บท 43: Chapter 43: Stirring the Waters

The soft hum of classical music filled the elegant café where Joi waited. She looked out the window, her thoughts drifting. When Shane arrived, his easy smile broke her reverie. He carried himself with his usual charm, exuding confidence and a touch of mischief.

"Am I late?" he asked, pulling out the chair opposite her.

"Not at all," Joi replied, smiling warmly. It was the first time she had genuinely smiled in days, and Shane noticed.

They chatted easily, their conversation flowing like they had known each other forever. Shane's voice was smooth, his words calculated but not overbearing. Joi felt lighter, almost forgetting the storm brewing in her life.

Unbeknownst to them, Adrian's sleek black car was parked across the street. He leaned against the driver's door, his icy stare locked on the two inside. His fists clenched as he watched Shane reach across the table, brushing Joi's hand slightly while making her laugh. Adrian couldn't hear their words, but Joi's expression—a mix of joy and ease—stung him deeply.

Back at the penthouse, Sophia found Adrian storming into the living room. His usual calm was fraying at the edges. She'd been waiting for this opportunity.

"Adrian, are you okay?" Sophia asked sweetly, standing to approach him.

"Fine," he snapped, but his tone betrayed him.

Sophia's expression softened as she placed a hand on his arm. "If there's anything you need... I'm always here for you. You know that, don't you?"

Adrian pulled away sharply, but Sophia's persistence never faltered. She stepped closer, tilting her head just enough to seem vulnerable. "You've been under so much stress lately. Let me help lighten your burden."

Adrian's gaze darkened. "Don't meddle, Sophia."

Her lips curled into a small smile as she backed off, retreating to the couch where Isabella sat playing. "I'm just trying to help," she murmured, loud enough for him to hear.

When Joi returned later, the tension was palpable. Adrian sat in the dimly lit living room, his posture rigid as he pretended to scroll through his phone. The moment Joi entered, he looked up.

"You've been smiling a lot lately," he said coolly, his voice laced with an edge she couldn't miss.

Joi paused, surprised by his comment. "Is that a problem?"

Adrian didn't answer, instead rising to his feet and walking toward her. The air between them felt thick, charged with unspoken emotions. Before Joi could say anything else, he brushed past her, disappearing down the hall without another word.

Sophia, who had been quietly observing from the shadows, smiled to herself. She had seen the way Adrian's cold mask slipped, the way his jealousy simmered just beneath the surface. All she needed to do was fan the flames.

---

Sophia watched Adrian with measured patience, observing the rare flickers of emotion that danced across his usually impenetrable features. He stood by the expansive windows of the penthouse, the city lights reflecting off the glass as his hand gripped a glass of bourbon. There was an air of restlessness about him—a tension that Sophia intended to exploit.

"Adrian," Sophia began softly, her voice laced with a practiced vulnerability. She stepped closer, the silk of her dress whispering with each step. "You seem distracted. Is everything alright?"

Adrian didn't turn to face her. "Everything's fine."

But Sophia knew better. She could sense the subtle undercurrent of irritation—a brewing storm that needed only the right nudge. And she was more than willing to provide it.

"You've been working so hard," she continued, her tone sweet but calculated. "Maybe you need someone to help ease your burdens. Someone who understands you." She reached out to place a hand on his arm, but Adrian moved away, his rejection swift and cold.

"I don't need your help," he said flatly, his gaze still fixed on the city.

Sophia's smile tightened, but she quickly masked her frustration. She wouldn't let him slip away so easily—not when she had come this far.

Meanwhile, in another part of the penthouse, Joi was in the middle of a heated conversation with Shane.

"I really appreciate everything, Shane," Joi said, her voice soft but warm. She leaned against the edge of the bed, a rare smile lighting up her face. "Talking to you has been... comforting."

On the other end of the line, Shane's deep chuckle resonated. "Anything for you, Joi. I told you before—I'll always be here. You just have to say the word, and I'll come running."

Joi laughed lightly, the sound genuine and unguarded. "You're too much, Shane. But thank you."

Adrian, who had left Sophia in the living room and wandered into the hallway, paused when he heard Joi's voice. His jaw tightened as he caught fragments of her conversation. The warmth in her tone, the softness she reserved for this mysterious caller—it ignited something in him that he couldn't quite name.

When Joi finally ended the call, Adrian appeared in the doorway. His presence was sudden and overwhelming, his cold gaze pinning her in place.

"You've been smiling a lot lately," he said, his tone deceptively calm but laced with an edge that made Joi's stomach twist.

Joi blinked, caught off guard. "Is that a problem?"

Adrian stepped closer, his towering figure casting a shadow over her. "Depends. Who were you talking to?"

Joi frowned, bristling at his audacity. "That's none of your business."

Adrian's eyes darkened, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "Everything about you is my business," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

Joi refused to back down, her chin lifting defiantly. "Not anymore. The contract doesn't give you control over who I talk to."

The mention of the contract was like a slap, and Adrian's expression hardened. Without another word, he turned and walked away, his retreat as abrupt as his arrival.

Left alone, Joi exhaled shakily, her heart pounding. She didn't understand why Adrian's reaction affected her so deeply, but she pushed the thought aside. She couldn't afford to dwell on him—not when she was determined to take back control of her life.

Back in the living room, Sophia intercepted Adrian, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Trouble in paradise?" she asked lightly, though her interest was anything but casual.

Adrian ignored her, his mood souring further. But Sophia wasn't deterred. She saw an opportunity, and she wasn't about to let it slip through her fingers.

"She's lucky to have someone like you," Sophia mused, her voice dripping with faux sincerity. "You've been so patient with her, so understanding. Not many men would do the same."

Adrian's gaze snapped to her, his irritation evident. "Don't talk about things you don't understand."

Sophia held up her hands in mock surrender, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Of course. I wouldn't dream of interfering."

But she already had a plan forming in her mind—one that would drive an even deeper wedge between Adrian and Joi. All she needed was the right moment to strike.