Divorced My Cheating Husband, Married A Billionaire

Chapter 6: Mr. King Needs A Wife

Riley's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind struggling to process the unexpected
proposal. She blinked repeatedly and probably did the whole blinking cycle three times.

"Yesterday, I missed something important, so I need a wife. Since you owe me a favor, I
was hoping you would marry me," Adrian said. His expression remained calm as he
offered marriage, as though it were of little significance.

"W-what?" Riley gulped. "Marriage for a favor?"

Adrian didn't respond. He stared at her intensely, then pointed to his assistant and
ordered, "Explain."

Riley darted to the man standing behind Adrian. The assistant, whom she had known as
Clint Rodriguez, narrated, "Miss Allen, the other day, in order to bring you to the hospital
and ensure your health, Mister King missed his engagement party with his fiancée, Leni
Eros, the heir to the Eros Empire in Dowel City."

"And because Mister King missed the engagement party, Miss Leni Eros canceled their
engagement," Clint added. "So, Mister King needs a new wife."

Hearing Clint's explanation, Riley's heart raced. She reacted, "What?! You were
engaged to Leni Eros?"

Who doesn't know Leni Eros? The Eros family was the wealthiest in the state, second to
the King family of Halliport!

'What in the world did Adrian think of? He abandoned a beautiful heiress to bring me to
the hospital! Why didn't he just leave me with his assistant? Oh, that's right. He can't
drive himself because he is in a wheelchair. Stupid, Riley.' Riley scolded herself.

'But why did Adrian stay with me until ten in the evening? He did not have to hug me
and comfort me too!' As she debated with herself, her brow unwittingly raised.
Reluctantly, she said, "So, it was my fault that you lost your fiancée?"

"I'm not blaming you," Adrian replied calmly. "You said you'd do me a favor, and this is
the favor I am asking for."

"I may not be the wealthiest in my family, but I am far richer than Brian Martin. I can
provide for all your needs, take care of your mother's hospitalization, and ensure her
recovery. I can also help you build an even better jewelry company, one that will thrive
with my assistance. Lastly, I will ensure you get justice for what Brian has done to you."
Adrian raised his chin, narrowed his eyes, and declared, "I promise you, he will be
punished."

"After I'm finished with him, he and his family will kneel before you, begging for your
forgiveness," Adrian claimed. "And I will stand by your side, mocking them for the
choices they made in favor of Brian's mistress."

There was a short pause before Clint remarked, "Shouldn't it be sitting, Sir? Sitting
beside Miss Allen?"

Adrian glared at his assistant, causing Clint's face to turn ghostly white with fear. Adrian
responded with a hint of irritation, "I can stand with support, Clint."

"Right," Clint stood rigidly, as straight as a stick. His hands were at his sides as he said,
"Stand it is, Sir."

"And don't worry. This is a simple arrangement," Adrian assured Riley as he fixed his
tie. "My grandfather has been pressuring me to get married. You don't need to know all
the details, but what I'm saying is that getting married is advantageous to me in many
ways."

"Like a contract marriage?" Riley clarified.

"Hmmm," Adrian answered. "You could say that, but it will be a respectful one. I will be
honest. I will never do anything against your wishes, and I expect the same courtesy
from you, Riley."

"Consider my proposition, but if you agree to this marriage, you must stay with me for at
least one year." Adrian ran his fingers through his long, dark hair. He took a deep breath
and studied Riley briefly before asking, "What do you think, Riley?"

Riley blinked again. "I—"

***

While Riley faced a tough decision, back at Halliport General Hospital, Brian gaped at
the signed divorce papers. He glanced at Claire, who was sleeping at that moment, then
returned his attention to the documents in his hand.

Riley, his wife of four years, had agreed to leave him. He was baffled by how she signed
the documents without throwing a fit.

'But why?' Brian thought while his hand caressed his jaw. 'Something is not right.'
"Why am I even asking this? Shouldn't I be relieved?" Brian softly muttered. He couldn't
understand his own feelings. Just hours earlier, he had wanted the divorce finalized. So
why did Riley's actions affect him?

He couldn't shake off Riley's words: 'I regret everything. I regret loving you and marrying
you. I don't want anything to do with you. I hate you!'

Brian thought back to the years he had shared with Riley. He had to admit, they had
beautiful memories together. Since they did not have children, they often took weekend
vacations. Riley

loved adventure, so they frequently traveled to distant places, learning about new
cultures, diving, hiking, and swimming.

