The Nightingale's Heir Returns

Three years too late

Vanessa’s furious voice exploded through the speaker instantly.

"Adrian, have you completely lost your mind?! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” She yelled at him. 

Adrian said nothing and that only seemed to infuriate her more. 

“What you did was totally unacceptable! Marcus had to get stitches because of your little outburst!” Her breathing was uneven with anger.

“Come back here right now to apologize to him.” She barked. 

Adrian had an amused expression on his face as he leaned against the glass, his eyes on the city below, but he still didn't say anything. 

“Also you left without making breakfast. That was very rude of you.” Vanessa rambled on. 

“I'm busy,” he told her as he just glanced at Emilia, who was gracefully sitting at the table. 

She tapped her phone lightly with her slender, well-manicured fingers looking breathtaking like she stepped out of a painting. 

“You must think this is a joke, but you must come to the company and apologize to Marcus properly in front of everyone or else you won't like what's going to happen.” Vanessa said in an icy tone. 

Adrian’s lips twitched into a faint smirk

“What happens if I don’t?” he asked quietly.

The shift in his tone was subtle.

“Otherwise,” she added, colder now, “don’t bother coming back.”

Adrian paused for a moment before he answered. “No. I won't do that.” He snapped.  

On the other end, Vanessa's jaw dropped slightly. She felt that Adrian was just jealous, but if she threw in a couple of threats, he would oblige. 

She didn't know how to go from here, so there was a brief silence. At that moment, a grating voice suddenly interrupted. 

“Vanessa, it’s fine.” Marcus’s voice slipped in, smooth, gentle. “You don’t have to force him. I don’t want to come between you two.”

“Marcus…” Vanessa’s tone softened instantly.

Adrian scoffed. Of course.

“I mean it,” Marcus continued. “If he’s uncomfortable, I understand. I wouldn’t want to cause problems in your marriage.” 

Adrian scoffed when he heard Marcus' voice. 

“No no Marcus. I'll handle it Marcus.” Vanessa immediately replied in a very apologetic tone. 

“You know maybe he's right. If working as business partners will cause an issue in your marriage then…” 

Marcus continued in the most manipulative tone. 

"Really. I don’t need an apology. Maybe I am the cause of all this. If working as business partners will cause an issue in your marriage...” 

“No…no Marcus.” Vanessa interrupted. “I'll handle Adrian. He is just acting up.” 

 Adrian let out a cold laugh, amused by Vanessa's words. 

“Adrian, why can't you be reasonable?” Her tone became serious. “Marcus is being understanding, and you’re still acting like this?”

Adrian said nothing.

"Can you stop being so jealous for once?” she pressed. “Not everything is about you, Adrian.”

Jealous? He was amused. He had already come to terms with actions and one thing was clear. He was done with it and didn't want to waste one bit of energy on both of them. 

“I’ve already said what I needed to say,” Adrian replied calmly. “Believe whatever you want. I’m not apologizing.”

Vanessa didn’t snap this time.

When she spoke again, her voice had changed to something softer and more persuasive. 

“Adrian…” A pause. “Don’t be like this. I’m giving you a chance here,” she continued. “Come over, apologize, and we can put this behind us.”

“I just told you…” He began but she interrupted him. 

“I’ll make it up to you,” she added quickly. “You can ask for anything. One request. I’ll agree to it.”

Adrian’s brows lowered slightly. If that was the case he rubbed his chin. 

"What if my request is that you cut ties with Marcus?” He said slowly. 

“No. That's not happening.” Her response came instantly.

“Of course.” Adrian chuckled and his grip tightened slightly around his phone.

“Ask for something else,” she continued. “Anything. I’ll give it to you. Just don’t make things difficult.”

Adrian laughed wryly. “You really don't need my apology.” 

“Adrian!” She said “Don't overthink it. Marcus is a very good friend and is important to the company. You know that so don’t be unreasonable.”

Unreasonable? Adrian closed his eyes briefly. The words pierced his heart. He had compromised his life for three years and this was what it all amounted to? 

“I’m not asking again,” Vanessa said. “Come here. Apologize and let’s forget about this. Don't push your luck anymore!” She warned. 

Adrian almost hung up but suddenly a thought crept into his mind. His eyes flew open and there was a subtle shift in his expression. 

“Stay where you are. I’m coming.” He replied as he walked back to the table where Emilia was sitting. 

“Good. I knew you’d come to your senses.” Relief flooded her voice instantly.

Adrian didn’t reply. He just hung up and slipped the phone into his pockets. Emilia watched him as he calmly sat in front of her. 

“It’s done young master,” Emilia said simply. “Orion Holdings has withdrawn their support from the Lawson Group.” 

Adrian’s expression didn’t change.

“That’s good,” he replied evenly as he picked up his cup of coffee and casually sipped it. 

“Thank you for the coffee.” He placed the cup down as he maintained eye contact with her. 

“It's my pleasure.” She smiled softly as she picked up a napkin and dabbed her red lips. 

Although he had known Emilia was a world class beauty up close she was but up close… it was something else entirely.

It wasn’t just her striking features but the quiet composure in the way she carried herself and radiated a charm that effortlessly pulled him towards her.

They held each other's gaze in silence for a second before she broke the silence. 

“Would you like me to help you with anything young master?” She blinked as adjusted slightly. 

“Yes.” He nodded. “First you don't have to refer to me as a young master.” 

“Alright.” She nodded. 

“Then.” His tone hardened. “I need you to draft the divorce papers.”

Emilia searched his face for any emotions, but there were none. 

“Can you drive me to Lawson Industries?” He added. 

“Yes ofcourse…young master…Mr Adrian.” She signaled with her fingers to the black suited men outside.