CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 17: PERHAPS ADRIAN JENNINGS WOULD BE A WONDERFUL PARTNER

After dinner, Adrian Jennings and Talia Rhodes went to the underground parking lot.

Talia walked over to the blue Bentley.

Adrian suddenly asked, "How does it feel to drive this car?"

Talia pressed her lips together and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "I drove it last night, it’s great, thank you, Adrian."

"Shall I leave then?" Talia waved the keys in her hand, suddenly recalling, "Oh right, Adrian, I have a gift for you, I should’ve given it to you when I saw you last night, but I forgot."

"Oh? What gift?"

"It’s in the suitcase at the hotel. I’ll get it for you when I come back."

Adrian opened the driver’s side door, "I’ll go with you. Let me drive."

"Huh?" Talia was momentarily stunned but quickly responded, "Sure, we can go together, but let me drive. You should rest for a bit."

Adrian flew all the way from Oakhaven to see her last night, and early this morning drove over twenty kilometers to get her breakfast, he must be tired now, she didn’t want to trouble him further.

"Alright." Adrian’s eyes held a smile, his dear Talia was worried for him.

He unobtrusively walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and sat down, "I graciously accept."

On the highway, the two started chatting.

"Can I sit in on the hearing you have today?" Adrian asked.

"Yes, it’s an agreement dispute case, doesn’t involve trade secrets. Would you like to attend?"

"Yes, is it okay?" Adrian’s voice was gentle, carrying a hint of cautiousness, "I haven’t seen you in court before."

"Sure." Talia thought, they’re soon-to-be married, it’s good to understand each other better, "Did you bring your ID? You’ll need to show it, fill out a form to get a pass for attending."

"I did." He needed it for boarding last night, so he brought it. Thinking of attending the hearing today, he’d specifically looked up the requirement for ID, so he carried it with him.

"Alright, I’ll take you there later."

"Okay."

Focused on driving, Talia couldn’t see the overflowing tenderness in Adrian’s eyes or the soft gaze directed at her.

The car sped along the highway, silence stretched between them.

After some time, Talia suddenly asked, "Adrian, why did you agree to the arranged marriage with my family?"

This question had been on her mind since three years ago.

The Jennings Family held vast power in Oakhaven, no ordinary elite family. Adrian’s grandfather had a high position in the political sphere, and his mother was from a family of officials, logically, his future wife should be the daughter of a similarly powerful and wealthy family, why marry into her family?

The Rhodes Family was a notable merchant family in Oakhaven, but ultimately just a business family, couldn’t compare with the affluent and influential Jennings Family, so marrying was quite a reach.

Having grown up in an elite family, Talia was well-versed in the rules of arranged marriages among powerful clans.

Clearly, he had many better options.

Adrian looked deeply contemplative before he replied, "Actually, in my generation, there’s no need to rely on arranged marriages to cement family status anymore."

This answer was ambiguous, leaving Talia somewhat unclear.

"Then why not choose a girl you love to marry?"

Adrian’s voice was low, "If I’m unwilling, no one can force me."

At his words, Talia’s breathing momentarily lost its rhythm.

She forced herself not to think too deeply, thinking too much would disturb her heart.

She suddenly thought, Adrian sure knows how to charm, had he dated many girlfriends before? Making him quite adept at charming women.

Ever since she agreed to the arranged marriage, she felt Adrian was very attentive, meticulous in countless details, if this went on, she feared she might fall for him.

...

Soon it was time for the hearing.

In the courtroom debate, Talia was eloquent and articulate, her thoughts clear and logic tight, constantly gaining the upper hand in arguments, sharply questioning and pointing directly at the core of issues, repeatedly putting the opposing lawyer in a passive stance.

Adrian sat in the audience, watching the energetic girl in the courtroom, a sense of pride naturally rising, eyes brimming with admiration and affection.

His Talia, truly exceptional.

After the court session ended, Adrian handed over a bottle of mineral water, "Have some water."

"Thank you." Talia took it and drank a couple of sips, "Verdict to be announced at a later date, a victory is very likely."

"Talia, during the debate, your eyes were bright and determined, I couldn’t help but be drawn to you."

Upon hearing it, Talia smiled bashfully, "Really? During the court session, even I feel like I become a different person."

"You did absolutely great." Adrian sincerely praised, "You’ll undoubtedly become an acclaimed top lawyer in the industry."

Talia laughed brightly, "I’ll take your word for it."

Suddenly, she thought of Ethan Grant.

In their three-year relationship, he never cared about her work, let alone attend a court hearing. He only knew that her monthly salary wasn’t enough for a dinner and drinks with his friends.

Not only did he not care about her career, but he also disrespected her effort and ambition.

Once, she had won a case with a claim amount of over five million, earning a considerable attorney fee, she eagerly shared her joy with Ethan, only to be dismissed by him.

She remembered Ethan curling his lips at the time, full of disdain, saying, "A random contract at our firm easily reaches millions, and you accept little five-million claim cases? Talia, what can you do with the money you earn slaving away in court? Why not quit your job, I’ll support you."

Since then, she never shared anything work-related with Ethan.

He might have some genuine affection for her, but he only liked her face and figure, he didn’t understand her. Their relationship was only about dining and having fun, it could never achieve a soul connection.

At this moment, for the first time genuinely from her heart, Talia felt Adrian might be a really good partner.

The two left the court, Adrian received a call from his assistant.

After hanging up, Adrian looked grave and said to Talia, "The milk was spiked with laxatives, the dosage was very high."

Talia’s eyes flashed coldly, "As expected."

"Need me to handle it for you?"

Talia shook her head, "No need, I’ve noted it down, I’ll handle it in due time."

Vivian Coleman likely knew she had a hearing today and deliberately wanted to sabotage her.

Though there was a milk test report, there wasn’t evidence to prove Vivian spiked it, reporting to the police wouldn’t be effective.

Since it’s a personal grudge, let it be resolved privately.

...

After the court session finished, Talia took Adrian to explore the surrounding area for several days.

They went to eat the spicy rice noodles Talia had longed for, Adrian couldn’t handle spicy food well, but he persisted in finishing the bowl, sweating profusely.

They explored tourist spots taking photos, enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery, visited cultural sites to appreciate the historical atmosphere.

To be honest, spending these few days with Adrian was richer and happier than the three years she spent with Ethan.

...

Vivian Coleman stayed in the hospital for five days, Ethan Grant accompanied her all five days.

During these five days, Ethan couldn’t help but frequently check his phone, hoping for messages and calls from Talia.

However, besides texts from his group of rowdy friends inviting him out, he had only work messages and calls, not a hint from Talia.

Ethan couldn’t hold back anymore, opened his messages, and sent a text.

[Had enough drama yet?]

Adrian, holding Talia’s phone to take a picture for her, suddenly saw the text message, and his eyes darkened.