CHAPTER 007 ADRIAN'S POV I stepped out of the shower , letting the cool air from the bathroom vent brush against my damp skin . Steam curled in the air , lingering like the weight on my chest . I reached for a towel , running it over my face before wrapping it around my waist . The soft hum of my phone vibrating against the nightstand caught my attention . Another notification . Another missed call . I already knew who it was . The hospital . They had been relentless since yesterday - calls , voicemails , texts . It was beginning to get on my nerves . I knew what they wanted . I just didn't care . Last night , my phone had buzzed against my desk , interrupting the silence of my office . I had been lost in work , papers spread out in front of me , my mind occupied with contracts and figures . When I glanced at the screen , I saw Olivia's name flashing . I let it ring . Then again . And again . A part of me had been curious . Would she beg ? Apologize ? Try to manipulate me into feeling sorry for her . But when I finally answered , the voice that greeted me wasn't hers . " Hello , good evening . Am I speaking with Mr. Adrian ? " A woman's voice sounded , soft , professional , unfamiliar . My brows furrowed . " Who is this ? Why are you calling me from Olivia's phone ? " " I'm a nurse from Cure Clinic Renewal Hospital . I used your wife's phone to call you and inform you that she has been in a minor accident . " Accident . My grip on the phone tightened . " And ? " " She lost her baby . " Everything froze . Baby ? Olivia was pregnant ? A bitter laugh had almost escaped my lips . So she had been carrying my child all this time , and I never even knew . Had she planned to tell me ? Or was she waiting for the perfect moment to use it as leverage ? The nurse's voice had cut through my thoughts . " Sir , are you there ? " " Yes ." My voice was colder than I intended . " I'll be sending you the hospital address ... " " Don't bother . " CHAPTER 007 There was a brief pause . " Sir ? " " I'm not coming ." There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end . " But , sir ... " I had ended the call before she could finish . I didn't need to hear anything else . Now , standing in my dimly lit room , I reached for my phone , ignoring yet another incoming call from the hospital . Did she think I would rush to her side ? That I would drop everything and be the loving , doting husband she once imagined me to be ? Olivia , you underestimate me . This isn't over . I still have unfinished business with your family . *** The morning light streamed through the window as I finished dressing . A crisp white button - up , tailored slacks , polished shoes . A picture of control . I adjusted my cufflinks, straightening my collar before grabbing my watch from the nightstand . My phone buzzed again . Another call from the hospital . I ignored it . Before leaving , I walked toward the dark drawer beside my bed , pulling it open . My fingers brushed against the surface of a framed photo one that I had kept close all these years . My mother . I traced the edge of the frame with my thumb , my chest tightening at the sight of her gentle smile . She had always been the reason . The driving force behind everything I did . Every move I made , every step I took - it was all for her . - Her dream had been for me to find someone strong , someone worthy to stand by my side . Someone like Isadora . A bitter smile played on my lips . Would she approve of the man I had become ? Would she understand the choices i had made ? I exhaled sharply , setting the frame down with care . It didn't matter . I had work to do . With one last glance in the mirror , I grabbed my keys and walked out the door , ready to face the day and whatever was coming next . As I approached my office , the towering glass building loomed ahead , its polished façade reflecting the morning sunlight . My driver smoothly pulled over at the entrance , and I stepped out , adjusting my tie before heading inside . 13 CHAPTER 007 The moment I entered , all my staff greeted me with their heads bowed , they murmured " Good morning , sir " echoing through the sleek , modern lobby . I offered a brief nod in response , my focus already shifting to the day ahead . I strode toward the elevator , my mind running through the schedule . Just as the doors slid open , my secretary , Helen , rushed up to me , her heels clicking against the marble floor , " Mr. Adrian , you have back - to - back meetings today , " she informed me , holding out a tablet with my itinerary . " Your 9 AM with the investors , followed by a board meeting at eleven . There's also a lunch meeting with the Raines Corporation representatives , and in the afternoon ... " " I got it ," I interrupted , stepping into the elevator . " Cancel the lunch meeting . I'll reschedule ." Helen hesitated but nodded . " Understood , sir . " The elevator doors closed , and I leaned back , exhaling slowly . The day had been packed , leaving no room for distractions : That was good . The busier I was , the less time I had to think about Olivia and the fact that I had lost my child before I even knew of his existence . 口