Then, Brian unwittingly recounted the sacrifices Riley had made for the company. When
he reread the compensation he had given her, he acknowledged that the money she
received was unfair compared to her contributions.

The truth was, Brian was ready to give Riley more, but he honestly thought that his now
ex-wife would reject the divorce. So, he and his mother, Beatrice, used Renee Allen's
situation as leverage. The plan worked like magic, but maybe it was too good to be
true?

As Brian pondered, Claire called, "Brian. What are you looking at?"

"Um. You are awake." Clearing his throat, Brian replied, "It's the divorce papers. Riley
signed them."

Claire's face lit up. She cried with happiness as she exclaimed, "Really? That's great,
Babe!"

"You're happy, right? For our baby? We can finally be a family. I love you, Brian, Babe. I
love you so much," Claire added, stretching her arms toward him.

Claire's eyes, wide and doe-like, conveyed purity and longing. Her gentle lashes
fluttered with hope, and her sincerity seemed to tug at the heartstrings. Brian couldn't
resist; he rose from his seat and embraced his new beloved.

"Yes," Brian acknowledged, stroking Claire's back as he affirmed, "We can finally be a
family."

They held each other briefly before Claire pulled away with a bright smile. Then, her
cheeks turned bright red. She bashfully pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and
took Brian's hand. Claire gently guided his hand under her hospital gown, placing it over
her bare breast. Softly, she said, "I missed you, Babe. I missed your touch. I know we
can't do much because of the baby, but we can at least touch each other, right?"
A hiss escaped Brian's lips, feeling a surge of arousal. Claire had a powerful effect on
him, and now he was filled with desire, no longer burdened by guilt towards Riley.

Brian locked the door to the hospital room and turned to Claire. He unzipped his pants
and said, "Remember what I taught you about using your mouth?"

"Oh, Babe," Claire exclaimed, her face flushing as she covered it coyly. "I'm feeling
shy."

Nonetheless, Claire gave Brian a lip service in the next few minutes. When he finished,
he was so gratified that his moans filled the room. After getting released, he kissed
Claire's lips and complimented, "You are just amazing."

Claire smiled brightly. She said, "I love you, Brian."

"I love you too," Brian responded, caressing Claire's angelic face.

"More than your wife?" Claire teased while biting her lip.

"Ah," Brian was taken aback by the question, so much that he nearly choked. He
chuckled and reluctantly replied, "Y - yes, I chose you, remember? I love you more than
I ever loved Riley."

Chapter 7: Cancelled Engagement

Back at the Plaza Hotel, Riley's mouth hung wide open as she thought deeply. Then,
she asked, "Why can't you just fix your engagement with Leni Eros?"

Adrian's eyes narrowed. He responded, "I'm afraid the engagement is irreparable."

"Did - did you try to reason with Miss Leni Eros?" Riley inquired.

"You would not really understand until you meet her. Our engagement is off, and that's
final. Now, I need a wife," Adrian said.

Riley gasped. She responded, "I - I don't think it's a good idea, Adrian. I'm pretty
traumatized right now -"

"I'm not Brian, Riley. I am a different person - a different man," Adrian responded. "And,
as you suggested, this will be some sort of contractual marriage, where expectations
are set beforehand."

Riley gulped. She looked at Clint, hoping to get some help, but of course, he did not.
So, instead, she said to Adrian, "But we don't love each other -"
"You married for love. How did that turn out?" Adrian pointed out. "Love can betray
you... But I won't."

Riley raised a brow. She inquired, "How would I know that you won't betray me?"

Adrian remained relaxed and expressionless. He simply responded, "We can put that in
the contract. Should I betray you, you can have half of my assets -"

"What? Haha!" Riley had not laughed in a while, but Adrian's suggestion certainly tickled
her bones. She supposed she should thank him. "Adrian? Have you lost your mind?
You are a billionaire, for crying out loud!"

"I am perfectly sane," Adrian answered. Again, he had that poker face - a handsome
kind. "It's my way of telling you that I won't turn my back on you."

Shaking her head, Riley answered, "That's absurd - wait, are you doing this because of
Brian? This is your way of pissing him off?"

Riley knew one thing about Adrian and her now ex-husband: They used to be friends
but became rivals. She never truly understood why, and Brian never explained it to her.
However, was their misunderstanding so bad that Adrian would use her to get back at
Brian?

