Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 463: You’ve Ruined Me (1)
Adrienne woke up to the sound of the rain outside her window. It had been a month since she left the home she shared with Lennox and stayed with the Zhao family. She missed Lennox, but she knew leaving was the right decision. It gave them time to reflect on their relationship and determine their desires. Now, as she looked out of her window, she felt a sense of peace and clarity.
She sat on the bed and wrapped her arms around her legs as she watched the droplets of rain slide down the windowpane. Adrienne wondered if Lennox had learned his lesson and was willing to let her father off the hook.
Adrienne glanced at the clock on her bedside table and saw it was only five in the morning. With how hard the rain was falling outside, she knew it would be a long and dreary day. She sighed and reluctantly got out of bed, knowing she had no choice but to start her day.
Adrienne took a shower and dressed, trying to shake off the tiredness from the previous day. As she looked out the window, she saw dark clouds covering the sky, and raindrops continued to fall, which only meant that she and her mother did not need to tend to the garden for that day.
Adrienne went downstairs to find her mother in the kitchen, brewing a fresh pot of coffee. They exchanged knowing glances while acknowledging in silence that the relentless rain had derailed their plans for the day.
Adrienne’s mother poured her a cup of coffee, the warm aroma filling the kitchen and providing a comforting start to their unexpected day indoors. They decided to make the most of it by planning a cozy day of indoor activities, like baking cookies and catching up on their favorite TV shows.
"The school announced the suspension of classes for today. You can allow Noah and Scarlett to sleep in and enjoy their day off." Rosemary informed her daughter. "They deserve a break from their usual routine and some time to relax."
"I should let Lennox know we can’t make it to meet him today," Adrienne replied. Her husband always visits her and his siblings, but they need a break today. She also didn’t think it would be fair for Lennox to cancel at the last minute.
Adrienne reached for her phone and quickly sent Lennox a message, explaining the situation and apologizing for the change in plans. She hoped he would understand and suggest an alternative for their meeting. Waiting for his response, she joined her mother in the cozy living room, where a crackling fire danced in the fireplace.
Much to Adrienne’s surprise, Leigh suddenly arrived and announced Lennox’s arrival. Adrienne hadn’t expected that her husband would come to see her instead.
She rushed to the door, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Opening it, she was met with Lennox’s familiar face, his dark hair slicked back from the rain and his eyes filled with determination.
"Len," Adrienne breathed, not quite sure what to say. She hadn’t anticipated seeing him so soon, especially after canceling their plans. "I thought we had agreed not to meet today."
Lennox took a step closer, his voice sincere yet tinged with regret.
"I know we did, but I have something important to discuss with you, Addie." He paused as if he were considering his next words. "It’s about Alistair Han."
Adrienne’s expression hardened. She glanced around, ensuring no one was within earshot. She led her husband to her uncle’s study, where they could speak privately.
"What is it about?’ She asked as soon as she closed the door behind her.
Adrienne looked at Lennox and noticed the harshness of his features. Her husband rarely made such an expression unless something serious was at stake. She braced herself, ready to hear whatever he had to say.
Lennox took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Adrienne’s, as he began to speak.
"I heard the news from a reliable source, Addie. Alistair wanted to have a meeting with you. He was planning to make you leave me to save Huayi."
"Huayi?" Adrienne raised a brow. She felt a chill run down her spine. She knew that Alistair hadn’t completely given up on her.
"Is he blackmailing you and Gavin?" She asked worriedly.
"No, no, but he was trying to sabotage our projects. I also heard he’s keeping tabs on your mother’s businesses and meetings. I’m afraid he’s going after you soon, Addie." Lennox touched her arm gently, his concern evident in his touch. Adrienne’s mind raced with a hint of fear and anger at Alistair’s audacity.
"I can’t believe he would stoop so low," Adrienne muttered, her voice trembling. She had always known that Alistair was capable of manipulation, but to go after her family and their businesses was a whole new level of depravity.
Lennox nodded solemnly, his grip tightening on her arm.
"I’ve been doing some digging, Addie. There’s more to this than meets the eye. Alistair has been involved in some shady dealings behind our backs.
Adrienne’s eyes widened with shock.
"What kind of dealings?"
Lennox hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"I’m not sure yet, but it has something to do with the recent financial troubles Huayi has been facing. It’s as if someone has been intentionally sabotaging us from within."
Adrienne’s heart sank at the thought. Huayi was not just a business; it was a company Lennox and Gavin had from the ground up, pouring their hearts and souls into making it successful. To think that Huayi was being threatened because of her was infuriating. She clenched her fist, anger coursing through her veins.
"We need to stop him," Adrienne said, her voice filled with determination. "We can’t let him destroy everything we’ve worked so hard for."
Lennox nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the fire that burned within her. "I won’t let him harm you or our family, Addie. We’ll find a way to stop this madness, but in the meantime, be careful."
He stared at her momentarily and said, "I wish you would come home with me, but if you aren’t ready to forgive me, I won’t force you into anything. Just promise me you’ll take precautions and stay safe."
Adrienne’s heart wavered as she looked into Lennox’s eyes, seeing both his love for her and his guilt for the mistakes he had made. She knew deep down that he was genuine in his concern and willingness to protect her. While forgiveness wouldn’t come easily, she couldn’t deny the need to protect him and their family against Alistair.
"I promise," she finally replied, touching Lennox’s hand. "I’ll be careful and won’t let him harm our family or Huayi. But we need to be cautious and strategic in our approach. I’ll ask for help to prepare our things so we can return home soon. I don’t want you to worry too much about me, Len."
Lennox squeezed her hand, relief evident in his expression.
"Thank you, Addie. Alistair didn’t have anything to use to threaten you for now besides those close to you. It would be better, too, if Myrtle doesn’t go outside on her own. We don’t know what Alistair might do to get your attention." Lennox added. "Alistair might bluff and trick you into thinking he has something that could hurt me and Huayi, but I promise you, Addie, Gavin, Kristoff, and I are working hard to stop him."
Adrienne hummed, understanding her husband’s point, but she couldn’t help but wonder why Alistair was making a move now. Did he perhaps think she and Lennox had broken up and wanted to take advantage of the situation? Or was there something else at play?
As Adrienne returned to her mother in the living room, her mind raced about protecting her family. She thought of her brother, Hunter. He had always been level-headed and resourceful. With his analytical mindset, he would be the perfect person to assist in unraveling the mysteries surrounding Huayi’s financial troubles and Alistair’s involvement.
Lennox greeted his mother-in-law, allowing Adrienne time to figure things out as she sat on the couch while her husband conversed with her mother.
Rosemary noticed the furrowed brow on her daughter’s face.
"Everything alright, dear?" she asked with concern etched in her features.
Adrienne smiled and nodded, not wanting to make her mother worry about her. It was her that Alistair wanted, and she could not allow him to use her loved ones to threaten her.
"Yes, Mom. I agree to return home with Lennox. We just need to wait until the rain stops so we can start preparing for our departure." She answered.
Rosemary sighed with relief, her worry easing slightly.
"Thank goodness, darling. " She reached out to gently squeeze Adrienne’s hand. "But remember, our home is always open for you."
As the rain began to taper off outside, Adrienne knew it was time to take action. She excused herself from the conversation between Lennox and Rosemary and went to her bedroom, where she had left her phone on the table.
Her hands trembled slightly as she dialed her brother’s number. He picked up after a few rings, and his voice came through the receiver, filled with warmth and concern.
"Hey Addie, is everything okay?"
Adrienne took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before responding.
"Hunter, we need your help. I need you to do something for me."
