CHAPTER 16: CHAPTER 16: ADRIAN JENNINGS VISITS HER EVERY YEAR

It seems that Adrian Jennings noticed Talia was somewhat uncomfortable here, so he said, "Take a look and tell me if you need anything, I’m going upstairs to take a shower."

"Wait a second."

Adrian stopped walking and turned to look, "What’s up?"

Talia opened her backpack, took out a bottle of milk, and handed it to him, "Adrian, can you help me contact a testing agency? This milk might have a problem."

His gaze intensified, "Is someone trying to harm you?"

Talia nodded gravely, "Seems like it, but I’m not sure. Better be cautious."

"Alright, leave it to me."

Adrian took out his phone and made a call.

"Come over here, I have something for you to do." Adrian walked away while talking on the phone, disappearing around the corner of the building.

Talia exhaled and relaxed.

When she gave the milk to Adrian earlier, she unexpectedly collided with his deep, dark eyes, and for a moment, Talia felt as if her heartbeat stopped.

His eyes were very beautiful.

No, not just his eyes, his entire face is the Creatrix’s finest artwork, making anyone feel accelerated when meeting his gaze.

After Adrian left, Talia looked around the suite.

The traces of life were apparent here, she noticed various personal items displayed in the living room, indicating someone lived here long-term.

It seemed odd, as if Adrian didn’t book this suite temporarily but rather visited often.

But isn’t he always in Oakhaven?

Talia didn’t think much about it, as it didn’t concern her.

She placed her luggage in the bedroom and realized her suitcase only had clothes and skincare products but no slippers for showering.

She was considering whether to mention this to Adrian when the doorbell rang.

Talia walked over to open the door.

A hotel staff member wearing a uniform was holding a tray with one hand and a bag in the other, "Hello, I’m delivering something for Mr. Jennings."

Talia took the milk from the tray and accepted the bag from the staff member, "Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

After Talia closed the door, she looked puzzled at the warm milk in her hand.

So Adrian has a habit of drinking warm milk before bed too? Quite a coincidence.

She placed the milk on the table and opened the bag, finding a new pair of ladies’ slippers, two sealed towels, and some toiletries.

They were probably meant for her, and Talia felt a warmth in her heart; Adrian was quite thoughtful.

"Everything has been delivered?" Adrian appeared at the staircase.

"Yes, it has. Thank you, Adrian."

Talia looked up, meeting Adrian’s gaze, feeling a bit uncertain.

Now he’s not only her neighborly brother but also her fiancé.

As they conversed, Adrian had already come downstairs and reached her side, "The milk is ordered for you."

"Hmm?" Talia looked up surprised, "I thought you ordered it for yourself."

"I don’t have that habit, you drink it."

Speaking, Adrian opened the door, and just then, the assistant she saw downstairs in the lobby was standing by the door.

"Take this bottle of milk for testing."

"Understood, President Jennings."

Closing the door and turning around, Adrian noticed Talia watching him.

Her eyes were clear and moist, full of curiosity, resembling a cute little animal.

Adrian felt a soft feather land on his heart, tickling slightly.

He walked over and couldn’t help but gently ruffle her hair, tender and affectionate, just like when they were young, "Sleep early tonight. What time do you want to get up tomorrow? I’ll wake you."

"Get up at ten in the morning." Talia sat on the sofa and looked up at him.

Her lips were stained with milk, the image striking.

Adrian’s eyes darkened a bit, his Adam’s apple moved slightly, and he awkwardly turned away, "Sleep early, good night."

He said it and didn’t wait for Talia’s response, heading for the stairs.

Unaware of his emotional turmoil, Talia withdrew her gaze, continuing to sip her milk slowly.

...

The next day, Adrian knocked on Talia’s room door before the alarm went off.

"Talia, time to get up."

Talia opened her eyes, fetched her phone from under the pillow to check the time, it was nine fifty-nine.

The timing was perfect.

After washing up, she emerged to find breakfast already laid out on the dining table.

A bowl of seemingly ordinary wontons.

Talia sat down, tore open a disposable utensil pack, and took a sip of soup, her eyes lighting up, "This tastes exactly like the one near our law firm!"

Adrian across from her didn’t lift his eyes and responded blandly with a "Hmm."

Talia wasn’t sure what that "Hmm" meant?

She took another bite of the wontons, the taste indeed identical to the place she often visited.

Talia glanced at the man across from her, suspiciously asking, "Did you get this from the shop behind our law firm?"

"Hmm." Adrian replied expressionlessly.

Talia felt startled, "How did you know about that place?"

That shop is quite far from the hotel, at least ten kilometers.

Why would Adrian go all that way to get breakfast?

Seeing he couldn’t conceal it, Adrian confessed, "I previously... visited Mirehaven to see you."

Talia froze.

Adrian came to Mirehaven to see her?

How did she not know?

"Cough cough cough—" She was so shocked she accidentally choked.

Adrian immediately handed over a tissue, "Take it slow."

"When did you come? Why didn’t I know?"

"In your first year away, the second year, and also this year, I came." Adrian’s expression was calm and straightforward.

Talia’s heart trembled, feeling her blood almost unable to flow to her brain.

Adrian visited Mirehaven every year to see her, and did so secretly.

No wonder she saw such obvious signs of life in the suite last night, it seems he came here quite often.

Something seemed about to reveal itself, Talia’s heart raced.

She didn’t dare think deeper, quickly changing the topic, "Thank you, Adrian, the wontons from that place are really delicious."

Adrian noticed her ears blush red like they were about to drip blood, and a smile appeared on his lips.

He didn’t expose it, spoke casually, "By the way, I know a highly skilled restorer who was once invited to The Sovereign’s Court to restore artifacts, maybe she can help."

"Really?" Talia suddenly looked up, eyes full of surprise and anticipation.

Adrian nodded, "Yes, when we return to Oakhaven I’ll take you to see her."

"Great."

Adrian’s words came like a soothing balm, healing the discomfort Talia felt all night.

She couldn’t quite explain why, but she had a lot of trust in Adrian.

Since he mentioned that the restorer is highly skilled, her porcelain doll should definitely be repairable.

On this early morning, Talia’s mood underwent a polar reversal, Adrian had given her too many "surprises" today. She suddenly wondered, what else doesn’t she know about Adrian?