Chapter 99 OLIVIAS POV I stood up from the couch , my footsteps soft against the floor as I made my way to the far corner of the room .
I didnt want them to hear this conversation , especially not now , when things were just starting to feel a little normal .
I took a deep breath and answered the call , pressing the phone to my ear .
I didnt say anything at first .
I wanted him to speak .
Let him be the one to break the silence .
Hi , where are you ? Adrians voice came through , calm but clipped too calm for someone who rarely called .
Should that be your concern ? I shot back , my tone colder than ice .
If he called just to play games or to assert control , he was going to get exactly what he gave .
I wasnt in the mood for his usual power plays .
Yes , I have every right to know the location of my wife , he replied , his tone firm , almost defensive .
A bitter laugh escaped me before I could stop it .
I didnt even realize Id laughed aloud until I turned around and caught my mother and Julian staring at me with curious expressions .
Their eyes were sharp , attentive they could probably sense the shift in my energy .
I know you didnt call just to find out my location , Adrian .
So , what do you really want ? I asked , trying to keep my voice steady .
I need you back home , he said without hesitation , like it was the most natural request in the world .
Im busy where I am right now .
When Im done , Ill come back , I replied coolly .
Cancel whatever youre doing and come back home .
We dont have all day , he ordered , the authority in his voice turning the heat in my chest into pure irritation .
No , I cant do that , I responded firmly .
You havent even told me why you want me back so urgently .
And Im sure its just another one of your ridiculous deals you expect me to smile through .
Whatever it is can wait until I get home .
We live in the same house , remember ? Im not running away .
Heres the thing , he said , his voice turning sharp .

Like I said , it cant wait .
And I wasnt asking .
That was an order .
My grip on the phone tightened .
I bit down on my lower lip to hold back the stream of words bubbling at the edge of my tongue .
The way he talked to me , like I was one of his employees or a contract he could just dictate terms to it made my blood boil .
Fine , I said at last , my voice tight with restraint .
At least give me an hour .
Ill be back in an hour .
Not more than an hour , he replied , and then just like that the line went dead .
No goodbye .
No explanation .
I stared at the phone for a second , my hand trembling slightly from how hard Id been gripping it .
I wanted to scream , or throw the phone , or just disappear for a day .
Maybe all three .
With that look on your face , Im guessing that was Adrian , Julians voice broke through my storm of thoughts .
I turned slowly and gave a small nod .
And whos Adrian ? my mom asked , her brows drawn together as she looked from me to Julian .
My darling husband , I said , lacing every word with sarcasm so thick you could cut it with a knife .
The same person who is cheating on you ? she asked , her voice cold and her posture straightening with fury .
Unfortunately , yes , I sighed , collapsing back onto the couch beside her .
So , what did he want this time ? Julian asked , arms folded as he leaned forward , his expression unreadable but clearly concerned .
I stared at the floor for a moment before answering .
He wants me home .
Immediately .
Said it couldnt wait .
And of course , he didnt bother telling me why .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Oh no , that is no longer your home , my mom said firmly, her voice cold with disapproval I sighed , running a hand through my hair before responding .
As much as I want to leave that house , I cant … not just yet .
She looked at me with disbelief .
Why not ? she asked , her tone a mix of concern and frustration .
Well , lets just say he has her tied down , Julian chimed in from beside me , arms crossed .
In a sort of blackmail situation .
And now , she cant leave .
Not until we untangle that mess .
1/2 11:35 AM Chapter 99 My mothers eyes flicked between us , clearly upset by what she was hearing .
Its really complicated , Mom .
But Julians been working on it .
And Im sure hes doing his best to get me out of there , right ? I turned to look at him , silently pleading for some reassurance .
Julian gave me a nod .
Of course .
Were almost there .
Theres just one more person we need to get someone who holds a key piece of the puzzle .
Once we have their confession , Adrian wont be able to hold anything over you anymore .
The relief that flooded through me was indescribable .
After all the chaos , all the fear and silence , hearing that gave me a flicker of hope .
And now that I had found my biological family , I felt stronger , no longer alone .
Whos this person youre after ? And why is their confession so important ? my mom asked , clearly trying to piece everything together .
Her expression had shifted to that of a protective lioness .
Id love to fill you in on everything , really , I said apologetically , checking the time on my phone .
But Adrian only gave me an hour to be out .
Maybe Julian can explain it all while Im gone ? My mother nodded slowly , but then a soft smile tugged at her lips , surprising me .
I tilted my head .
Did I say something funny ? She shook her head gently , her smile widening .

When you were little , you and Julian couldnt stand each other .
Well , you didnt like him , to be more specific .
You cried every time he tried to carry you .
We used to laugh so much because we couldnt figure out why .
Even when you could barely speak , you made it known loud and clear that you didnt want to sit next to Julian .
I blinked in surprise and looked at Julian , who raised an eyebrow as if to say , Well , that explains a lot .
Really ? I didnt like him ? I asked with a chuckle .
I mean , whats not to like about this guy ? Hes fun , smart , and always ready to help .
Honestly , anyone who doesnt like Julian is an enemy of the state .
Julian rolled his eyes playfully , and my mom let out a warm laugh .
It was one of those rare , genuine family moments something I had never experienced growing up .
And how did you two meet later on ? she asked curiously , folding her arms as she leaned in a little .
I smiled at the memory .
Its actually kind of funny .
We ran into each other three times like fate kept throwing us together .
The first time was at the airport .
I swung my handbag a little too hard and accidentally hit him .
I had no idea he was standing behind me .
Julian chuckled at the memory .
The second time was at a coffee shop .
I was in a rush and accidentally grabbed his coffee instead of mine .
I was almost out the door when he came up to me and told me .
We laughed about it , and eventually , we exchanged numbers .
I never imagined that I was about to become best friends with my brother .
My mom looked between the two of us , tears glistening faintly in her eyes .
Its incredible … watching you two now , after all this time apart .
Youve come back to each other like pieces of the same soul .
2/2