Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 547 If Adrian refused to leave, there wasn't much she could do.

All she could do was fulfill her responsibility.

Still, before she left, she had to consider what might happen if Adrian was willing to go but unable to. She was definitely heading to the UK, which meant she needed someone trustworthy to stay behind and look after Adrian.

The Montgomery family was out of the question-getting them involved would only make things messier.

That left Forrest.

With an organization protecting him, neither Cosnor the Montgomerys would easily get to Adrian... and, honestly, Forrest was the only person she trusted right now. Leaving Adrian with him gave her peace of mind.

What she didn't expect was just how much Adrian disliked Forrest.

But she had to try.

"Adrian, I'll be heading out soon. During the day, Mr. Whitmore will stay with you. If you need anything-meals, help, whatever-just ask him... If something really comes up, call me, okay?" Lillian's Manor.

She led Adrian on a short tour of the house, making sure he got his bearings. Once that was done and remembering she had to leave soon-Mila finally spoke.

They'd agreed on this plan the night before.

Adrian wasn't happy, but he nodded.

As Mila's car disappeared down the drive, Adrian's gaze fell on the man in front of him-his gentle smile never wavering. Instantly, Adrian's face darkened. With a huff, he turned to march back inside, making it clear he had no intention of acknowledging Forrest.

He didn't want this man's company at all.

But as he turned, Forrest's hand landed lightly on his shoulder. Before Forrest could say a word, Adrian snapped, "Let go! When Mom gets back, I'm telling her you hit me!" This little brat.

He could change moods faster than flipping a switch.

Forrest just kept smiling, his tone patient. "You can tell her whatever you want, but your mom wants to see photos of you eating and having fun while she's gone. Otherwise, she'll worry. Are you sure you don't want to help her feel better?" He knew the kid was clever. After what happened at the Pembroke estate, their motives were clear enough-no need for pretense.

He decided to be blunt.

He was betting Adrian would compromise for his mother's sake.

"Don't touch me!" Adrian shook off Forrest's hand, glaring. He didn't say another word of protest, but he wasn't backing down, either; instead, he jabbed a finger at Forrest.

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to. As long as I'm here, you can forget it— I'll never accept you!" As if that wasn't enough, he added furiously, "You adults are all the same-so fake!" Forrest couldn't help but laugh.

He ruffled Adrian's hair on purpose, feigning innocence. "CallMr. Whitmore. And what makes you say I'm fake? Did I do something to upset you?" "Don't touch me!" Adrian slapped his hand away, face flushed with anger, especially after remembering the phone contact he'd seen last time.

Forrest just smiled, unfazed by Adrian's repeated rejection. Glancing at his watch, he asked gently, "So, Adrian, is there anywhere you want to go today? I'm happy to take you." "No!" "Alright, then you'll just have to cwithto work." Forrest's grin widened, unbothered.

A restaurant near the hospital.

It was an elegant place, sunlight streaming through the windows onto the table where Mila and Nathaniel sat across from each other. Neither seemed to know what to say.

They hadn't sat together like this in ages.

Let alone shared a meal.

The awkwardness lingered until the waiter brought their food, dish after dish breaking the silence. Finally, Mila found her voice and explained why she'd come.

"I was going to speak with your sister Sophia about this, but she said it wasn't her concern and toldto talk to you. It's about Ms.

Stephanie's suspension-you probably know the details. She really wasn't at fault, and the punishment is far too harsh... If you want her reinstated, we both have to agree to drop the matter." "Then let's drop it," Nathaniel replied.

Mila blinked, surprised at how easy that was. She'd expected the Pembrokes to be more difficult. "Thank you. Is there anything you want in return?" "Why would you think that?" Nathaniel gave a rueful smile.

"This whole mess was Sophia's doing. It was wrong, and I share the blfor not stopping her. It's not right to keep pushing... Besides, you're the one asking. Our family already owes you more than enough." in He paused, his voice growing heavy. "Mila, I'm truly sorry. I couldn't stop her." He knew everything Sophia had done.

And he hadn't been able to prevent it.

"As long as it's resolved, that's what matters." Mila had no interest in the Pembroke siblings' . She listened, but her only response was cool and noncommittal.

Still...

When she thought of Julian, she I.not

hesitated, then added, "Sophia probably won't do anything more Julian for now, but there's non guarantee about the future. If t goes on, she'll ruin that boy's life and maybe even put him in danger." "You're his uncle. You can petition the court for custody... Just think about it." She didn't have much faith in Nathaniel, either.

But he was still better than Sophia.

At least he wouldn't hurt the child or back him into a corner. She hoped Nathaniel would fight for custody-he was family, and he had a real chance. She'd said all she could.

As she stood to leave-having no intention of sharing the meal-hem body suddenly tensed. Her heart raeed, and she froze where she stood. Just now.

That prickling sense of being watched surged, stronger than ever.

Whoever it was made no effort to hide it.

It was like a knife at her back.