Revenge of the Adopted Child

Almost Caught

After finishing his conversation with Mr. Valton, Almero quickly left the study and accidentally saw Edeline, who had also just emerged from her room. Almero stared blankly at the woman's face, which suddenly turned sour upon seeing him. Seconds later, Edeline stopped in front of him.

"I want to talk to you for a moment," she said curtly, and without waiting for Almero's response, Edeline immediately resumed her steps away.

Almero and Edeline were now sitting on the sofa in front of the house, a breeze carrying the scent of roses from the nearby flower garden. Almero remained seated calmly, but his gaze was fixed on the beautiful woman sitting with an unfriendly expression.

Edeline noticed the fading asphalt scratches on Almero's body. Her sharp eyes dimmed slightly as she realized that the man had saved her from the brink of death. Guilt crept into her heart for her arrogance toward Almero after she learned of the arranged marriage.

"How are your wounds?" Edeline asked.

"Much better, Miss," Almero replied, observing the beautiful woman before him.

"Oh... thank goodness. I thank you for saving me," he said, his voice dropping an octave.

"No need for thanks. Miss Edeline also gave me a ride when everyone else chose to stay away, and you, a stranger, helped me," Almero said calmly.

"You helped me too, so let's consider it even," Edeline said curtly.

"Did Miss call me because she wanted to discuss this matter, or something else?" Almero asked curiously.

"Of course I wanted to discuss something else! I was wondering why you didn't just refuse this arranged marriage," Edeline said, her gaze sharp again. "I can't refuse my parents' wishes, but you can," she continued, her emotions restrained.

"I have no reason to refuse Mr. Valton's request. This is also a good opportunity for me to avenge myself with your father's help. And you know I need the power of the Xander family," Almero said matter-of-factly. She was indeed a straightforward person who always spoke her mind.

Almero saw the woman immediately clench her fists upon hearing his answer, but he remained seated calmly, sipping his coffee, as if the anger clearly visible on Edeline's face didn't affect him at all.

"Even if you reject this arranged marriage, my father will still help you seek revenge as long as it benefits him," Edeline said, still trying to persuade him.

"I won't reject this arranged marriage. If you object, it would be best for Miss Edeline to tell your parents directly," Almero said bluntly, knowing she would stand her ground. "One day you'll understand why your parents arranged our marriage," he continued, setting his coffee cup on the table.

"I know your lover just married the biological daughter of the Greysoon family, and that's why you didn't reject this arranged marriage. You want to show them that you can find a much better woman than her—than that traitorous woman," Edeline hissed, her jaw clenched.

I don't care about that woman anymore and my only focus is how to get revenge on them immediately, I will restore my self-esteem that they destroyed!"  Almero replied without hesitation. "But I promised Miss Edeline that if we were married, I would be faithful to you. I may not be able to promise happiness, but I swear I will try to make Miss Edeline comfortable and will strive to make you happy," he continued with a straight face.

Edeline paused for a moment, something bothered her about Almero's words. This man hadn't made any promises, but he was trying to protect her heart and make her happy. Edeline studied his face and could see that there was no lie in them. His words touched her heart and sounded far more sincere than any flattery she had ever heard.

"As you wish," Edeline said, her voice sounding irritated, but her eyes weren't as sharp as before.

Almero continued to watch the woman, who had fallen silent and seemed to be digesting his words. Without a word, Edeline suddenly rose from her position, leaving Almero alone in front of the house.

"Has she indirectly agreed to this arranged marriage?" Almero asked himself. 

***

This morning, Almero donned his work uniform again and headed straight to the fifth floor. Not only were his hands busy moving the mop, but his ears were also wide open, ready to listen to every conversation in the hallway.

While he was busy mopping, Almero suddenly heard the door handle move from Yoe's room. Almero quickly hid in the emergency stairwell, which happened to be very close to his current position. He silently watched Yoe, who was carrying a black suitcase in one hand while the other held a cell phone, his face serious. His behavior was very suspicious, and he had been constantly glancing around, as if observing his surroundings.

After the man entered the elevator, Almero immediately emerged from his hiding place. Upon realizing that Yoe was headed to the ground floor, he immediately entered the next elevator and pressed the button for the same floor.

Almero exited about three minutes later than the man, as if guessing that Yoe was headed to the parking lot. Not wanting to lose track of him, he immediately quickened his pace.  He glanced around.

"So he's there," Almero said to himself as he watched Yoe walk briskly, making a phone call, occasionally glancing back.

Almero quickly hid behind a pillar, not wanting the man to notice his presence. With slightly trembling hands, he pointed his phone at the man, recording every suspicious movement. A few seconds later, Almero saw a luxury black car pull up near Yoe, and without hesitation, Yoe handed the suitcase to the person inside.

Almero cursed in annoyance because he couldn't see who was driving the car, but he wasn't deterred. He quickly zoomed in and recorded the license plate number. Just as he was concentrating, a deep voice startled him.

"Hey... what are you doing there!" a man shouted from behind Almero.

Almero's eyes widened completely, and his heart pounded. Had he been caught? If so, his life was in danger.