Page 48 of Cruel Hero

Tiffany

Olivia and I spend the rest of the afternoon catching up. It feels like old times—sitting in her sunlit kitchen, sipping tea, and swapping stories. The weight of the world outside seems to melt away for a moment, and I can almost forget the chaos that surrounds us. Almost.

Luis decides that he’s done with the pleasantries after an hour, his patience visibly wearing thin. He leans against the entrance to Olivia’s office, arms crossed, his dark eyes flicking between Olivia and me. “How about we move this party to Adrien’s penthouse?”

Olivia raises an eyebrow at Luis, her teacup poised midair. “Who are you, and why would we do that?”

Luis smirks, unfazed by Olivia’s sharp tone. “My name is Luis. I’m the guy who keeps Tiffany from getting herself into trouble.” He pushes off the doorframe and takes a step into the room, his presence filling the space. “Adrien’s penthouse is the safest place for you both right now. Or would you prefer to take your chances out there?”

She sets her teacup down with a soft clink, her gaze narrowing. “Are you saying we’re not safe here?”

Luis shrugs, but there’s a seriousness in his eyes that belies his casual demeanor. “I’m saying it’s better to be proactive than reactive. Considering the trouble your uncle left behind, I don’t want to take any risks.”

“Well then. Maybe I’ll meet the man who’s been monopolizing my sister’s attention,” she says, her tone half-teasing, half-curious. I feel a blush creep up my neck, but I don’t deny it.

“A little intimidation might do Adrien good,” Luis murmurs under his breath. “Ladies, gather your things. Let’s get moving.”

The ride to Adrien’s penthouse is quiet, the hum of the car’s engine filling the space between us. Olivia sits beside me, her gaze fixed on the city skyline as it flashes by. Her expression is unreadable, but I can sense her thoughts churning. She’s always been the more composed of the two of us, but I know she’s curious—maybe even a little wary—about meeting Adrien.

Luis drives with his usual precision, his eyes occasionally flicking to the rearview mirror as if checking for tails. I don’t say anything, but his vigilance makes my stomach tighten. The world feels heavier now, every shadow carrying a threat I can’t quite see.

When we arrive at Adrien’s building, the doorman greets us with a nod and ushers us inside. The elevator ride to the penthouse is swift, the glass walls offering a dizzying view of Empire Heights. Olivia doesn’t comment on the opulence, but I catch her taking in every detail—the polished metal, the soft lighting, the faint scent of leather and cologne that lingers in the air.

The apartment is empty when we step inside, the vast space eerily quiet. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, casting long shadows across the sleek, modern furniture. Olivia walks to the center of the room and turns in a slow circle, taking it all in.

“I’ll order us some lunch,” I say. “What do you feel like? Adrien keeps the kitchen well-stocked, but we can have something delivered.”

Olivia’s gaze lingers on a large abstract painting adorning one wall, her brow furrowed in thought. “Anything’s fine,” she says absently. “Though I’d kill for a Caesar salad right now. You know, something light.”

I nod, pulling out my phone to place the order. “Caesar salad it is. Luis?”

“I’ll take a steak. Rare. And fries. Lots of fries,” he says, moving toward the door. “I’ll be back for food, but I need to check the cameras. Can’t be too careful.”

I chuckle softly as I tap in the order. “Got it. Adrien should be back soon. He’s wrapping up his last meeting.”

As Luis disappears down the hallway, Olivia finally turns to me. “So, this is where he lives. It’s... impressive. A bit cold, though. Doesn’t feel very lived in.”

I shrug. “Adrien’s not here much. He’s always working or traveling.”

“What’s he like?”

I hesitate. How do you describe someone like Adrien? He’s a paradox—ruthless yet protective, distant yet magnetic.

“He’s not what I expected. At first, he seems intimidating—cold, even. But there’s more to him than that. He’s fiercely loyal, especially to the people he cares about. And he’s... determined. Sometimes to a fault.”

“You love him.” It’s a statement, not a question. And she’s right. I do.

“Yes. I do. It’s messy and complicated, and I know it makes little sense to anyone else. But he’s shown me a side of himself that no one else gets to see. Adrien isn’t just the man everyone fears. He’s the man who holds me together when everything feels like it’s falling apart, who listens even when I don’t say anything, who makes me feel like I’m the most important person in the room even when his world is falling apart.”

“You’ve always had a big heart, Tiff. And you’ve always trusted it, even when it led you down paths no one else understood. If he’s earned that trust, then... I’ll try to understand.”

I reach out to squeeze her hand. “Thank you. I gave you such a hard time about Alexander, but I agreed to move in with Adrien within months of knowing him. I guess we’re both guilty of following our hearts, even when it’s not the most logical choice.”

Olivia chuckles. “Touché. Though I think your situation is a bit more... dramatic than mine. Alexander may have his secrets, but he’s not exactly involved in the shadowy dealings Adrien seems to navigate.”

I open my mouth to respond, but the sound of the front door opening cuts me off. Adrien steps inside, his tailored suit impeccable as always, though there’s a faint crease in his brow that betrays his weariness. His sharp blue eyes land on us immediately, and for a moment, he freezes.

“Tiffany,” he says, his voice low and smooth, though there’s a hint of surprise beneath the surface. “And you must be Olivia,” he adds, his gaze shifting to my sister. He steps further into the room, his movements deliberate, and extends a hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

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