chapter 4 what my husband hiding 

chapter 4 what my husband hiding 

Adrian watched me walk away toward the waiting car, a smile on his lips until he answered his phone. His voice turned from that soft warmth he saved just for me to something much colder and commanding. Whoever was on the other end of the line wanted something from him, and the tone hardened as he responded tersely.

Meanwhile, I slid into the car where Adrian's grandfather, Mr. Steele, was waiting. He greeted me with a kindly smile, his presence exuding wisdom and strength.

"Good to see you, Victoria," he said in that deep voice of his that was as soothing as it was deep. "You're making Adrian very happy, you know."

I blushed, unsure how to respond. "He makes me happy too, Mr. Steele.

He nodded approvingly with a warm but probing regard. "Adrian doesn't let people in easily. You managed to do what others can't. That's special."

The sincerity in his words took me aback. I didn't fully understand why Adrian's family seemed so invested in our relationship, but I appreciated the support.

A few minutes later, Adrian joined us, his face composed, as though the phone call hadn't shaken him in the least. "Ready?" he asked between his grandfather and me.

"Of course," I replied, smiling.

Later at Dinner

The restaurant Adrian had chosen was elegant yet not too extravagant-a balance of sophistication and comfort. We were seated in a private room, a testament to Adrian's consideration for privacy. The conversation flowed easily, mostly centered around Mr. Steele sharing stories about Adrian's childhood.

"I remember when Adrian was ten," Mr. Steele began, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "He tried to negotiate with me for extra allowance money, claiming he'd start a business by selling lemonade at an inflated price."

Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "And you shut me down by buying the entire stand. I learned my first lesson in monopoly that day."

I laughed along with them, thinking of this young, determined Adrian. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before, and it only deepened my admiration for him.

Dinner progressed, with his phone buzzing once more. Adrian excused himself and stepped out of the room to take the call.

Mr. Steele leaned in closer to me, his expression turning serious. "Victoria, I know Adrian isn't an open book. He keeps his cards close to his chest, but that's because he's always had to protect himself. If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, remember that he cares deeply for you, even if he doesn't always show it.

I nodded, touched by his words. "Thank you, Mr. Steele. I'll keep that in mind."

When Adrian returned, his face was unreadable. He sat down, his gaze briefly meeting mine. "Everything okay?" I asked quietly.

He hesitated before smiling. "Just work. Nothing to worry about."

Back Home

Adrian and I returned home late that night. He seemed quieter than usual, his thoughts preoccupied.

"Adrian," I called softly as we entered the living room.

He turned to me, his brows arched. "Yes?"

"Are you sure everything is OK? You've been distracted since that phone call."

He blew a sigh, running his hand through his hair. "It is nothing, Victoria. It is just some business concerns. Nothing you need to burden your pretty head about."

But I did, I pushed: "We're in it together, remember?

His face relaxed, and he moved closer, his hands taking mine. "I know, and I appreciate that. But some things. I need to handle on my own. Trust me?"

I nodded reluctantly, though a part of me felt uneasy. Adrian kissed my forehead before heading upstairs, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The Next Morning

I woke up to the smell of breakfast and found a tray on the bedside table with a handwritten note from Adrian:

"Good morning, beautiful. I'm off to work, but here's a little breakfast for my queen. I'll see you tonight."

I smiled, touched by the gesture. Adrian always had a way of making me feel cherished, even when he wasn't physically present.

As I ate, something didn't quite feel right. Adrian hadn't behaved that way only because he was stressed with work. It was deeper; it was something he was not saying.

I vowed to make it a point to go see him at work later that day. Perhaps the sight of him in his element would help me figure out what was going on.

Victoria clutched her purse nervously as the car approached the construction site where Adrian was working. The hum of machinery and the clatter of tools echoed in the distance. She had been restless all morning, unsure why she felt compelled to visit him, but something about Adrian's recent behavior gnawed at her.

Unbeknownst to Victoria, Adrian had been told of her visit. The minute he got the call, he left his office and headed to the site. He was already there by the time she arrived, his shirt rolled up to his elbows, streaked with dust and sweat, as if he had been laboring all morning.

Victoria stepped out of the car, her heels clicking on the gravel. She spotted Adrian immediately. He was standing near a group of workers, his back turned to her, his posture commanding yet approachable. She couldn't help but admire how effortlessly he fit in, directing the workers like someone who had been on-site for years.

"Adrian!" she called out, her voice carrying above the din.

He turned, a surprised yet warm smile spreading across his face. "Victoria! What are you doing here?"

She gave him a playful smile, masking her curiosity. "I thought I'd surprise you. See what my husband's been up to.

Adrian's smile didn't falter, though his eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "You didn't have to come all this way. But I'm glad you did." He wiped his hands on a cloth and approached her, confident in his steps. "Come on, let me show you around."

Playing It Like Everything Is Fine

Victoria followed him as he led her through the site. He explained the various stages of the project with an air of professionalism that impressed her. She listened intently, occasionally glancing at him as he gestured animatedly.

“You seem to know a lot about construction,” she remarked casually.

Adrian shrugged, a teasing grin playing on his lips. “You pick up a thing or two when you’re around it long enough.”

