Page 35 of Cruel Hero

“Just be careful,” I say, my tone softening. “I don’t want anything bad happening to you.”

“I will. You always worry too much, Adrien. I can look after myself. Now tell me if you’ve been able to handle that situation with Tiffany Carter yet.”

“I’m working on it.”

“Once again, sorry for causing so much trouble. I just wanted to make things easier for you, not more complicated.”

“I know,” I say, thinking about the question that’s been on my mind since last night. “I actually wanted to know if you still have our mother’s engagement ring or not.”

There’s a pause on the other end, and I can sense Sylvia’s surprise through the phone. “Why do you need it?”

“I think it’s time.” I choose my words carefully. “Time to move on from the past and let go of things that no longer serve us. To let someone else into my life.”

There is another moment of silence before Sylvia speaks again, her tone much gentler this time. “I still have it. It’s in my apartment, in the jewelry box my mom left me. Mom always said that this ring was intended for true love. She wanted you to have it when you found the right person to share your life with.”

I feel a lump form in my throat at the mention of our mother. It’s been years since she passed away, but her presence is never far from my mind.

“Maybe it’s time for me to find that person,” I say softly, almost to myself. “To find true love.”

“Mom would be happy to know you’re ready to open up your heart again, Adrien.”

“I hope so.” I stop to look at the panorama of the city spreading out before me. The sun is high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets below. “Thank you, Sylvia. Take care of yourself, alright?”

“You too, big brother.”

Turning away from the gorgeous view, I take a seat in the sleek leather chair. The images of my sister and Pierre Benoit keep flashing in my mind, a warning sign of potential danger ahead. I need to figure out what Dean Carter and Rafael Silva were involved in, and quickly. But first, I have to make sure Sylvia is safe and keep her away from Pierre and the potential heartbreak he could cause.

I grab my phone and scroll through my contacts list until I find Laura’s name. We went to a few events together a long time ago, and even though we haven’t spoken in years, I’m confident she knows exactly the person I’m trying to find.

She answers on the third ring, her voice smooth. “Adrien, it’s been a long time. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hello, Laura,” I say. “I need your help with something.”

There’s a brief pause before Laura responds, her voice laced with curiosity.

“My help? Well, this is unexpected. What do you need?”

I glance at the photo of Sylvia and Pierre before answering. “I know you are friends with Emma.”

Keeping those closest to me safe is my priority, and Tiffany and Sylvia are at the top of that list.

No matter how much Sylvia might hate me for this, I can’t let her get hurt.

Chapter 16

Adrien

Coming back to a lively apartment is strange.

I’ve grown accustomed to the solace of my own company, where everything is orderly and quiet. Now, the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, blending with upbeat music playing from the speakers. It’s a drastic change from the isolated life I’ve been living, and it instantly lifts my dark mood.

Tiffany is in the kitchen, her back turned to me as she stirs a pot on the stove and chats with Luis.

“Your taste is terrible,” she tells him, shaking her head as she looks at the steaming pot. “I don’t understand how you’re still alive with all the junk food you eat.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Luis says dryly, wiping his hands on a towel.

The scene feels so domestic, so unlike anything I’ve experienced in years, and for a moment, I just stand there, watching.

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