"Please, if I wanted to piss off your good-for-nothing ex-husband, I would have just hired
someone to break his legs, and I’d get away with it," Adrian said with sarcasm in his
voice.

"My reason is simple.I require a wife, and you are indebted to me. Why look for
someone else when I can collect that favor you owe me?" Adrian clarified. "Besides, we
are not strangers, Riley. Do you remember?"

'Right.' Indeed, Adrian was no stranger to her. Adrian, Riley and Brian went to the same
university in college. However, Riley and Brian had not spoken to Adrian in six years or
so.

"Anyway, you don't have to decide now. Like I said, I would never force anything on
you, but I hope you will agree to my proposition. After all, we will both benefit from it,"
Adrian described. "However, I will enforce this: go to Zia and get yourself checked. I will
not tolerate patients who are ignoring their health."

"Ha?" Riley reacted. "But I signed a waiver -"

Riley's words were cut off. Adrian raised a finger and said, "Listen to me. I won't have it
any other way. I am asking you to please have yourself checked. It will only take one
hour at most. Your mother is being cared for in the ICU, am I right?"
"Yes," Riley replied.

"Then, let me and Clint take you," Adrian offered.

***

King's Medical Center.

"Okay, you're good. You're not bleeding heavily," Zia confirmed. "But if you experience
any discomfort, don't hesitate to call me."

Riley was inside Zia's clinic, being evaluated. She smiled and said, "Thank you, Zia.
You are an overprotective doctor."

Zia sighed and responded, "It's the least that I can do after what my stupid cousin has
done to you."

"He is not your responsibility, but I thank you still," Riley conveyed. "I'm free now. I have
signed the divorce papers."

Riley told Zia about the divorce terms, and she was aghast. Zia reacted, "How could
he? Brian's net worth should be around fifty million dollars. How could he give you so
little?"

"I thought about asking for more, but I also did not want anything to do with him
anymore. The faster the divorce can be processed, the better," Riley responded. She
smiled confidently and declared, "Besides, I can make it on my own. I'm jobless now,
but I know I'll make it."

"And when I make it, I'll show him," Riley declared.

Sitting behind her desk, Zia looked teary-eyed. She sniffed and responded, "You will. I
know you will."

"Well, I better not keep you waiting. I'm sure you are eager to get back to your mom,"
Zia said while getting up. "By the way, I'm so happy for you and your mom."

"Thank you, Zia. I am the happiest," Riley said with gleaming eyes. "She is more than
enough to keep me going."

Riley and Zia embraced each other before saying their goodbyes. Afterward, Adrian
brought Riley back to Halliport General Hospital.

As the car pulled into the driveway, Riley turned to Adrian, who sat beside her. She
said, "Thank you for taking me back."
"Hmmm," Adrian acknowledged. "Clint will process your mother's transfer, so give him
your number."

"Right," Riley answered, giving Clint her number.

"I'll be in touch," Clint responded with a smile.

Immediately, Riley felt comfortable with Clint. He was a young man in his early twenties
with an amiable personality. She said, "It's nice to meet you, Clint."

"And thank you again, Adrian, for everything," Riley glanced at Adrian before finally
opening the door and leaving his luxury car.

Riley was a bit absent-minded, still thinking about Adrian's suggestion. She didn't
realize that she was walking straight into a man.

"Riley? Watch where you're going!" Riley looked up and saw Brian.

Instantly, her lips twitched before ignoring Brian and walking past him.

"Who was that?" Brian called.

Riley turned to Brian and asked curtly, "What?!"

"Who were you with, Riley?" Brian inquired, seemingly looking furious. "Are you seeing
another man?"

"So what if I am, Brian? It's none of your business," Riley responded before turning on
her heel and entering the hospital. As she did, however, she felt Brian's burning gaze on
her back. She mused, 'What is his problem?'

***

Inside the luxurious Maybach, Adrian saw through his tinted glass window how Brian
attempted to chase after Riley. He saw how Brian was conflicted, but chose to back off
either way.

Adrian clenched his hands into fists, and his jaws were equally tensed. He said, "Brian.
Brian. What a fool. You don't know the kind of precious diamond you just let go, but I'll
show you."

Chapter 8: Heart Attack

At Renee Allen's Residence.

[Miss Allen. The boss would like to know if you have considered his offer?]
Riley gasped the moment she read Clint's text. She bit her lip and studied herself in
front of the bathroom mirror.