Victoria laughed but couldn't help but feel there was more to Adrian than he let on. "You look like you've been working hard. Did you even take a break?"

Adrian laughed lightly, brushing off her concern. "Just part of the job.

Victoria watched him for a moment, her curiosity growing. He was comfortable, yet there was something in the way he moved, the way he interacted with the workers that seemed. rehearsed. As if he were acting a part.

A Private Moment

As they came to a less noisy part of the site, away from the workers, Adrian turned to her, his face softening. "Victoria, really, you didn't have to come all this way. But I appreciate it."

She placed a hand on his arm, her eyes searching his. "I just wanted to see you, Adrian. I know you've been stressed, and I wanted to make sure you're okay."

His eyes softened further, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of guilt. "I'm fine, Victoria. Really. But thank you for coming."

Before she could press him further, one of the workers approached, clipboard in hand. "Sir, we need you to review these plans."

Adrian nodded, excusing himself. He turned back to Victoria briefly. "Stay here. I'll be right back."

Victoria's Discovery

While Adrian was busy, Victoria walked around, her gaze sweeping over the teeming activity of the site. She noticed some men standing by a sleek black car, parked near the edge of the property. They were suited, which seemed at contrast with the casualness of the laborers.

Curious, she moved a bit closer but kept enough distance to avoid raising suspicions. She overheard their discussion, and it sounded professional.

"…Mr. Steele insists that we seal this agreement today. The deadline is at hand, and we just can't afford any delay," one of the men said.

"Adrian knows what is at stake. He will not disappoint us," another responded.

Victoria froze. Mr. Steele? The name sounded so familiar. Wasn't that Adrian's grandfather? And what agreement were they talking about?

Before she could hear anything else, the sound of Adrian's voice surprised her from behind.

"Victoria! What are you doing over here?"

She whirled around, slapping on a bright smile. "Just exploring. This place is so fascinating.

Adrian's eyes flickered toward the men by the car before returning to her. His expression remained calm, but there was a tension in his stance that hadn't been there before.

"Come on," he said, taking her hand. "Let's head back."

Back at Home

The drive home was quiet, Adrian's usual ease replaced with a quiet intensity. Victoria wanted to ask about the men at the site, about the mention of Mr. Steele, but something told her now wasn't the time.

When they arrived home, Adrian seemed more relaxed, his charm returning as he joked about her unexpected visit.

"Next time, give me a heads-up," he teased. "I would've at least cleaned up.

Victoria laughed, though her mind was racing. She knew there was more to Adrian than he was letting on, and she was determined to find out what it was.

Next morning at cox corporation 

James paced his office, his frustration boiling over after receiving the call from Lloyd Corporation's assistant. The rejection was firm, and no amount of pleading over the phone had swayed them.

He slammed his hands on his desk, staring at the mockery of failure staring back at him in the form of the canceled contracts. "This can't be happening," he muttered. "Cox Corporation is the backbone of this city! How dare Lloyd Corporation cut ties with us?"

Added to his frustration was the mystery that shrouded the CEO, Theodore Lloyd. Nobody knew what he looked like or how to reach him directly. Yet somehow, he held the power to bring entire companies to their knees.

James clenched his fists. He wouldn't take this lying down. If Theodore Lloyd wouldn't take his calls, then James would confront him in person.

At Lloyd Corporation

The towering glass building of Lloyd Corporation loomed above James as he stepped out of his car. The structure seemed to radiate power and exclusivity, much like its mysterious owner.

James adjusted his tie, summoning every ounce of confidence he had, and marched into the lobby.

“I’m here to see Mr. Theodore Lloyd,” he announced to the receptionist, his voice laced with urgency.

She raised one eyebrow, unimpressed. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No," James said sheepishly, "but this is a pressing matter concerning Cox Corporation, and I must see him in person."

She smiled warmly but firmly. "Mr. Lloyd is an awfully busy man, so without an appointment, I am not sure that he will be able to see you."

"Great," he snapped, "I will just wait.

The receptionist sighed but invited him to a seating area. "Take a seat. Someone will let you know if he is able to see you."

Waiting for a Long While

Time dragged on, with James' patience wearing thinner each minute. He found himself repeatedly checking his watch muttering to himself. With the afternoon wearing on, the lobby became much less busy, and he fought sleep.

Despite his irritation, James slept in one of the cushioned chairs, his head falling to the side.

The Office without Life

He came out of an uneasy sleep feeling jolted and groggy, the receptionist gone and the lobby now bathed in night time's subtle brightness. Going up to the reception counter, he asked, "Is Mr. Lloyd ready to see me?

The assistant behind the desk, different from the one earlier, looked at him apologetically. "I'm so sorry, sir, but Mr. Lloyd has already left for the day."

"What?" James snapped, his voice rising. "I've been here for hours!"

"I understand," said the assistant calmly. "Mr. Lloyd had other engagements and was unable to meet you today.

Fuming, James stormed out of the building. This wasn't over. He wasn't going to let some recluse billionaire derail everything he'd worked for.

A Shadow of Doubt

As James drove back to his office, his mind raced. Who was Theodore Lloyd? And why had he refused to meet him?

Little did James know, the man he was so desperate to meet was closer than he realized—closer than anyone could imagine.