Chapter 226
Posted on July 28, 2025 · 1 mins read
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Chapter 226

When Adriel asked the question, Elsie lifted her head and looked at him. Her bright, sky-blue eyes blinked with innocent confusion.

"I'm braiding our hair for a bit." Adriel continued, "Do you want to come with me to the hospital, or stay here with Noelle?"

Elsie hesitated and slowly rose to her feet. Though she'd grown deeply attached to Noelle, it was clear she still didn’t want to be too far from Adriel either. Seeing her struggle to decide, Adriel’s lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile. So she’s not completely heartless after all.

He extended a hand toward her. “Come with me, then.”

Elsie looked at the hand he offered, seemingly about to take it. But then she glanced at Noelle, a clear reluctance in her eyes, her hand still rightly gripping Noelle's arm. Torn between the two, she looked utterly conflicted.

Just as the situation reached a silent standoff, Noelle unexpectedly stepped in to defuse it with perfect timing and a touch of social finesse.

“I’d like to visit Dad too,” she said sweetly, standing up. “I’ll come with you, Adriel.”

Elsie visibly brightened. Her entire face lit up as she clung tighter to Noelle’s arm and turned a hopeful gaze toward Adriel. Noelle smiled at him too, wide-eyed and expectant, mirroring the same look. Adriel glanced between them – the two identical expressions staring him down.

He sighed, helpless. “Alright, let’s go.”

Noelle beamed. “Yay!”

“Ee–ya,” Elsie chimed in joyfully.

Noelle looked at her and couldn’t help thinking that Elsie was her lucky charm. Just moments ago, she hadn’t the faintest clue how to bridge the distance between her and Adriel. Now, with Elsie stuck to her like glue, getting close to him was suddenly as easy as breathing.

At this rate, I’ll finish the mission in no time! Giddy, she threw her arms around Elsie and bounced happily. “Elsie, you’re the best!”

Elsie didn’t understand the words, but she understood the hug and returned it, just as cheerful.

Watching the two of them wrapped around each other, the rest of the Andersons had varied reactions.

Els' face twitched. “I swear, it’s like watching two overgrown toddlers.”

Even the usually stoic Charlie muttered, “Agreed.”

Bennett chuckled, eyes narrowing with amusement. "They really are something.”

Damon scanned the two girls and nodded. “I’ll allow it.”

In the car, Noelle and Elsie sat on either side of Adriel in the backseat. Elsie, perfectly content, had one arm wrapped around Noelle and the other linked with Adriel’s. She wore a soft, satisfied smile that made her look like she’d found her place in the world.

Adriel glanced down at her, and for once, the cool rationality in his eyes gave way to something warmer–almost indulgent fondness. Noelle, seeing an opportunity, she decided to strike up a conversation.

“Adriel,” she asked, smiling innocently, “where did you meet Elsie?”

He looked at her briefly, expression unreadable. Truth be told, his feelings toward Noelle were complicated. He’d never considered himself a good brother. To him, family honor had always come before blood ties.

When he first learned of Noelle’s existence, he’d investigated her background and found nothing impressive–she’d dropped out of middle school and spent years drifting aimlessly. Frankly, Adriel had been disappointed.

She didn’t fit the mold of an Anderson. In fact, he’d even wished she’d never shown up, that Leia had remained the only sister.

That was cold, even cruel—but it had been the truth.

And yet, in just a few months, the family dynamic had flipped on its head. Noelle, once unwelcome and overlooked, had integrated seamlessly into their world. Leia, once beloved, had been exposed as someone capable of poisoning the father who raised her. The perfect little sister had turned out to be venomous, while the misfit had proven strong, loyal, and even admirable.

Now Adriel didn’t know how to treat Noelle. He couldn’t just change his attitude overnight—he wasn’t someone who faked warmth for appearances. But unexpectedly, Noelle was the one who took the first step. She smiled at him, asked questions, offered him a way in.

Adriel was a businessman—sharp, adaptable. Since Noelle had given him the opportunity, he saw no reason to keep his distance.

“She was in an alley near the heimic all plant when it exploded,” he said calmly. “I found her there."

"I see,” Noelle nodded. “And you’ve been together ever since!"

"Living together."

“Eating together?”

She gave him a look. “Sleeping together too?”

“Yes,” Adriel answered automatically, then froze. His eyes narrowed as he turned sharply to Noelle, who was staring at him with mock surprise and…

“Wow,” she said, pretending to be shocked. “That’s fast!”

She thought of how long she’d been with Nick, and they’d barely shared a bed. Meanwhile, Adriel and Elsie had reached that milestone in no time.

Adriel pinched the bridge of his nose, irritated. Can’t believe I walked right into that.

“Don’t repeat that to anyone,” he said wearily.

“Why not?” Noelle asked innocently.

“It could give people the wrong impression about Elsie.”

“Why would it?!” Noelle blinked. “Unless… you don’t plan to take responsibility? Are you a heartless playboy, Adriel?”

“I’m not,” he said firmly, though he couldn’t quite figure out how this conversation had spiraled into a public interrogation.

But Elsie was also looking up at him now, curious and wide-eyed, so he had no choice but to clarify. “I will take responsibility. But she’s lost her memory. She’s mentally not quite stable. I don’t know if, once she recovers, she’ll still want to be with me.”

That question struck a nerve. Adriel’s gaze lowered toward the girl leaning on him. There was a flicker of something bitter in his expression.

“If she doesn’t,” he said quietly, “then of course I’ll let her go.”

Noelle made a face. “Then why sleep with her in the first place! That’s taking advantage of her! I read in a book–that’s called being a creep.”

Adriel’s temple twitched.

He wasn’t a saint, but when it came to Elsie, he had never crossed any lines. “We may have shared a bed, but I’ve never touched her inappropriately,” he said with strained patience. “She refused to sleep alone. Even when I set up a room for her, she’d end up sneaking into my bed by morning. After trying to correct it a few times, I gave up. But I’ve never done anything to her.”

“Oh...” Noelle nodded as if understanding, then leaned in with a mischievous look and whispered, “So… you’re just not capable."

Adriel nearly choked.

He clenched his fists, trying very hard not to lose it. He was this close to telling her off–but what was the point!

This girl was impossible.


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