Chapter 342: A Look Signaling Him Not to Tell the Truth
A breeze drifted in through the window, carrying the scent of grass, trees, and sweet osmanthus.
Adrian Lancaster’s kiss had started out gentle, almost cautious, as if afraid of startling Wren Sutton.
But the moment their lips touched, the soft sensation mixed with the faint warmth radiating from her body, and the restraint he had been struggling to maintain instantly shattered.
Adrian Lancaster’s palm cupped the small of Wren Sutton’s back, pulling her into his embrace with a force that held an undeniable possessiveness.
The kiss deepened little by little, transforming from a gentle touch into a deep, breathless kiss—domineering and passionate.
Their breaths mingled, hot and chaotic.
"Darling, I love you. Please, don’t ever leave me."
Adrian Lancaster was overcome with emotion, his kiss turning fierce and deeply possessive.
Yet he didn’t forget to be gentle and considerate, unwilling to hurt her.
"..." Wren Sutton had been lost in thoughts of her family, never expecting Adrian Lancaster to suddenly kiss her.
She was stunned, even forgetting to resist. Her hands, which had been resting against his chest, suddenly clenched.
Wren Sutton didn’t push Adrian Lancaster away. All the anxiety, longing, and reliance deep in her heart surged forth with this kiss.
She didn’t know how to describe what she was feeling at that moment.
For the past two days, Adrian Lancaster had spared no effort in the search for Isla Griffith’s whereabouts. He had tirelessly accompanied her to Avenia and arranged everything.
’Perhaps... this kiss could be considered his reward...’
Wren Sutton slowly closed her eyes, leaning completely into Adrian Lancaster’s embrace.
The air grew hotter, and the sound of their heartbeats pounded heavily enough to shatter the silence.
Adrian Lancaster’s palm, scorching hot, gently stroked Wren Sutton’s back.
Wren Sutton’s eyelashes trembled, and the corners of her eyes grew moist and red.
Everything around them blurred—the old furniture, the sunlight, the scent of osmanthus—all faded into the background, leaving only each other’s body heat and uncontrolled breathing.
Just as reason was about to be swallowed by desire, on the verge of sinking completely...
At that most intense moment, a cell phone rang abruptly, shattering their intimate entanglement.
Adrian Lancaster’s brows furrowed tightly. He reluctantly pulled out his phone, his face a mask of annoyance and frustration at having a good moment ruined.
’Why is it so hard to have an intimate moment with my wife! We get interrupted every single time we get to the good part.’
’Let’s see which tactless idiot is calling at a time like this.’
Adrian Lancaster answered the phone, his voice cold and hostile. "What is it!"
The driver cautiously reported, "Young Master, I personally saw Ms. Griffith enter the clinic in the next town."
"As per your instructions, I didn’t dare get too close. I just parked at a distance to observe."
Adrian Lancaster grunted noncommittally. "Protect her discreetly. Don’t lose her."
"Yes, sir."
Leaning in Adrian Lancaster’s arms, Wren Sutton heard every word the driver said.
Hearing that Isla Griffith had gone to a clinic, she knew Isla’s body must have reached its limit, forcing her to risk stopping for medical help.
A bitter ache and heartache welled up in her, chasing away all traces of intimacy and romance.
Adrian Lancaster hung up. He wanted to continue their intimate moment with Wren Sutton, but he realized the atmosphere was no longer right.
He helplessly suppressed the thought and reverted to his calm, composed demeanor.
"Wren, you heard. The driver said Isla Griffith went to a clinic. A doctor is looking after her. She’s safe for now, so you can rest easy."
Wren Sutton nodded, her mind unsettled.
Adrian Lancaster raised his hand to check the time. "A car will be here to pick us up soon. We should head back to Aston first."
Wren Sutton hesitated, not responding immediately.
’She wanted to stay in Avenia, to be closer to Isla Griffith.’
’But she was also worried about her children back home.’
Adrian Lancaster understood Wren Sutton’s inner conflict. He hugged her and patiently tried to console her.
