Bab 26: I’m Not a Good Person (2)
Adrienne took a sip from her drink and smiled at him. The hot tea made her lips appear moist and rosy in daylight. With her midnight hair and fair complexion, the smile on her lips was charming and enticing, yet Lennox knew that she was a she-demon in human form.
A daughter who's plotting against her father was not a good person, but at least she was aware of it instead of making excuses. She even went as far as using her marriage as a bargaining chip to her advantage. At least she had some self-awareness of her limitations.
Lennox had seen her file and was aware of her predicament with her family, so he somewhat understood her temperament. However, the Adrienne Jiang before him differed from the Adrienne Jiang in the report he'd received. She was said to be timid and docile, but Lennox didn't think so. She had an imposing and assertive manner at such a young age.
A timid and docile young lady? His people must be talking nonsense! A person like that wouldn't dare smack him in his face on their first meeting! He hadn't met any woman with this level of arrogance before.
Tendrils of steam from her hot tea swirled before Adrienne's face, making it hard for Lennox to continue discerning her. When others heard that he was Lennox Qin, most would either cower in fear or try to earn his favor, but not her.
In any case, this young lady was about to become his wife with the clarity that they were only using each other to their advantage. Still, there was no denying that Adrienne Jiang was resentful and angry toward the Jiang family. This only meant that the Jiang family was already on his bad side even before they knew it.
How unfortunate. Lennox thought. Since Adrienne would become his wife one day, he wouldn't allow anyone, not even her family, to bully her. It would reflect poorly on his reputation if he allowed anyone to harm her.
"What made you agree so easily, though?" Adrienne turned her gaze on him, trying to see past his calm facade. "Don't you have someone special in your life?"
Lennox smiled, seeing that she was paying more attention to him and not chasing him away. There was a hint of curiosity in her eyes, as if she was seeing him for the first time. Thinking about it, they did meet under unfavorable circumstances.
"Miss Jiang doesn't need to worry over trivial matters. I'm currently not involved with anyone. The woman my grandfather set up for me to marry had already married my cousin as soon as the news of the accident spread. I do not doubt that her family was trying to cut their losses by marrying her off to Jake instead."
The slight widening of her eyes told Lennox that she was surprised. He expected her to show sympathy or pity, but there was none. Adrienne looked as if she was someone who couldn't be bothered by it.
"She informed you of this?" Adrienne asked impassively instead.
He lowered his long lashes, hiding the emotion reflected in his eyes. Though he was dressed poorly in a hospital gown and his arms and limbs were covered with bandages, they couldn't conceal his cold temperament or his innate grace and elegance.
"No, but it seems she was alright with the sudden change of plans. I haven't received a single word from her. It's alright, though, because there was no love between us. I know too well that an ambitious woman like her wouldn't settle with someone in this bad condition."
Adrienne's gaze turned chilly. "Then how should I deal with her in the future? What if she comes after me?"
If Lennox Qin had some reservations about his ex-fiancée, then Adrienne wouldn't have any choice but to avoid that woman. There was no way that woman would treat her amicably in the future.
Lennox's pupils abruptly contracted as his expression turned rigid. His hands seemed to have unconsciously tightened, but relaxed once he met her gaze. Seeing Adrienne's confident gaze made him forget the turmoil in his heart.
"Do as you please, as long as my wife isn't trampled on or treated like an idiot. If anyone dares to cause you trouble, you should return it with a hundred – no, a thousand-fold!"
The corner of Adrienne's lips curled up. Her smile became increasingly abstruse for Lennox to understand what she was thinking. He thought that it was really hard to predict a woman's heart. A young lady like Adrienne Jiang was like a thorny rose that could only be admired and not to be touched. If someone dares to pluck her out of the desire to possess her, she will wilt, and this person will be forever undone.
"Is that so? Then I should live up to your expectations then." She chuckled, then her expression slightly fell. "How's your recovery going? Is there a chance you'll be able to walk again someday?"
Lennox let out a small smile. "My legs were indeed broken during the accident. The doctor said it would heal in time, but the pressing matter is my lower spine. My ability to walk again currently depends on whether they could fix it through surgery or not."
After an unknown period, Lennox finally bid goodbye and left Adrienne alone with her mother. He also left the files Gavin had given her earlier, thinking they might be useful to her later. He wasn't expecting Adrienne to deliver and finish the task easily, yet he was curious to know how she plans to accomplish them.
Adrienne glanced at her mother and sighed. She moved closer to the bed and took her mother's hand. Because she was against the light, it would be hard for anyone to see the complex emotions in her eyes.
"Mom, don't worry. I will be more careful this time. I won't allow anyone to hurt us again, not even Father."
Perhaps it was fortunate that Rosemary Zhao was in a coma because she would surely be broken if she saw how her once innocent daughter had changed.
Hadiah
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