Chapter 215

"Adrian!" Stacey exclaimed, smiling as he walked in. "You're back!"

Debra chimed in, equally surprised, "What brings you back today? Where's your girlfriend?" She glanced behind him, disappointment fleeting across her face when she didn't see anyone.

Adrian's smile faded. "Isabella couldn't come. It's complicated, but her older sister wants to meet you all."

"Sister?" Debra's brow furrowed.

Patrick echoed her surprise. "Her sister? Is this like… a family meeting? How far have you two gone already?"

Debra's eyes widened. A family meeting! Her son's future! Her cheerful demeanor blossomed. She pulled Adrian to the couch, pouring him water. "Adrian, tell us everything! How far have you gone? When's the wedding?" Her excitement bordering on frantic, she continued, "Shouldn't we start planning? Engagement, then the wedding – it has to be grand! We can't slight the girl!"

Adrian looked overwhelmed. He took a deep breath. "Mom, Dad… Isabella and I… we have a son. He's three."

Silence. Stunned silence. Stacey stared, equally shocked. A three-year-old son?

Adrian began to explain, recounting their story. Debra stared blankly at Patrick, then Stacey, seeking some common ground in their shared shock.

Finally, Stacey spoke. "So Isabella, my future sister-in-law, doesn't know about our… status?"

Adrian nodded gravely. "I bought an old house near the best school in Hivalis. You can stay there a few days, just disguise yourselves a bit."

Debra turned to Adrian, her anxiety palpable. "But Adrian, hiding this from her… is that right? It’s deceiving her!"

Stacey agreed. "I wouldn't like being lied to."

Adrian hesitated, thinking of Isabella's words. "But they hate rich people…"

Patrick's voice was firm. "What about the rich guy who assaulted her sister? We can't let that go. We have to stand up for them." Debra and Stacey nodded in agreement.

"I'm investigating," Adrian said earnestly. "But much of the evidence was destroyed. I've sent some things abroad for restoration."

Patrick sighed in relief. "Okay."

"Can you pretend to be ordinary for now?" Adrian asked cautiously.

Debra looked helpless. "It's not easy. Bryce and I rarely appear in public, but Charlie and Becky…"

Adrian and Stacey exchanged a look.

"Maybe Becky and Charlie skip the meeting," Adrian suggested. "I'll tell Isabella the truth eventually, then formally introduce everyone."

Patrick disapproved. Debra frowned. "When will you tell her?"

Adrian hesitated. "After I find concrete evidence in her sister's case. We'll help them, send that guy to prison, then I'll tell her." Maybe then, they wouldn't hate rich people so much.

The room fell silent. Finally, Patrick spoke. "Tell her the truth as soon as possible."

"Yes, Dad," Adrian replied immediately.

Debra, remembering the child, her excitement bubbling over, asked, "Adrian, you said Isabella… she has a three-year-old son? Where is he? What does he look like?"

Adrian’s eyes softened. He pulled out his phone, showing them Damian's picture.

Debra, Patrick, and Stacey leaned in, their gazes fixed on the photo. They were stunned.

"He looks like Adrian," Stacey whispered.

Debra's eyes welled up. She loved her grandson already.

"His name is Damian Graham," Adrian said softly. "His mother and aunt hoped he’d be strong."

"Damian," Patrick smiled. "When can we meet them? We'll get to see Damian too, right?"