Secretly Married for 4 Years, He Regrets to Tears After the Divorce-Chapter 20: Staying Out All Night

Adrian Lancaster conceded, and the knot of tension in Wren’s chest finally loosened. A smile spread across her face at the thought that her best friend would avoid jail time. Her spirits lifted immensely.

"As long as you drop the case, I’ll keep my end of the bargain. And I’m a woman of my word—I’ll cover Maya Marshall’s hospital bills. Just send me the account number."

Adrian turned to look at her. "You don’t know my account number?"

"I want Maya Marshall’s account."

"She doesn’t need the money."

The realization dawned on Wren, and a pang of pain shot through her heart. "That’s right," she said sarcastically. "President Lancaster is so magnanimous. He’d never let his darling suffer, no matter who else has to."

Adrian’s gaze darkened, his eyes fixed on her as if she were prey. "Jealous?"

Wren found the idea laughable. "I’m not that petty."

Even if she was jealous, he wouldn’t care. He’d probably just call her envious and ungrateful.

"If you don’t give it to me, I’ll go ask her myself."

Adrian frowned. "There’s no need to be so stubborn about this."

"There is."

Adrian was speechless. After all this back and forth, isn’t it all his money anyway?

"Adults need to take responsibility for their mistakes. It’s wrong to hit someone, so paying their medical bills is the right thing to do."

What Wren was implying was that while Isla was wrong to hit someone, Maya Marshall had it coming.

Adrian said nothing, searching through his phone for Maya Marshall’s account number with a burgeoning headache.

Women are so much trouble.

Wren waited patiently. A few minutes later, she received the account number. "Since everything’s settled, I won’t bother you any longer. I’m going to the police station to pick her up." With that, she opened the car door to get out.

Adrian stopped her. "Wait."

Wren turned back, watching him in silence.

"Is there nothing else you want to say to me?"

Wren thought for a moment, then offered a fake smile. "Thank you ever so much, President Lancaster, for being so merciful."

Adrian’s frown deepened. "That’s not what I want to hear."

Wren put on an innocent expression. "I’m sorry, but aside from that, I can’t think of anything else to say to you." With that, she got out of the car swiftly, slamming the door shut with a bang.

Adrian watched her back as she walked away without a single glance back and took a hard drag from his cigarette.

...

Isla Griffith was cooperating with the police and giving her statement. Her attitude was reasonably composed. The incident wasn’t complicated, and she gave a mostly objective account of what happened.

"Maya Marshall fought back, too, she just couldn’t win against me. Check the security footage if you don’t believe me.

"Her values are all wrong, and her character is deplorable. She knew he was taken and still acted as a homewrecker. I didn’t hit her out of some premeditated revenge; I was punishing evil and upholding justice."

The officer knocked on the table. "Let’s not get sidetracked. Just answer my question: who threw the first punch?"

Isla Griffith was one to own up to her actions. "I did."

They’d find out everything once they checked the surveillance footage anyway. There’s no point in lying.

The words had barely left her lips when the door to the interrogation room opened. Someone came in and whispered something to the officer taking her statement.

The officer nodded and glanced at Isla Griffith. "Isla Griffith, you’re free to go."

Isla was surprised it was over so quickly. Without asking any questions, she stood up, said thank you, and left in a hurry.

Wren was waiting patiently at the main entrance. About ten minutes later, she saw Isla walking out. She rushed to meet her, and the two shared a hug.

Before Wren could say a word, Isla asked worriedly, "How did you convince Adrian Lancaster to change his mind? Did he give you a hard time?"

Wren forced a relaxed smile. She had deliberately touched up her makeup on the way over, so she looked just as radiant as when she’d first left the house. There was no trace of the ordeal she’d just been through.

"Don’t worry, nobody gave me any trouble. I just threatened him with the Lancaster Group’s interests and Maya Marshall’s reputation, and he folded."

She leaned close to Isla’s ear and whispered, "The Lancaster Group is busy expanding its overseas market right now..."