"Honey, I know you’re worried about Isla Griffith. Our people have been following her discreetly and protecting her. No matter where she goes next, the driver will report back immediately."
"We don’t have to waste time waiting for news here. We can still know where Isla Griffith is at all times even after we go back to Aston."
"There’s another reason. If Owen and Nina don’t see their mom and dad for too long, they’ll cry and fuss. You wouldn’t want to see them upset, right?"
Wren Sutton lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together.
Adrian Lancaster’s reasoning was sound; she couldn’t find any grounds to refute it.
’It was true that staying in Avenia wouldn’t be of much help. She couldn’t stop worrying about the children, and it would just make her more anxious.’
"Trust me, and trust the people we’ve arranged. They will protect Isla Griffith."
His gentle persuasion chipped away at her resolve. After a moment of silence, Wren Sutton finally nodded in agreement.
"Okay."
...
On the way back to Aston, the sky gradually darkened. Dark clouds gathered, and before long, it began to rain.
It started with scattered, fine droplets, but soon turned into a dense curtain of rain, falling harder and harder, drumming against the car windows.
The road and the windows were slick with rain, blurring the view. The driver instinctively slowed down, driving steadily along the highway.
It was quiet inside the car.
Wren Sutton stared blankly at the blurry, rain-streaked scenery outside, her thoughts on Isla Griffith at the clinic.
’I wonder how she is now? With the rain coming down this hard, she probably won’t continue traveling.’
From time to time, Adrian Lancaster would check the messages from the driver on his phone and show them to Wren Sutton, confirming that Isla Griffith was safe and sound to put her mind at ease.
He held Wren Sutton’s hand, comforting her. "I’m guessing Isla Griffith will spend the night at the clinic. She won’t keep traveling."
Wren Sutton nodded. "I hope so, too."
After driving through the wind and rain, the car finally returned safely to Aston, pulling into the villa complex and stopping at their front door.
The rain was still falling. Adrian Lancaster first draped his jacket over Wren Sutton, then got out of the car, took the umbrella from the driver, and held it over her head as he guided her toward the house.
Pushing the door open, they were greeted by soft lights and warm air, which instantly dispelled the damp chill from outside.
The nanny was playing games with Owen and Nina in the living room. Hearing a noise at the door, the two little ones turned their heads in unison.
Seeing their mom and dad, Owen and Nina grew excited at once, waving their little hands and babbling happily.
"Young Master, Young Madam, you’re back."
The maid took the umbrella from Adrian Lancaster and then gave a dutiful report on how the children had been that day.
Adrian Lancaster grunted in satisfaction and waved a hand, dismissing her.
Wren Sutton took off her jacket, quickly washed her hands, and, without even stopping for a sip of water, eagerly went to hug and play with her children.
"Darlings, Mommy missed you so much. Mommy went to Avenia today. We have news about your godmother. She’s at a clinic in town..."
After a moment, Adrian Lancaster joined in, spending time with his wife and children. The atmosphere was warm and loving.
At seven o’clock, dinner was served right on time.
Adrian Lancaster and Wren Sutton had just sat down and taken a few bites when the doorbell rang urgently, shattering the tranquility of their dinner.
A maid went to open the door, and in burst Sean Sterling, drenched and bringing a gust of cold, damp air with him.
Though it had only been a few days, he was already haggard beyond recognition.
His hair was a mess, his stubble was unkempt, and his eyes were bloodshot with dark circles underneath. His face was etched with the exhaustion and anxiety of days spent searching for someone without success.
His clothes and hair were soaked from the rain, making him look even more wretched.
"Adrian, Wren, is there still no news about Isla?"
Wren Sutton’s heart tightened. She instinctively looked at Adrian Lancaster, her eyes pleading with him not to tell the truth.
’She knew with certainty that if Sean Sterling found out where Isla was, he would rush to the town clinic without a second thought.’
’That would only frighten and provoke Isla Griffith, forcing her to run away again. The consequences would be unimaginable.’
Adrian Lancaster received the signal. He calmly rose and walked into the living room, standing before Sean Sterling. He spoke with a regretful tone.
"The people I sent out are still searching. No concrete news yet."