It had been five days since Adrian proposed marriage. She had not given him a
response, but she meant to decline his offer.

In the mirror, she saw a reflection of a woman with woeful eyes. Aside from the dark
circles around her eyes, Riley no longer had that radiant glow on her face, the one she
used to have during her happy days with Brian.

She had been focusing on her mother's care these past few days and was trying hard to
forget the pain of her divorce, but she knew healing was still a work in progress.

Riley ran her fingers through her blonde hair and realized it was tangled. She muttered,
"When did I last go to the salon?"

With a sigh, Riley asked, " How could I compare to Leni Eros? Adrian is crazy not to fix
things with Leni."

Riley knew she was also beautiful, but Leni Eros was on another level. Leni Eros was
not only an heiress but also a model. She was on the front page of many magazines
and often talked about on social media.

She did not find Adrian's engagement with Leni surprising. Powerful families wanted to
marry each other, and their parents probably arranged their engagement, but how could
Leni cancel her engagement just like that?

Riley returned to her phone and replied to Clint: [I'd like to speak to Adrian about this.
When is he available?]

Clint: [He is free anytime.]

Riley: [Isn't he busy?]

Clint: [The boss will make time, Miss Allen. You can meet him when we move your
mother to The King's Medical Center. Her doctors have agreed to the move on
Monday.]

Riley looked in the mirror and smiled. Yes, her mother was feeling much better and
stable enough to be moved to another hospital. Finally, she could completely avoid
Brian and his family.

She glanced back at her mobile and answered: [I look forward to speaking to Adrian.]

After a full shower, Riley got dressed and went to Halliport General Hospital.
In the lobby, she noticed Brian speaking to an older woman and a teenager. Riley did
not recognize them, but she evaded their group. She took the stairs to the ICU. She
would rather have cardio exercise than be seen by her ex-husband.

When Riley entered her mother's ICU room, she inhaled, and immediately, tears stung
her eyes.

"Surprise!" Doctor Wilson and a nurse said.

Her mother was in a wheelchair!

Renee Allen was smiling and crying before Riley. She said, "Su-rise."

Riley's mother still found it hard to talk, but she could speak a word or two day by day.
Renee had also gained a little weight, thanks to her intravenous nutrients and soft diet.

"Oh, my god!" Riley walked to her mother and embraced her tightly. She kissed Renee's
cheeks and said, "I'm so happy. I'm so happy. I love you, Mom. I love you so much.
Thank you for fighting for me."

"I love - too," Renee responded emotionally.

"Actually, Mrs. Martin - I mean -"

When Doctor Wilson tried to explain the situation to Riley, she stopped him from
correcting her name. When they were alone, she didn't like to be called Mrs. Martin, but
in front of her mother, she did not mind. This was because her mother still did not know
about the divorce.

Riley did not know how to explain it to Renee. Her mother loved Brian and approved of
him so much that causing her any more emotional pain was the last thing on Riley's
mind.

'Since she is getting better, maybe today is the day?' Riley thought.

"So, as I was saying," Doctor Wilson resumed. "We are moving your mother to a private
room today. And you can take her outside if you wish, Miss Riley."

"Thank you, Doctor. We love to do that," Riley responded eagerly.

The move to the private room was so much better. It meant Riley could finally stay
overnight with her mother. They settled in the morning, and in the afternoon, Riley finally
took her mother out into the hospital's rooftop garden area.
Many other patients were there to get some fresh air. The weather was great—not too
sunny or cloudy. The floor was covered in artificial grass, but there were many potted
plants, including small palm trees.

Riley took Renee around the garden three times before deciding it was time to return.
They were halfway to the entrance when Renee asked, "Where is B-brian?"

With a sigh, Riley paused. She cautiously said, "Mom, you know how marriages have
problems -"

"You! I'd like to have a word with you!" Suddenly, an older woman, seemingly in her
early fifties, approached Riley. The woman was seething, and Riley was clueless as to
why.

Excuse me?" Riley asked.

The woman had light brown hair. She was a petite lady, wearing casual clothes. In front
of Riley and Renee, she revealed, "You don't remember me? You barged into our new
home two months ago."

It dawned on Riley that the woman was Claire's mother. She said, "You women always
blame the other woman when my daughter never knew Brian was married! How could
you push her when she is pregnant? Now, she is in complete bed rest -"

"Please, I don't want to talk about this in front of my mom," Riley tried to reason with
Claire's mother, but the woman was determined to pick a fight.

