Chapter 499: He Gazed Down at Her

He gazed down at her, the corners of his lips curling into a doting smile.

She was asleep.

Deeply, peacefully, utterly defenseless in slumber.

Her raven-black hair fanned across the pillow, thick lashes casting delicate shadows under the lamplight. Her slightly parted pink lips exhaled steady, even breaths.

The soft whimpers she'd made during his massage had tightened his throat. Those sounds—so unbearably enticing—flooded him with memories of last night's intimacy.

With a quiet sigh, he tucked the blanket around her. Elena shifted like a drowsy kitten, nuzzling unconsciously against the pillow before settling again.

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed as his long fingers began undoing his shirt buttons. A cold shower seemed necessary.

"Mmm..." She murmured incoherently, rolling onto her side.

He chuckled under his breath and quietly shut the door. Let her rest—after last night...

Downstairs, Sylvia's shrill voice pierced the air: "What's the meaning of this, Adrian? Are you punishing me over that incident?"

"You know our family's situation!" Her voice escalated. "Your father's meager salary barely covers his comrades' needs—"

Adrian paused at the stairwell, dinner tray in hand, brow furrowing.

"If finances are so strained," Marcus's voice cut like ice, "I'll handle my brother's wedding expenses as the eldest."

"You—!" Sylvia's voice trembled with rage.

"What's going on here?" Nathaniel's sudden interjection made Adrian halt mid-step.

Before he could descend, Owen's voice came from behind: "Brother? What are you doing?"

Owen's eyes locked onto the tray, his expression darkening. "You're serving that woman?"

"Adrian!" Owen grabbed his arm. "Since when do men wait on women? If word gets out—"

Adrian shook him off with icy precision.

"My wife. My rules." The casual declaration carried steel.

Owen gaped as if uncovering some scandal. "I'm telling Father! This is—"

Adrian strode downstairs without a backward glance, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

Pathetic.