Adrian Jennings’s face was stern as he replied, "We broke up a long time ago. Now he’s just an ex-boyfriend."
"You don’t mind?" Ryan Quinn asked again.
"Everyone has a past." Adrian played his card with a calm demeanor, giving a cool glance, "Haven’t you ever been in a relationship?"
Ryan touched his nose and said, "Of course I have. It’s not like you haven’t had one. She was your first love, but you weren’t hers. You really don’t mind?"
"I don’t mind." The deep black in Adrian’s eyes was full of tenderness, "As long as I can be with her, I’m thankful."
"Tsk tsk," Andrew Donovan laughed, "Such a romantic."
After the game was over, Adrian looked at his watch and stood up, "It’s about time, let’s go."
Today, Adrian had prepared a welcome banquet for Talia Rhodes.
Beneath the dazzling neon lights, a blue Bentley slowly stopped in front of the most luxurious five-star hotel in Oakhaven.
The evening breeze lightly brushed by, bringing a hint of coolness.
Talia opened the car door and stepped out.
"Talia, over here!" Winter Donovan stood at the hotel entrance, waving cheerfully to Talia Rhodes.
As she spoke, she quickly walked forward.
Following her was Talia’s other close friend, Yvonne Coleman.
"Winter, Yvonne, you made it." Talia approached them with a smile, stepping briskly in her lambskin high-heeled shoes.
"Finally decided to come back, huh?" Yvonne playfully pretended to be upset, pouting at her, "I thought you had forgotten about us."
Talia’s eyes crinkled with a smile, "I came back because I missed you. What, not welcome?"
"Hmph, always with the sweet talk."
Winter lovingly linked arms with Talia, her eyes curved with her smile, "Yvonne talks about you every day. She’d be the first to welcome you back."
Her two close friends—one is quiet, well-mannered, and knowledgeable; the other is lively, quirky, and outgoing.
Winter continued, "You’re getting engaged to Adrian, that’s wonderful."
Yvonne glanced at Talia with some concern, "Talia, are you doing this willingly?"
Talia playfully flicked Yvonne’s forehead, "What are you thinking? If I didn’t want to, who could force me?"
These two friends knew Talia had a boyfriend back in Mirehaven, but she hadn’t introduced him to them yet.
Over the past three years, Talia occasionally shared bits about her relationship, but she’d never mentioned the breakup to them.
Winter asked, "So you broke up with Ethan Grant?"
"Yeah, I blocked him on all platforms directly. He should get the message."
Yvonne tilted her head and asked Talia, "What made you suddenly decide?"
A trace of sarcasm flashed in Talia’s eyes, "He saw me as a substitute."
"What?" Yvonne was shocked, "That jerk, who does he think he is? Our Talia is so great, he’s just blind as a bat!"
Winter was also furious, "Good riddance! He’s not worthy of you!"
Talia’s eyes, clear as autumn water, showed no emotion, "It’s all in the past, let’s not mention it. Let’s go up, Adrian and the others are waiting."
They entered the hotel.
The manager personally came to guide them, "Miss Rhodes, Miss Donovan, Miss Coleman, please follow me."
The three followed the manager to a private room at the Chinese restaurant on the fourth floor.
The manager bowed to open the door for them, "Please, come in."
Early October in Oakhaven was already starting to cool down.
The weather was a bit chilly, and Talia wore a creamy white thin trench coat over a light-colored shirt, paired with mid-height lambskin high-heeled shoes. Her wavy hair fell casually over her shoulders, giving her a cool, intellectual look with a touch of mature charm.
"Talia, there you are." Ryan was the first to greet her, "Haven’t seen you in three years; you’ve gotten much prettier, little sis."
Yvonne rolled her eyes, "Bro, can you be less cheesy?"
Ryan clicked his tongue, feigning discontent, "How is that cheesy? It’s high emotional intelligence social skills."
"Boring." Yvonne grabbed Talia’s arm, pulling her inside, "Talia, let’s go. Ignore him."
Winter obediently went to sit next to Andrew, "Brother."
"Hmm," Andrew nodded slightly.
Talia sat down next to Adrian, "Adrian, sorry to keep you waiting."
Adrian’s voice was gentle, "Not at all, we just got here."
With that, his gaze shifted to the girl beside him, "Why aren’t you saying hello?"
His tone carried a subtle reproach.
The addressed girl pouted reluctantly, "Hello, Miss Rhodes."
Adrian’s cold gaze swept over her, his brow furrowed.
"Who might this be?" Talia tilted her head slightly, her almond eyes questioning.
Adrian’s voice was cool, "This is my sister, Selina Hughes."
Oh, so this was the Jennings Family’s adopted daughter, Selina Hughes.
Talia had heard of her, but this was the first time they were meeting.
The Jennings Family’s adopted daughter had not been living in the old mansion and was sent abroad for studies a few years ago. It wasn’t clear when she returned.
"Selina, Talia is my future wife, your sister-in-law. Is this how you greet her?"
A cold glint flashed in Adrian’s eyes, his voice low and commanding, "Who taught you this?" Fresh chapters posted on n0velfire.net
"Sorry, brother." Selina immediately apologized.
"Who should you be apologizing to?" Adrian slightly narrowed his eyes, the surrounding air pressure dropped several degrees.
"Sister-in-law, I’m sorry." Selina turned to apologize to Talia, with what seemed to be genuine sincerity.
"It’s fine, we’re all family, no need to be so formal." Talia waved it off, an awkward look briefly crossing her face.
How did their first meeting end up so unpleasant?
They would be family anyway.
Her eyes, as gentle as a stream, turned to Adrian, "Adrian, don’t be so harsh."
Almost instantly, the coldness in Adrian’s eyes faded away.
He smiled softly at Talia, "Alright."
Selina watched the whole interaction.
Underneath the table, she clenched her hands into tight fists.
"Why does Miss Hughes look so sour?" Yvonne said pointedly, "Should I call someone to take you to the hospital?"
Selina composed herself, replying coldly, "No need."
Yvonne rolled her eyes and scoffed, muttering under her breath, "What an act."
Although she hadn’t interacted with Selina before, her instincts told her that Selina was no pushover.
The animosity from Selina towards Talia was evident.
Yvonne whispered quietly about Selina, so others couldn’t hear, but sitting right next to her, Ryan could hear everything clearly.
He lightly pinched Yvonne’s arm under the table, "Come on, don’t be like that. After all, Selina is Adrian’s sister. Show a little respect."
Yvonne winced, sharply turned and glared at Ryan, retaliating by pinching the flesh of his arm hard, eager to settle the score on the spot.
"Try pinching again," Yvonne gritted her teeth, eyes fierce.
Ryan howled in pain, "Okay, okay, I get it, let go, it hurts."
Just then, someone pushed the door open, "Sorry I’m late, traffic was terrible."