"Does your mother know you almost killed Brian's child?" Claire's mother said.

Renee ended up staring at Riley in shock. She looked puzzled as she asked, "What?"

"Mom, it's a long story," Riley said as she tried to move Renee's wheelchair to avoid
Claire's mother. However, at that point, she already saw Renee's chest heaving.

"We are not done yet!" Claire's mother chased after Riley. "Just because your husband
chose my daughter doesn't mean you should hurt an unborn child!"

"I did not hurt your daughter! She fell on her own!" Riley snapped. "Leave me alone or
else -"

"Ri! What -" Renee asked with evident horror in her eyes. She cried as she said,
"What's going - on?"

"Oh, your mother doesn't know," the woman said. She purposely walked in front of
Renee and said, "Brian Martin left your daughter for my daughter. They are in love and
are expecting a child. Your daughter tried to sabotage Brian's newfound love by
attempting to kill my daughter's unborn child!"

"We will sue you!" The woman screamed. "You should give us a settlement! Pay us five
million dollars -"

"No!" Renee found the strength to react. Her voice was not loud but audible enough for
Riley and the woman to hear. "Brian - loves my daughter -"

Just then, Renee's hand clenched her chest, and her eyes fully rounded.

"Mom? Mom?" Riley tried to calm Renee, but it was of no use. She rushed back into the
hospital hallway and called for help, "Help! My mother needs help! Help!"

As nurses and doctors come to her aid, Riley could hear them describing her mother's
symptoms.

"She is having a heart attack!"

"Put her on the bed!"

It was an emergency, and Riley witnessed them perform CPR in the nearest available
room.

Behind the commotion, Riley cried her heart out. She turned to find the woman who
caused it all and screamed, "You! You did this to my mother!"

Chapter 9: Riley's Decision

Claire's mother, Mara Monet, visited her daughter in the hospital.

Brian had left them to take care of company matters. While he was away, Claire took
the opportunity to discuss Brian's divorce.

Mara, a mirror image of Claire, questioned, "Claire, are you certain? Has that woman
truly signed the divorce papers?"

"Yes, Ma! Brian will surely marry me," Claire exclaimed.

Mara's eyes gleamed. She said, "This is our chance to marry into the rich! I can imagine
us living in a mansion soon, having luxury cars, bags, and shoes."

"I'm already enrolled in a private school!" Carrie, Claire's sister, pointed out.

"Life is going to be so much better for us now," Mara remarked.

"He gave his ex-wife money for the divorce?" Mara inquired in shock.

"Yes, Ma. He gave her around five million dollars!" Claire revealed.

"Wow." Mara's eyes widened in astonishment. "Does she deserve it? Didn't you say she
tried to harm your baby? She shouldn't get anything!"

Claire choked on her words. Her face flushed at her mother's suggestion. Only she
knew the absolute truth. She shrugged and answered, "Brian said it was for the best.
Because if Riley goes

after all her rights, the divorce would be too difficult and lengthy."

Mara's face turned glum. She bitterly said, "I have an idea. Didn't you say her mother is
in the same hospital?"

"Yes, Ma. What are you planning to do?" Claire asked.

Smirking, Mara described, "Well, since she tried to harm your child, why don't I threaten
her to give us money!"

"I want to go out and get some fresh air," Mara claimed before searching for Riley's
mother. She went to the ICU and used all her dramatics to get the needed information.

Mara felt like she could scheme to get money from Riley, so when she spotted Riley,
she charged with everything she got! After all, she had to be convincing.

However, she did not expect that Riley's mother would have a heart attack. So, when all
the medical staff were working on Riley's mother, the latter confronted Mara angrily.

"You! You did this to my mother!" Riley yelled while marching in Mara's direction. "You
want to sue me? Then sue me! I'll sue your daughter back! While the divorce is not
finalized, I can counter it and get half of Brian's assets! I will sue for adultery, and I will
not stop until your precious daughter is locked up for having an affair with a married
man!"

Mara gasped. The people around her began to stare at her, and she felt humiliated. She
miscalculated how this Riley woman would react!

"I - I don't know what you are talking about!" Mara took a step back and briskly walked
to the lift.
***

"Mom, please. Please stay with me, no matter what," Riley begged as she held Renee's
hand. Her eyes were puffed once more.

