Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law-Chapter 123: Assistant

"Happy birthday, Grandfather. I hope you have a wonderful year ahead."

Robert Collins was just about to turn away when Melanie's voice made him pause. His sharp eyes flickered toward his grandson and his wife as they walked up to him. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face.

Ahh. The VIPs of the evening had arrived.

"Melanie, Adam," he greeted warmly. "How kind of you to join us." With an easy movement, he shifted his arm slightly, bringing the woman beside him closer as he watched the couple. His eyes gleamed with amusement as he noticed the way Adam's jaw tightened when Saira stood by his side. Ahh. His sweet grandson, still hung up on the past.

"I trust you're both enjoying the evening?" he asked casually. But there was something in his voice that made Melanie stiffen. From the moment Adam told her that the woman with Robert Collins was his ex girlfriend, she had been trying to speculate about whatever had happened. And what he might be upto now.

Saira placed a light hand on Robert's arm and steadied herself as she stared at him. Even though it was a small, meaningless touch, it spoke of familiarity. And Melanie, who was standing there, with Adam close at her side, knew that Adam saw it.

Of course, he did.

His jaw clenched for a brief moment—so quick that most people would have missed it, if said most people had not been staring at him. So, Robert Collins noticed.

And Melanie did too.

She glanced at Adam, waiting for him to say something in answer to Robert Collins' question but he stayed silent. She nudged him lightly with her elbow before turning back to Robert with a smile. "Of course. It's a beautiful party. Everything looks perfect. In accordance with your theme of celebrating life."

Robert's smile grew. "It does! You really caught it well. But, well, I can't take all the credit," he said, turning slightly toward Saira. "This entire evening is the work of Saira Vaughn—my assistant and, of course, my partner for the night." He paused, letting the words sink in before adding, "She always does her best to keep me happy and... satisfied."

Melanie barely kept herself from rolling her eyes. Ugh. Robert Collins really had no shame. First, parading Adam's ex-girlfriend in front of him. And now... this? One would be have to be a fool for missing the inflection in his voice when he said 'satisfied'.

But she didn't let any of it show on her face. Instead, she turned to Saira with a polite smile on her face and marvelled that at least the woman kept her composure and seemed to have no expression on her face.

Saira returned the smile, tand tilted her head slightly. "Thank you," she said smoothly. "I do my best to make every event... memorable."

Her eyes flicked to Adam for just a second.

But it was enough.

Melanie noticed.

Hmm.

Before the silence could stretch too long, a waiter approached with a tray of champagne flutes. The golden liquid bubbled under the soft glow of the chandeliers.

Saira turned, gesturing toward the tray. "Oh, do have a drink," she said lightly. "A celebration wouldn't be complete without a toast."

Melanie reached first, picking up a glass. She raised it slightly and smiled at Robert. "To Grandfather—may this year bring you everything you deserve."

Robert chuckled, clearly entertained. "Ah, my dear, I certainly hope so."

Adam, who had yet to speak a word, reached for a glass. And so did Saira. Their hands brushed.

Just a brief touch. A small, meaningless accident. But it wasn't.

For the tiniest second, Saira's fingers lingered against the back of Adam's hand. A soft press. Barely noticeable to others. Adam didn't pull away immediately.

And yet Melanie, standing right beside him, felt him stiffen.

Her grip tightened around her champagne glass because she had not missed the little 'accident'.

Saira withdrew her hand as if nothing had happened, curled her fingers around her own glass and sent a challenging look her way which Melanie ignored.

Melanie turned to look at Robert, wondering what his reaction would be but he seemed to be distracted by another person who had come to wish him, before excusing himself and walking away.

Melanie watched them go and her eyes narrowed slightly as Saira leaned in to say something to Robert. Whatever it was, it made the older man chuckle as they walked away. As the two merged into the other well-dressed guests, Adam remained motionless.

Still staring at their retreating figures.

Melanie sighed, glancing at him. His expression was unreadable, but she had spent enough time with him to recognize the signs—the tightness around his mouth, the way his fingers curled slightly against the champagne glass. The man was not happy. In fact, he was angry.

She frowned, feeling uneasy. She could already guess that this woman was the reason for his attitude these past few days, but even from her point of view, Robert's only purpose to bring back this Saira Vaugn had to be to break up their marriage. So, why was Adam not wary of that?

Was he so in love with her that he would forget everything? She narrowed her eyes. She would not let Adam play into Robert's trap so easily. She needed to keep this woman at bay... at least for the next three years.

She turned to him and almost jolted as she realized that he was looking at her now. Without blinking.

She raised her eyebrows at him and exhaled softly," So, are you going to tell me the full story?"

His lips twitched, but it wasn't quite a smile. It was more of a grimace.

"It's too long a story," he said. His voice was calm, but there was something underneath. Something unresolved. "So, maybe some other time."

She stared at him. She could push him to answer. She knew it that if she refused to take his non answer as just that, he would provide an explanation. But she didn't. Instead she simply gave him a reminder," Just be careful.

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