CHAPTER 012 ADRIAN'S POV " An amazing meal , wasn't it ? " I asked , wiping my mouth with a napkin , my tone calm yet satisfied . " I believe so , " James replied , stretching slightly as he stood from his seat . Dora remained silent , dabbing her lips before placing the napkin gently on the table . Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she finally rose , adjusting her dress slightly . - The atmosphere between us carried an unspoken tension one that neither James nor the restaurant staff dared to acknowledge . As we prepared to leave , the restaurant owner hesitantly approached , holding a neatly folded bill in his hands . Clearing his throat , he finally spoke . " Sir , I hope you enjoyed your meal ? " His voice was laced with respect and caution . " As always ," James answered in my stead casually , shoving his hands into his pockets . The owner nodded before carefully extending the bill toward me . " This is the total bill for this week , Mr. Westwood , " he added , barely above a whisper . 1 took the slip of paper and unfolded it slowly . My eyes scanned the total . $ 150,000 A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips . The number didn't faze me - I had spent far more on trivial things before . Still , seeing this amount , a sum that equaled the salaries of so many workers , written neatly in front of me was an amusing reminder of my influence . I never paid per visit . The owner knew the arrangement . I ate here whenever I wanted , hosted whoever I pleased , and only settled the bill once a week . It was a convenience I enjoyed , and no one dared to question it . " I'll have my accountant forward everything to you by this evening ," I said coolly, folding the paper back and tucking it into my suit jacket . Straightening my cuffs , I headed for the exit . James and Dora followed closely behind . Outside , the crisp night air greeted us , carrying the faint sounds of the bustling city . My driver had already pulled up to the curb , waiting . Just as I was about to get in , James ' phone rang . He glanced at the screen before turning to me .. " I have somewhere to be ," he said Successfully unlocked ! back into his pocket . I gave a slight nod . " Sure . " He hadn't come in his own car , so he ordered an Uber and stood off to the side , waiting . 1/3 CHAPTER 012 Dora , on the other hand , had driven herself and trailed behind me as we both headed back to my estate . I wondered why she was following me home this late . The drive home was quiet . The city lights blurred past , but inside the car , the air was thick with anticipation . Dora had been in my home numerous times , but tonight felt different . The absence of Olivia made the house feel ... lighter . Freer . And she liked it . When we arrived , I stepped out first , my movements smooth and deliberate . Dora followed , her heels clicking softly against the marble driveway . Inside , the grand foyer was silent , save for the distant ticking of an antique clock . Dora inhaled deeply - there was no trace of Olivia's presence . Loosening my tie , I glanced at her briefly . " Have a seat ," I said before disappearing up the grand staircase . Dora walked into the living room , taking in the luxurious decor with ease . My maid approached her , bowing slightly . " Would you like anything to drink , ma'am ? " She shook her head . " No , thank you ." The maid bowed again before retreating , leaving Dora alone in the vast , elegant space . After only a few minutes , I heard the soft creak of my bedroom door . I didn't turn right away , knowing exactly who it was Dora . - Standing in front of the full - length mirror , I unbuttoned my shirt , shrugging the fabric off my shoulders . My gaze flickered to the reflection behind me as she stepped inside and closed the door . " I thought you were supposed to wait downstairs , " I murmured , my voice low . She leaned against the door , watching me . " I got bored ." A smirk tugged at my lips . " There's no fun up here ." " I don't know about that , " she mused . I chuckled under my breath . I didn't have to ask what she meant - I already knew . She walked toward the bed and sat down , resting her hands on the silk sheets . Her gaze never left me . " The last time you were here , I was unconscious , and you were half - naked , " I mused , finally turning to face her . Dora smirked . " And why am I still here ? " I took a step closer , my presence commanding as always . Her eyes held something dark , something insatiable . " You're here because you want to be here , " I said simply . She bit her lip , playing into the tension . " How about I lock the door ? " 2/3 CHAPTER 012 Without waiting for an answer , she turned back to the entrance , twisting the lock into place . A satisfying click echoed through the room . She faced me again , a slow , knowing smile curving her lips . I sat on the edge of the bed , watching her every movement with quiet amusement . " You know ," I murmured , " if you wanted some of me , all you had to do was ask ." She didn't reply . Instead , she reached for the straps of her gown , letting them slide off her shoulders . The fabric pooled at her feet as she stepped closer . My grip on the sheets tightened slightly as I watched her . For months , I had entertained her , taken her on lavish vacations , and spent nights . drinking in her presence -but I had never touched her . Not like this . Perhaps because I was married . Perhaps because a part of me still held on to something I refused to acknowledge . But tonight , there were no barriers . No Olivia . No guilt . Just me and the woman who had always been waiting in the shadows . Dora reached me , placing her hands on my shoulders . I didn't resist . Grabbing her waist , I pulled her closer . And with one swift motion , I tossed her onto the bed . The world outside ceased to exist . For the first time , I was allowing myself to indulge in what had always been right in front of me . And for Dora , this was exactly what she had been waiting for all along but for me ? I was just satisfying my human desires . 3/3