there to be unsettled about?"

Jocelyn sneered inwardly but sighed aloud. "You have your own son now. I'm afraid you won't want me anymore."

Adrian froze for a moment, then reached out and took her hand.

"That won't happen."

Jocelyn glanced at his long, elegant fingers.

"If you won't give me the pendant, that's fine. But are you telling me you won't even give me an apartment?"

Adrian hesitated for a few seconds. "Fine. I promise."

Jocelyn said, "Then you have to sign a gift agreement with me."

Adrian asked, "You don't trust me?"

But it had never earned her a single ounce of pity from Adrian.

Instead, for three years, she had known only the stinging chill of his indifference—a winter that never seemed to end.

Adrian had treated her like trash. Well, Jocelyn was done being a fool.

That afternoon, Jocelyn returned to The Crestview Residence.

As soon as she walked in, she heard Diana and Marcus Evans arguing.

Diana's voice was sharp. "Then what do you suggest we do? She's part of the Evans family. If she doesn't help us now, who will? Those so-called friends of yours?"

"They're all a bunch of opportunistic, backstabbing vultures! When the Evans family was on top, they couldn't get close enough. Now that we're in trouble, they're all hiding as if we have the plague!"

Marcus coughed twice. "That's enough. Just let me have some peace and quiet."

Diana ignored his pale face completely.

"The house is on fire and you want peace and quiet? Marcus, let me tell you, the reason we have this fortune in the first place is all because..."