At Clearbrook Estate—
Riley paced back and forth in her room, racking her brain for a way to slip out unnoticed.
Because of her "mental condition", Adrian had already instructed everyone in Clearbrook Estate to keep a close eye on her the moment she married in. No one was allowed to let her leave.
And they had taken that order seriously.
She had tried everything—every excuse, every trick she could think of—but nothing worked. There wasn't even a chance to climb over the walls. The entire place was locked down like a cage.
It was infuriating.
Since she couldn't get out, Riley sat on the bed, sulking.
Today was the day she had scheduled the treatment.
She couldn't afford to miss it. If she got reported and her account was banned again, rebuilding it would be a nightmare.
No. I have to get out somehow.
Riley puffed her cheeks and yanked the door open—
Only to come face-to-face with someone outside.
Derek stood there, pushing Adrian in his wheelchair.
Four eyes met two.
"Get ready," Adrian said flatly. "I'm taking you out. We're going back to your family home today."
The gloom on Riley's face vanished instantly, replaced by a bright, dazzling smile that caught him off guard.
She clapped her hands, beaming. "Hurray! I want to take bunny out to see the world! Bunny can't be sad anymore!"
Adrian's breath hitched for a fraction of a second before he masked it.
He was just about to say something—
BANG!
The door slammed shut right in front of him.
A click followed.
Locked.
Adrian stared at the door, silent.
Derek said nothing. He wanted to laugh. He really did. But he didn't dare.
This was the first time Adrian had ever been shut out by a woman.
But then again… what could he do?
The other party was a fool.
Adrian couldn't even get properly angry, let alone argue. The moment he showed the slightest coldness, she would pout and burst into tears. No one could deal with her.
Not long after, the door opened again.
Riley came out, neatly dressed, hugging her bunny. She followed behind Adrian happily, her expression bright—completely opposite to his dark mood.
***
In the car, Riley pressed against the window, staring outside.
She had no idea where Adrian was taking her.
But as long as she could leave Clearbrook Estate, she'd find a chance to slip away.
Halfway through the ride, she glanced at the time.
10:20 a.m.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
I'm running out of time.
She was just about to speak—
When Adrian's phone rang.
After answering, he instructed the driver to pull over.
"You take her to the Cole family," Adrian said. "Stay with her. I'll handle something and come pick her up later."
Riley blinked.
She had been looking for an opportunity to escape—
And now one had just landed in her lap.
Perfect.
The moment Adrian left, she hopped out of the car as well.
"Madam, where are you going?" one of the bodyguards asked quickly, stepping out to follow her.
Behind her was a shopping mall.
The perfect escape route.
She grinned. "Buying pretty clothes for bunny!"
Without waiting, she skipped off.
The bodyguards exchanged helpless looks before hurrying after her.
Riley kept track of their positions the entire time. Once inside the mall, she made several quick turns—
And finally lost them.
Only then did she slip out through a side exit, hail a cab, and head straight for the agreed location.
***
Infinity Plaza, Imperial Bar.
Inside an exclusive VIP room, Zachary and Adrian were already waiting.
Zachary had just learned that Adrian's new wife was a fool.
And he was furious.