Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 529

Adrian scrutinized the sculpture under the light for what felt like an eternity. His instincts screamed that something was wrong, but he couldn't pinpoint the flaw.

"I'm taking this to an appraiser tomorrow."

Fiona and Mara simultaneously exhaled. They had survived—for now.

That night, after Adrian's heavy snores echoed through the bedroom, Fiona slipped out of bed.

Just to be safe, she glanced back at him. He was out cold. Satisfied, she quietly closed the door and hurried to Mara's room.

Mara was sitting cross-legged on her bed, waiting for her.

"What did you do?" Fiona demanded in a hushed, frantic whisper, glancing nervously at the door.

But Mara played innocent. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Fiona's brow furrowed. Though she was middle-aged, the remnants of her youthful beauty were still visible in the elegant lines of her face. Sitting side by side, their silhouettes were strikingly similar.

"Drop the act, Mara. Tell me the truth so I can figure out how to clean up your mess."

"Mom, aren't you sick of walking on eggshells around him all day?" Mara snapped. "If he actually treated us like family, he would have handed you the revenue from the pharmacy business."

Fiona understood the grievance perfectly, but she also knew Adrian's ruthless, untrusting nature. There was no changing him.

"So, what exactly did you do?"

"The sculpture on the shelf is a fake. I pawned the real one."

"What?! How much did you get? What did you spend it on?" Fiona asked, a wave of despair washing over her.

That afternoon, while Fiona and Mara went to the mall, Adrian dismissed the maid. He methodically swept the house, taking all the cash, jewelry, and remaining antiques, and hid them in a secure, undisclosed location.

Two nights later, Mara brought a steaming porcelain bowl to the dining table. "Dad, you've been looking so exhausted lately. I made some Vintage Saffron Tonic for you and Mom to help you recharge."

"How thoughtful," Fiona praised. "Mara is growing up. Adrian, we can't let her hard work go to waste."

Adrian stared blankly at the steaming bowl. In the past, this luxury tonic was a daily staple. Now, it was a rare extravagance. Without the endless rivers of cash from the Mercer Group, every cent had to be hoarded.

But looking at the premium Red Reserve Saffron, he felt absolutely no appetite.

Adrian slowly stirred the viscous liquid with his spoon. "Mara really is a filial daughter. The texture is perfect. Since when did you become such a master chef?" He looked up, offering her a chillingly calm smile.

"Since we had to let most of the staff go, I practiced specifically for you and Mom," Mara replied, her beautiful face a mask of strained tension.