Chapter 423

Adrian Valentine's stern expression remained unyielding. "Unnecessary."

Victor Ashcroft stared at his bloodstained oxfords, brows furrowed.

The man was stubborn as a mule.

A sudden idea struck him.

"Sir, if you become crippled, Madam will dislike you even more."

A flicker passed through Adrian's eyes. His gaze dropped to the blood seeping through his leather shoes.

This was the punishment he deserved.

"To the hospital." He couldn't... risk his wife's disdain again.

Victor exhaled in relief. Invoking Madam always worked.

"Also, keep investigating the mastermind behind Isabella Langley's kidnapping at the beach and the attack on my wife."

He'd suspected the old matriarch, but it wasn't her.

The perpetrator had disrupted the entire chessboard with one move.

Victor was already on it, though leads were scarce.

The elevator doors opened. Victor drove Adrian to the nearest Sterling Manor Hospital.

Gabrielle Flores happened to be bringing little Felicia for her vaccination.

Their paths crossed unexpectedly in the elevator.

Gabrielle's nose twitched at the metallic scent. She shot a disgusted look at Adrian's bloodied shoes.

But the toddler in her arms stretched tiny hands toward him excitedly.

"Up... up..." The single syllable dripped with baby sweetness.

Adrian froze. He hadn't expected to encounter this little one.

"Felicia." He grasped her pudgy fingers and lifted her gently.

Gabrielle stamped her foot. "Felicia Roland! I raise you every day, yet you prefer a stranger?"

Her eyes reddened instantly.

Adrian's gaze sharpened. "Her name is Felicia Roland?"

Gabrielle paled, realizing her slip.

"My husband's surname is Roland." She snatched the child back coldly, hurrying out as the doors opened.

Felicia peered over Gabrielle's shoulder, arms still reaching. A sudden hollowness gripped Adrian's chest.

This child inexplicably softened him every time.

Victor gasped. "Sir, that girl resembles you remarkably."

Adrian scowled. "Nonsense."

He was a Valentine!

Yet Felicia's appearance had undeniably lifted his spirits.

Victor rubbed his nose. He wasn't wrong.

"We're here."

He moved to assist, but Adrian brushed him off.

Victor: "..."

He'd just changed into this suit.

When the doctor instructed Adrian to remove his shoes, the room collectively gasped.

White socks were saturated crimson, fresh blood still oozing.

Victor winced in sympathy.

The physician regarded Adrian like some mythical creature.

Was the man forged from steel?