Chapter 72

Upon seeing this, Celeste smiled. “Mr. Wrenford, since you’re already here, why don’t you come in for coffee?”

Adrian nodded. “I have something I’d like to talk to you about.”

“Alright.”

She led the child inside Aviso Tower, while he followed closely behind. Once home, Eloise went to her room to do homework, leaving only Celeste and Adrian in the living room.

Celeste poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him. “Please have some coffee, Mr. Wrenford.”

“Thank you.” Adrian took the cup but didn’t drink it immediately. “I’m here today because I want to officially make Eloise my goddaughter.”

Celeste paused slightly when she heard this. She asked, “Mr. Wrenford, are you serious about this?”

“If we’re going to put on a show, we might as well go all the way.” He played with the cup in his hand. “Since the news is already out, we might as well make it official. Ask Eloise if she’s willing to be my goddaughter.”

“I’m willing!” A childish voice cut in from the doorway.

Celeste and Adrian turned their heads toward the sound and saw Eloise standing there holding her workbook.

Celeste smiled and teased, “It looks like Eloise is quite fond of you, Mr. Wrenford.”

The young girl grinned shyly and returned to her room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Adrian drew his gaze back, and a subtle smile tugged at his lips as he downed the cup of coffee in one go.

“Since that’s settled, let’s have a meal together soon to formalize things.”

“Sure.” He nodded and smiled.

This was the first time she had seen him smile. She thought that the curve of his lips had a seductive pull. Truth be told, the only reason she agreed to the arrangement was that she believed it would be good for Eloise to have another guardian. Enemies surrounded her, and danger could strike at any moment. With Adrian backing her and the title of his “goddaughter,” no one in Longdale would dare lay a finger on Eloise.

“When will your clinic begin operating?” His voice broke her out of her thoughts.

She looked up and smiled softly. “Five days from now.”

He responded calmly, “That’s quite efficient.”

“You flatter me, Mr. Wrenford.”

Then, Adrian claimed to have other matters to attend to and got up to leave. Celeste walked him to the door. As she stepped out the door, her foot suddenly slipped, sending her falling backward uncontrollably. Just before she hit the ground, strong hands caught her by the waist. She instinctively grabbed his arm, stumbling forward to regain her balance. They were very close to each other. And in that moment, her lips brushed across his Adam’s apple.

Time seemed to freeze. His Adam’s apple bobbled as he swallowed hard. When Celeste realized what had happened, she swiftly regained her balance and pulled herself out of his arms.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Her gaze stopped at his throat before she swiftly looked to the floor.

Adrian kept his eyes on her face, though his gaze had already landed on her lips. Then, suddenly, he reached out and tilted her chin up. A second later, their eyes met.

Chapter 73