Chapter 017

Adrian watched me, his gaze softening a bit. “It’s strange. You seem to care more than most people I know.”

“Well,” I shrugged, slightly flustered by his intensity. “I know what it’s like to deal with entitled jerks. And you don’t deserve that kind of hassle, not from your own family.”

His expression softened, and he nodded. “Thank you. Most people don’t get it.”

"Well, what about your mom?" I asked, hoping to shift the mood a little. "What does she think about all of this?"

Adrian's face darkened, his eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite place. He sighed, leaning back in his chair as he seemed to weigh his words carefully. "That's... a whole different story. She has her own ideas," he muttered, almost to himself, shaking his head as if trying to rid himself of the thought. Then, with a quick shift in his posture, he straightened up, his face regaining its usual composure. "But enough about work and family issues. I actually brought you here tonight for something important.