Chapter 4

Serena's POV

Putting away my phone, I pulled open the bedroom door and walked out. Passing by the guest bedroom, that half-open door was suddenly pulled open.

Gianna, leaning on crutches and standing by the door, called out to me. "Miss Wells."

I stopped. "Yes?"

Gianna looked me over, her gaze sweeping across my plain yet haggard face. The corner of her mouth curved slightly, but quickly returned to a straight line.

She lifted her chin. "Doesn't Mr. Thorne love you very much? I heard back then he pursued you so passionately, everyone knew about it. How is it that now, you can't even keep your own husband's heart?"

My fingers at my sides curled slightly.

"It's all because you can't control him that he's stuck to me like chewing gum, causing me endless trouble. Now I'm not only forced to stay in your villa, I can't even go to the office or do my part-time jobs."

Gianna looked accusatory and complaining, but I could hear the superiority and mockery she couldn't hide.

Suddenly, I smiled.

"What are you laughing at?" Gianna frowned. "What's so funny?"

I raised my eyes to look directly at her, that gaze seeming able to penetrate all her pretenses. "Miss Carson, do you really... not feel anything at all for Adrian?"

A flash of panic quickly crossed Gianna's eyes, but it was only for an instant. Her brows furrowed tighter, her voice suddenly rising as if insulted and angry.

"What nonsense are you talking about?! Of course not! Miss Wells, please don't make assumptions! I may be poor, I may not compare to you and Mr. Thorne's backgrounds, but even if I'm poor, I have self-respect and pride! I could never be attracted to someone who's already married!"

She became more and more agitated as she spoke, as if greatly insulted. "You can't keep Mr. Thorne's heart yourself. Are you trying to blame me for seducing him now? Besides, I've refused his pursuit countless times. It's Mr. Thorne who insists on pestering me! Is that my fault too?"

After hearing her out, I was genuinely curious. "Since you don't want to be pestered by him, why do you still stay at his company instead of leaving?"

Gianna said righteously, "I got into Thorne Group through my own abilities and efforts in the interview. Why should I give up the career and future I worked hard for because of Mr. Thorne's personal behavior?"

"True." I nodded, completely agreeing with that statement. "You indeed have no reason to give up your career to avoid his pestering. However..."

I suddenly changed tack. "If you truly felt nothing for him, why would you frequently take part-time jobs at his usual private clubs, high-end restaurants, and even private parties like the previous one?"

Gianna's expression changed slightly, but she still insisted, "Miss Wells, those were all just coincidences. I'll say it again, I don't..."

"Actually, admitting you have feelings for him isn't something shameful." I interrupted her, my tone unchanged. "After all, he's handsome, wealthy, has high status, and is willing to lower himself for you. Being attracted is understandable."

Gianna opened her mouth to refute, but her throat seemed blocked by something. She was actually speechless.

I smiled, though the smile didn't reach my eyes. "You really don't need to put on this proud act in front of me. I truly can't keep his heart, and I can't control him either. So if you like him, then just like him."

After all, I would be leaving soon anyway.

As my words fell, I turned and left without looking at Gianna's expression.

I went out and picked up the drafted divorce agreement from the lawyer. I stayed out until evening before returning to the villa.

Just stepping through the villa entrance, I immediately saw Adrian sitting on the living room sofa with a dark expression.

I frowned and walked over, wanting to hand him the divorce agreement to sign.

But he raised his cold eyes and asked me first, in an icy tone, "What did you say to Gianna?"