She had not bathed or left her mother's side in the last twenty-four hours. She did not
answer her phone or eat a single bite of food. Since Renee's heart attack, she has been
put back into the ICU for cardiac monitoring.

Doctor Wilson happened to drop by. He said to Riley, "Don't worry, Miss Allen. Your
mom is stable now, but she needs a lot of rest, and we will do several tests on her heart
too -"

"I want to move her to the King's Medical Center now," Riley said firmly. "We can't stay
here any longer! I don't want to see my husband's mistress and any of his family!"

Doctor Wilson was taken aback, but his silence gave it away. Clearly, the doctor knew
what was going on between Riley and Brian. He said, "Your mother is not yet in the
condition to move facilities -"

"My mother will die here if we keep bumping into those people!" Riley angrily said.

"But if that is what you wish, I'm sure The King's Medical Center has a high-end
ambulance that can transport patients on a cardiac monitor. You'll need to sign a
waiver," The doctor said.

"Please," Riley asserted. "I want to leave as soon as possible."

Following that conversation with Doctor Wilson, Riley contacted Clint and informed him
of the situation. He was more than eager to facilitate the move for her mother. Clint
assured Riley, "Don't worry, Miss Allen, the boss will ensure your mother's recovery."

In the next two hours, everything was ready. Renee was moved to the King's Medical
Center using the hospital's most advanced medical transport. Seeing how efficient the
staff was, Riley regretted

pushing back her mother's transfer. As Doctor Wilson suggested, Riley waited until her
mother regained strength, but Claire's mother unexpectedly worsened Renee's
condition.

With her mother's current state, Riley's hatred towards Brian and Claire amplified. She
was planning to just let it go. Her moving on and future success was her vengeance, but
after what happened, she knew she had to settle the score.
It no longer surprised Riley that Adrian visited her in the evening. Riley did not know
why, but she felt like she could be herself around him. Immediately, Riley cried when
Adrian entered her mother's ICU space.

Adrian moved closer to her and pulled her into his arms. She did not even realize how
she ended up sitting on his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck.

Riley broke down completely and said, "Please help me, Adrian. I have no one else to
ask but you."

"You didn't have to ask," Adrian responded; his voice was deep and soothing. "I have
already asked the resident to contact the best cardiologist and surgeon. The hospital
will take care of your mother."

Riley pulled away, a mix of anger and sadness filling her chest. She sat back in her
chair and stared at her sleeping mother for some time. After taking deep breaths, she
glanced back at Adrian and declared, "About your proposition, I agree."

"What?" Adrian inquired.

"I agree to marry you," Riley responded.

As a reaction, Adrian leaned back in his wheelchair. For the first time, Riley saw how he
was caught by surprise. His mouth parted for seconds before he finally answered, "I
assure you, you won't regret it."

Chapter 10: Adrian's Conditions

"You need to eat. How can you care for your mom if you don't eat?" Adrian said as he
pushed a bowl of ramen in Riley's direction. "This thick broth is good for you. You are so
thin."

Riley frowned. She looked at her arms and could not deny Adrian's comment. She had
lost a lot of weight in the past few days. She accepted the ramen and slowly sipped on
the soup.

Adrian insisted that Riley take a break from watching her mother, even just a few hours.
Thus, they were at a famous Japanese restaurant that was about to close, but Adrian
was a King, and the owners were more than willing to accommodate him.

When Riley ate, she felt better. The soup and the noodles warmed her stomach. Out of
nowhere, Adrian asked, "Are you really going to contest the divorce agreement?"

Riley stared at him. They had earlier talked about her encounter with Claire's mother
and the threats she gave. She replied, "I just said that out of spite. I don't care about
Brian's money. I want to divorce him as soon as possible, but of course, I want to get
even."

"GOOD." Adrian firmly replied. He appeared to be controlled on the surface, but Riley
noticed a hint of tension in his words. "Because Brian is not worth that much. Don't
waste your time battling over twenty-five million dollars. We'll get even in a smarter
way."

Adrian paused briefly before adding, "When you marry me, you'll be worth billions."

The thought of becoming an instant billionaire made Riley choke on her food. She drank
an entire glass of water to clear her throat. She mused, 'He sure knows how to catch me
off guard.'

"My grandfather will be returning from his trip next month. I need to introduce you as my
girlfriend, so your divorce must be finalized before then," Adrian announced. He raised
his chin, flaunting his perfectly proportioned face.

"I don't know if that can be processed so quickly," Riley remarked.

