Someone this good-looking staying out of the entertainment industry was honestly a loss to the world.
Riley shot him a disgruntled look. She genuinely didn't understand—why would a man this handsome pretend to be disabled and sit in a wheelchair?
It made no sense.
The car wound its way up a mountain road and stopped in front of a grand estate halfway up the slope.
The surroundings were quiet and serene, the air fresh. After circling along the mountain road, a stately, old-style mansion came into view, standing imposingly among the greenery.
Even after entering the gates, the car drove quite a distance before finally coming to a smooth stop.
"Get out," Adrian said.
A butler led them inside.
The spacious living room was styled in a classic, old-world design—elegant and imposing. Along one wall stood a carved display case, where a large ceremonial halberd rested, its blade catching the light with a cold gleam.
Riley's heart skipped.
Bad move.
I should've brought an eighty-meter sword with me.
Can't lose on presence.
"Hmph!"
Before she even saw who was seated at the head, she heard a displeased snort.
Looking up, she saw an old man, the Yates patriarch, Arthur Yates, sitting in the main seat.
His hair was streaked with gray, but his posture was sharp and commanding. His eyes—like those of a hawk—locked straight onto Riley, scanning her from head to toe.
Riley immediately straightened, standing properly beside Adrian.
Before they could speak, Arthur spoke first.
"This is your new wife?"
Adrian didn't even lift his eyes. "Mm."
Arthur's chest tightened with suppressed anger. He slammed his fist against the table.
"You married a fool just like that—and didn't even tell me? Are you trying to drive me to an early grave?!"
Adrian let out a soft scoff. "Wasn't this your arrangement, Grandpa? I simply followed your instructions. What's there to be dissatisfied about?"
"I told you to marry, not to marry a fool!" Arthur snapped, his chest heaving.
After a moment, he forced himself to calm down.
"The Cole family has some nerve—pulling a stunt like this. I won't let them get away with it. Send this girl back. I'll have them hand over Felicia instead."
Adrian's lips curved in faint mockery.
"What difference does it make who I marry? Between a runaway bride and Riley, I'd choose Riley."
His tone turned colder.
"At least no one bothers targeting a fool. If I die, she might still live."
"But if you bring that runaway girl back—are you planning to have her buried with me?"
There was a quiet bitterness in his voice that made Riley pause.
Arthur sighed deeply, unable to refute him.
Still—
That didn't mean he accepted his most valued grandson marrying an "fool."
His sharp gaze shifted to Riley.
"What's your name?"
Riley blinked, her voice soft and pleasant. "Grandpa, my name is Riley."
Arthur's brow twitched.
What kind of name is that?
"I heard you're studying at Imperial University?"
"Yes, Grandpa."
"If you're still a student, then focus on learning. Stop causing trouble for Adrian. Stay home more and don't run around making a fool of yourself."
His tone was full of impatience.
Riley nodded obediently. "Okay."
Arthur felt like he'd punched a pillow.
She answered everything he said, but something about it felt… off.
Yet when he looked at her again—
Her face was clear, innocent, completely guileless.
He couldn't even bring himself to stay angry.
After a few more remarks, he let it go.