Chapter 121
ADRIAN’S POV
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“Look, you’re overreacting. This has nothing to do with Olivia. I’m just being honest with you about how I feel,” I said, my tone firm but calm, hoping she would understand that this wasn’t an attack–it was clarity.
Dora’s expression shifted, a mixture of hurt and disbelief flashing in her eyes. “How can you say this to me now?” she asked, her voice quivering. “Everything was going smoothly between us until you started paying more attention to her. Everyone saw us together and thought we were perfect–even your mom. So, why the sudden change of heart?”
I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. “Look, this doesn’t have to turn into a full–blown argument, alright? I’ve told you how I feel. I’m not in the position to be in a relationship right now. My head is clouded with too many things–too many responsibilities. There are more important matters I need to deal with. I’m not good for you, Dora.”
Her brows furrowed, and she took a hesitant step forward. “You’re perfect for me. You always have been. I don’t care what you’re going through–we could go through it together. That’s what people who care about each other do.”
“It’s not that simple,” I said quietly, my voice almost a whisper. “I know exactly why I don’t want to be in a relationship right now. And no matter how badly you want something, you can’t force someone into it. That’s not love, Dora. That’s control. You deserve someone who sees you the way you want to be seen, who wants the same things you want. That person… It’s not me.”
She stood there, speechless, her eyes scanning my face like she was trying to find some trace of the man she thought I still was. But all she found was silence.
“And by the way,” I added, narrowing my eyes slightly, “how did you even know about my outing with Olivia? Are you stalking me now?”
“No…no, I’m not stalking you!” she said quickly, almost too quickly. “I just happened to be in the area at that time. That’s all. I saw you two… and, I don’t know, it just got to me.”
I walked over to my desk, letting her words linger for a moment before perching on the edge. I folded my arms, watching her as she shifted uncomfortably. I could tell she wasn’t done talking. Her stance, her anxious energy–it all pointed to one thing: she had something else she wanted to say.
“The thing is…” she began hesitantly. “What I’m about to tell you… We need to be together to make it work.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”
“I’m…”
Before she could finish, there was a knock on the door. It was sharp, precise, and right on time. I didn’t need to guess who it was–Paul had finally arrived. Whatever Dora wanted to say would have to wait.
“Time’s up,” I said, standing upright and straightening my shirt. “That’s the person I’ve been waiting for.”
“But…”
“Come in,” I called out before she could finish that sentence.
I turned to Dora one last time. “Whatever you wanted to say… it can wait. We live in the same house. You’ll have another chance to talk. But not now.”
She let out a quiet ‘sigh, barely noticeable, but the disappointment in her eyes was impossible to miss.
The door behind her creaked open, breaking the tension in the room as Paul stepped in. He held two small bowls of fruit
salad, handing one to Dora with a polite nod before walking past her toward my desk. Without needing instruction, he offered me the second bowl, which I took, placing it aside without a glance.
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Chapter 121
“Take your seat,” I said, my voice calm but carrying an edge of urgency,
Paul did as instructed, settling into the chair across from me with his usiral quiet professionalism. I noticed Dora still standing by the door, clearly reluctant to leave. Her eyes lingered on me like she still had more to say, but I wasn’t in the mood to entertain it–not now.
With a small gesture of my hand, I silently urged her to exit the room. She hesitated, her lips parting slightly as if to protest, but then thought better of it. With a final glance–one filled with disappointment–she turned and walked out, closing the door gently behind her.
I watched the door for a second longer, then shifted my attention back to Paul. I’ll deal with Dora later. Whatever she had to say could wait. Right now, this matter was more urgent–more important.
“Sir,” Paul began, relaxing slightly as he adjusted his tic. “I must say, I was surprised when I got your message. It’s not like you to summon anyone to your house on a Saturday. This is the first time, actually?”
I leaned forward, resting both elbows on the table, folding my hands in front of me. “We need to talk, and I need it done off record.”
He straightened up slightly, sensing the seriousness in my tone. “Of course, sir. What’s going on?”
“There’s something I need you to do for me in the company,” I said, my gaze locking on his. “And I want it done right away. No delays, no questions–just execution.”
Paul nodded without hesitation, his loyalty never in question. “Anything, sir. Just name it.”
“Alright,” I began, speaking slowly to make sure he followed. “Do you remember a few years ago, when I first brought you on as the supervisor of the financial team? There were two major acquisitions that day–two people bought into some of our most valuable assets. One of them was Sam Grayson.”
Paul furrowed his brows slightly, nodding. “Yes, sir. I remember him. He came in through Grayson Holdings, positioned himself very quietly… but his influence is spread wide across our subsidiaries now.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Now here’s what I want–effective immediately, freeze every single company–related asset belonging to Sam Grayson.”
Paul blinked. “Everything?”
“Everything,” I affirmed. “Shares, investments, dividend payouts, shell companies–anything that links back to Grayson Holdings or Sam himself. Lock it all down.”
Paul was silent for a moment, his mind clearly running calculations. Then he spoke, cautiously. “If I may ask, sir… should we be prepared for legal consequences? His paperwork has always been clean–on the surface at least.”
I met his eyes, voice firm. “I’m not asking you to do anything illegal, Paul. I’m asking you to find the legal framework that gives us grounds–clauses in our shareholder agreements, flags for conflict of interest, overdue compliance checks. Anything. Use routine tax evaluation as a pretext if you have to. But whatever you do, make it airtight. I want no loopholes and no comebacks.”
Paul gave a slow, thoughtful nod. “Understood, sir. Do you want this initiated today?”
“That’s the reason I brought you here,” I replied without missing a beat. “Not Monday. Not after lunch. Today.”
He stood, determination already setting in his posture. “Then it’ll be done today. I’ll make sure the legal department afts the necessary paperwork. You’ll get an update in a few hours.”
I nodded, satisfied. “Good. Keep it discreet.”
“Always, sir.” With that, Paul turned and exited the room, leaving behind the echo of my next move.
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