"As long as you do not contest the divorce, I can request the Supreme Court to expedite
it," Adrian responded.

If anyone would have connections in the government, the Kings would. They were one
of the oldest families in Halliport and were practically gods in the city.

"You said your grandfather had been pressuring you to get married. Why?" Riley
inquired.

Adrian stared into Riley's green eyes. He replied, "To continue the legacy of the Kings,
to extend the family, to have stability, and to have grandchildren. It is in our family's
culture."

He paused and admitted, "And, it's part of Grandpa's condition before he gives me part
of his company shares - that I must marry. I need his shares for a particular reason."

Riley winced. She ate some more and watched Adrian feed himself with the ramen too.
After a while, she questioned, "Why do you need your grandfather's shares?"

Adrian stopped mid-way from eating his food. He looked at Riley and answered, "To
secure it. To give me leverage."

He leaned back and added, "It is no secret that my family has not been united since my
father remarried."
"My stepbrother was voted as the CEO of King's Enterprises, whereas I was only
appointed to manage the conglomerate's healthcare entity," Adrian revealed. His jaws
tightened before describing, "I plan to take what is rightfully mine."

Riley's brows met. How can she forget about this? Three years ago, Adrian's adoptive
brother was chosen to lead the King's empire instead of him. It was the talk of the town
for an entire month. She

thought Adrian must have felt conned. After all, he was the legitimate child, a real King.

"I'm - I'm sorry to hear that," Riley said.

"Thank you for sympathizing with me," Adrian said. "Don't worry. I have taken measures
to keep my family's legacy safe, and you will help me ensure it."

"Just because we will marry?" Riley asked, still trying to figure out how her union with
Adrian would address his problems. "Adrian, are you forgetting that I am a divorcee? I'm
worried that your family will not like me."

"I admit that my father will oppose. He wanted me to marry Leni Eros, but she is out of
the picture. It doesn't matter what my father thinks, though. Our relationship has long
been stained, but my grandpa will respect my choices," Adrian assured her.

"And please, Riley, don't underestimate yourself." For the first time since meeting Adrian
again, he chuckled. He gulped, and Riley could not help but notice how his Adam's
apple bobbed sexily. That small laugh line on his face made him look ravishing.

He fixed his gaze on her, making her feel uncomfortable. He implied, "You are worth so
much more than you think. In a year, you will be the best jewelry designer in the
country. I guarantee that."

"So you are banking on the success of my future jewelry designs?" Riley asked.

"It's one of your outstanding qualities. We may have lost touch, but I know your
company's top- selling jewelry were your designs," Adrian informed. "Just trust me,
Riley. As long as we will work together, everything will be fine. We will both achieve our
goals."

Riley took a deep breath. She answered, "Okay. I - I trust you."

"Good," Adrian replied. "Eat."

Adrian and Riley continued to eat until their bowls were empty. Afterward, Adrian
declared, "Since you are technically my girlfriend now, I will ensure you are looked after.
I will ask Zia and Clint to check on you now and then. Of course, I will visit your mother
too whenever I can. You must eat three times daily and sleep at least six hours."
"To ensure that, I want you to move in with me," Adrian added.

Riley was taken aback. She coughed and reacted, "What? Um. Already? My mother's
place is fine - "

"Riley, you need people around you to help you get through this difficult time in your life.
I would know; I have been through it," Adrian said. "It's non-negotiable. You will move in
with me this weekend."

'I would know; I have been through it.' His words made Riley wonder, 'What could
Adrian be referring to? The conflict in his family? Or was it when his mother passed
away?'

Riley did not have the opportunity to think further about what he meant because Adrian
said, "Moreover, we need to get to know each other. It has been too long."

"This relationship must be believable to my family, especially my grandfather. So, before

When Riley raised a brow, Adrian clarified, "Courtship, engagement, and marriage."

"So this will not be like a secret marriage, similar to novels?" Riley asked.

"Now, Riley, why would I keep you a secret?" Adrian asked, a faint smirk forming on his
face. "I already said I need you to gain my grandfather's favor and his shares."

Buttoning his suit, Adrian said, "I will have my lawyers draft our agreement before our
official engagement. If you have any requests and terms to be included, let me know."

Riley bit her lip. She gasped and looked sideways before finally expressing what was
bothering her. She sensed her cheeks burn as she asked, "Are we supposed to have a
child? Is that part of your plan?"