Chapter 114 Zarek's mockery deepened. "Isnt his awakening coming a bit too late?] Yannis shook his head with a resigned smile. "Late doesn't begin to cover it. If there really is an afterlife, that mother and her two children would be justified in tearing him apart piece by piece. Zarek: "Why even walt for him? Why give him a chance to repent?]] Yannis: " You're still cold as ice, my friend [] As they discussed the Grantham and Lowell families, Adeline caught fragments of their conversation [] The Lowell family...] She wasn't familiar with Los Angeles society or the Lowell family, knowing only that they were the city's most powerful dynasty.[] It was surprising that Katherine had such connections. And from what she gathered, this uncle's wife was essentially the evil stepmother from Snow White.[] But if the cousin relationship was so strong, why hadn't Katherine sought help earlier?] Adeline hadn't forgotten how Jayden had practically groveled at the restaurant just last week.[] Zarek's voice carried from the table again.] You might want to wait and see. If Katherine truly made this trip to address Ansonic's current troubles, simply bringing problems won't buy her any favors.1 "What could the Granthams possibly offer her?" Yannis asked dismissively.[] That depends on what she wants. If she can't deliver what this woman desires, her visit was wasted. But if it wasn't... " Zarek traced patterns on the table with his finger. "Then you should be concerned."] Yannus's expression grew serious.[] Zarek continued. "Something the Granthams alone can't provide might be perfectly attainable with the Kelces' help. "Aren't those two families at each other's throats?" "Desperate times, desperate measures. Yanms Irowned. I- After a moment, a frustrated smile returned to his face. He leaned back. "Being born into the Lowell family is exhausting. Talk about bad karma. Every day is like a survival game! Anyone who wants this inheritance can have it-I couldn't care less!" Zarek nodded understandingly "Yes, I remember your dream to become a wild man in the Amazon. * Vannis kicked at Zarek's chair, laughing despite himself. "Seriously? I said that when I was six and you're still bringing it up! You must really love me! " ] Hearing them slip into friendly banter, Adeline tuned out .[] The Kelces and Granthams joining forces? She pressed her lips together, popping a piece of melon into her mouth. After finishing the fruit platter, she needed the restroom. She stood up and quietly slipped toward the bathroom in the private room.] Zarel, noticed her movement immediately He watched her tiptoeing to the bathroom, finding it amusing.] " Your eyes are practically glued to her, Yangis remarked, unable to stand it any longer. She was just going to the bathroom, yet he kept staring Zarck looked away.[] Yann asked "You actually like her? Zarek Yes. Knowing what would come next, he automatically added. "Tve tried She's not interested. " Yants & expression shifted from shock 10 disbelief as he suppressed a laugh "So you confessed and got rejected? Thus Ms Paige must need glasses. You're so much better than Tristan Kelce. Don't be heartbroken- Ill pay for her LASIK Once she call see dearly, shell recognize our innocent little Zarck's charins.") I cant believe this happened to you. I need to commemorate tius historic day-June 10th, the day Zarek Weasley got turned down Tell me the details-how did she reject you? Was it brutal? You didn't cry, did you?] "If you need to cry now, my shoulders availal vallable He teased mercilessly [] A tray once- in-a -lifetime opportunity!] Zarek orrowed lus eyes. Ward the to cut out your tongue?] When Adeline emerged from the bathroom, the men had moved from the dining table to the sofa Suwe Zarck had steered her away when they first entered, she now properly greeted Yannis up close. "Hello, Mr. Lowell Hello Mi Paige Targus responded with a brillant smile, patting the space beside hind "Come alt with me. Zarck looked at lum with enough frest in his eyes to trigger an ice age Adeline smiled and declined politely. "I'm fine standing. "Standing is tiring. Sit down," Yannis insisted, gesturing again [] "...If you insist. [] Adeline had no choice but to comply .[] Of course, she didn't actually sit next to Yannis, choosing instead a spot near Zarek [] Yannis sat with his legs crossed, leaning back in his chair, his posture overly relaxed, giving an impression of casual irreverence[] He smiled at Adeline, seemingly intrigued. "Somehow, Ms. Palge, the more I look at you, the more you feel like family. Let me adopt you as my little sister.] Adeline: How about 1 adopt YOU as my grandson?] She thought sarcastically, but figured building a good relationship with him could only benefit her, especially since he was Zarek's friend. Refusing would be disrespectful] You're too kind, Mr. Lowell," she replied with a proper smile.[] Why so formal? Call me big brother. Before Zarek could intervene, Adeline complied: Big brother"] She bit her lip, smiling like she wanted to bite someone.[] Zarek...] You're certainly adaptable] That sounds perfect, little sister. Promise me, when you find a boyfriend, bring him to meet big brother. I'll give him a generous red envelope, Yannis said, grinning from ear to ear. Adeline. This man needs therapy... Zarek 1 It was already 9 PM when they left the club. Yannis insisted that Zarek visit his winery for a while longer. Zarek. "I need to get back to New York "Who's waiting for you in New York? Why rush? Listen to me-stay one more night," Yannis said, throwing an arm around Zarek's shoulders and leaning in close. The night is young, future brother-in-law. I'll arrange a sweet romantic surprise for you two, to help your relationship heat up. "Not necessary Just confessing isn't enough! You need to take action to make her fall for you!"] Zarek smiled without responding Adeline watched them with their arms around each other: ...I hope I won't be forced to call Zarek "sister-in-law. No, no, she couldn't accept this scenario! How was it possible that these two alpha personalities could be so compatible? And most ridiculous of all-why did these two tall men look so good together?] Zarek pushed Yannis's arm away . "Not staying. Next time 141 Seeing Zarek's determination to leave, Yannes didn't press further. "Alright, I'll visit you in New York next time." He turned to Adeline with a mischievous wink. "Little sister, next time come with your husband, okay?"] Adeline ... ย Why does that sound so weird? "Sure," she replied with a polite smile. Zarck and Adeline got into the car.[] By the time they reached the airport and boarded the plane, it would be the middle of the night [ Adeline fell she'd been sleeping less than a chucken and working harder than a dog these past two days, both physically and mentally exhausted] Can the plane , seeing no other duties to attend to, she sat in a back seat and closed her tired eyes for a Aap : [] Paige, would you like something to eat? Zarek asked When he received no answer for a lie, he turned to look and found her already asleep against the chair.] He stood up lock & Blanket and walked over to gently cover her [] As he was about to straighten up his gaze fell on her pink lips...) (5)