AWAKENED ADRIAN LACANSTER

CHAPTER 12- A Powerful Presence

The slap echoed like a gunshot in the courtroom.

Lucian staggered back, crashing against a chair before stumbling onto the polished floor.

Adrian stepped forward slowly, his tone colder than death.

“I swear...” he said, voice controlled but seething, “If you ever threaten her again, I will end you myself.”

Gasps filled the air.

Isabelle’s eyes widened in horror. 

“Lucian!” She rushed toward him.

Lucian clutched his cheek, his head still reeling from the force of Adrian’s slap. 

His breath came in ragged gasps, disbelief flashing in his eyes. 

He had expected Adrian to cower, to grovel but not to slap him.

His gaze snapped to the two bodyguards. 

“What are you waiting for? Break him!”

The stunned guards sprang into action, they lunged toward Adrian with their fists clenched.

But Adrian Lancaster didn’t move. 

He didn’t flinch. 

Instead, he adjusted his cufflinks with a smirk on his lips as the bodyguards closed in.

He was more than ready to face them.

With his newly gained martial art skill, he could take down each of them with just a single blow.

But before any of them could land a single punch, there was a sudden screech of tires.

Gasps erupted from the crowd as a stretch, luxurious Rolls-Royce, flanked by two black Ford, rolled to a halt in front of the courthouse. 

The air crackled with tension as the doors swung open.

Several imposing men in tailored black suits stepped out first, their movements precise and calculated. 

They exuded an aura of absolute authority, their cold eyes scanning the scene.

From it stepped Sophia Aldridge — heels clicking with commanding grace, beauty radiant, and presence magnetic.

She didn’t need to speak to silence a room.

Her presence was magnetic, a woman who commanded attention without uttering a single word.

 

“Damn, who’s that stunning goddess?!”

Whispers erupted like wildfire.

"Isn't that Sophia Aldridge? The top beauty CEO?" Someone gasped, recognizing her.

“What's so special about her? Never heard of her,” someone asked cursiously.

“What?! You’ve never heard of her? At least you know the legendary Aldridge Family—number one socialite clan in the northern region of our continent, right? She’s their eldest daughter!”

Not only was the Aldridge Family one of the three ruling families in the northern region of Eldran Continent, they were also a powerhouse across the military, politcial, and business worlds, far beyond the reach of the Grayson family or the Astra Corp. 

The moment Sophia Aldridge entered, the few who had heard of her before couldn’t help but buzzed with speculation.

"I heard she’s still single, right? Is she here to register a marriage?"

The thought shattered the men’s hearts with jealousy.

Sophia ignored the chatter and stares. 

Her sharp eyes scanned the room and locked onto one man.

Adrian Lancaster.

Lucian, still clutching his face from Adrian’s brutal slap, also caught sight of the stunningly beautiful lady.

The moment he recognized who she was,

he instantly straightened up. 

"Damn so hot! She is even finer in person." 

He muttered under his breath and his eyes gleamed with excitement as he adjusted his suit.

Adrian, on the other hand, remained impassive. 

He was the only one who was not moved by her presence.

Lucian’s heart pounded with excitement as Sophia Aldridge drew closer. 

He had admired her from afar, but her family’s overwhelming power made her seem unreachable. 

Never in his wildest dreams did he think she would approach him so directly. 

Was today his lucky day?!

His name was nowhere near as big as hers, of course.

But as the heir of the Grayson family and the CEO of Astra Corp, he wasn't just some nobody either.

And once he secured that massive investment from the Rhein Group, his future would be limitless—surely not too far behind Sophia Aldridge’s, right?

In Lucian’s mind, there was no doubt—she was here for him.

Who else could be worthy?

Straightening his suit, he stepped forward eagerly, flashing a confident smile. 

Isabelle’s blood boiled at the sight. 

Her eyes burned with jealousy and frustration.

She had just secured Lucian, yet here he was, drooling over another woman! 

How could he do such a thing after all the love he was professing to her last night?

Her grip tightened on his arm, but he shook her off, too entranced by Sophia’s presence to care.

This was an opportunity and he wasn't going to let anything ruin it.

He stepped forward, ready to greet her with an outstretched hand—

Only for Sophia to walk right past him.

Lucian blinked in confusion, his smirk vanishing. 

She did not even spared him a glance.

Instead, her gaze locked onto Adrian Lancaster.

The courtroom fell silent as gasps rippled through the crowd.

“What? She ignored Lucian Grayson?”

The crowed stiffened in shock as Sophia ran over, reached out and grabbed Adrian’s hand.

Her face face filled with urgency and relief.

The murmurs intensified.

“No way! The top beauty CEO is holding his hand?”

“What’s going on here?”

Given Sophia’s background and Adrian’s situation, they were clearly from different world.

Yet now, it looked like Sophia was here for that bum Adrian?! 

Lucian’s expression twisted into one of disbelief and embarrasement as his hand remained outstretched in the air.

His awkwardness quickly shifted to rage and jealousy. 

“Wait a damn minute—”

But Sophia didn’t give him the chance. 

All her attention was locked on Adrian. 

“Finally... I found you ... you’re the only one who can help me now!” 

She said, her voice filled with desperation, tears forming in her eyes.