She explained the situation in a few concise sentences.

Isla nodded after hearing the explanation, not doubting her friend for a second. "I see."

The words were barely out of her mouth when her agent called. She had to attend a business gala that evening, and her agent specifically mentioned that major investors and many A-list directors would be there, so she needed to be well-prepared.

Isla glanced at the time and instantly panicked.

"They’re only telling me now? How am I supposed to get ready in time?"

For a gala, the look is everything. The gown, accessories, makeup, and hairstyle all had to be meticulously planned, and that took a lot of time.

Her agent hung up, not waiting to hear her complain.

Isla looked utterly dejected.

Wren tried to console her while brainstorming a plan. "Don’t worry. We’ll divide and conquer. You go to the salon for your hair and makeup, and I’ll sort out the gown and accessories. Then I’ll come pick you up. We’ll definitely make it in time."

Isla didn’t object. "I guess that’s the only option."

Once they were in the car, Isla handed her house key to Wren.

"Auntie Faye isn’t home today. There’s a ’Fiery Rose’ gown in my closet—I’ll wear that tonight. I’ll send you a picture of it in a second. As for accessories... the brand only sent the gown last week, and I haven’t figured out the best jewelry to pair with it."

Just thinking about it gave her a headache.

As Wren drove, an idea suddenly sparked in her mind: the blue diamond necklace. "A red gown with a blue diamond necklace would be absolutely stunning."

Isla Griffith closed her eyes, picturing it. "That would be gorgeous, but I don’t have a blue diamond necklace."

"I do. The one I showed you this morning at my place—the upgraded Heart of the Ocean. If you wear that tonight, you’ll be the star of the show."

Isla waved her hands dismissively. "No, absolutely not. That necklace is far too valuable."

"No matter how valuable it is, it’s still just a necklace. People are more important. It’s settled."

"But..."

"You can’t refuse if you’re truly my best friend. If you do, I’ll actually get mad."

Isla had no choice but to accept, moved beyond words by her friend’s generosity.

...

Night fell, and the sky was dotted with stars.

Wren dropped Isla off at the entrance to the gala right on time. "I see your agent over there. He must be waiting for you. Call me anytime if you need a ride when the gala’s over."

"Okay."

Isla got out of the car, and they waved goodbye to each other.

Just as Wren’s car pulled away, a black Bentley took its place. The chauffeur respectfully opened the rear door.

"President Sterling, we’ve arrived."

Sean Sterling stepped out of the car. He was impeccably dressed in a suit, exuding an air of mature composure. His every movement radiated a distinguished and elegant charm.

His eyes were immediately drawn to a dazzling, flame-red figure up ahead. The woman was tall and graceful, with a captivatingly sexy silhouette from behind.

Sean Sterling couldn’t help but look a few more times. She seemed familiar, as if he’d seen her somewhere before, but he couldn’t quite place her.

"President Sterling, you’ve arrived. Please, come in." The event organizer personally came to greet Sean Sterling.

Sean Sterling pulled his thoughts back, acting as though he hadn’t seen a thing, and walked into the grand hall with steady steps.

...

On the drive home, Wren enjoyed the cool evening breeze. She had no intention of returning to their marital villa tonight. Instead, she drove straight to Amberwood Estates.

Exhausted from the long day, Wren walked in, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed onto the sofa, too drained to move. She curled up, hugging a throw pillow, and closed her eyes to rest.

She quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Pale moonlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in a soft glow.

The sudden ringing of a cell phone shattered the tranquility, sounding utterly out of place.

Startled awake, Wren was groggy and annoyed. Not even wanting to open her eyes, she reluctantly answered the phone, her tone sharp.

"Who is this? Have you no consideration? Calling someone this late at night—are you trying to keep people from sleeping? Can’t it wait until morning!"

Adrian’s face tightened, his irritation palpable. She doesn’t even know it’s him!

"You’ve got some nerve getting angry with me. I haven’t even questioned you yet. Where are you? Why aren’t you home?"