Chapter 276

Adrian Valdemar slumped in the passenger seat, exhausted from eight hours of intense training.

He shot a sideways glance at Henry Chamberlain.

"Henry, what does the old man want with me?"

Henry cleared his throat. "You'll find out when we arrive."

Adrian scoffed. "Since when does that geezer have good news?"

His mind raced with escape plans.

The scenery outside the window blurred past.

Jumping out was too risky.

Adrian reassured himself.

The old man couldn't do anything drastic anyway.

At least he'd get a free meal out of it.

He relaxed into the seat.

One hour later, they arrived at the sanatorium lobby.

Adrian froze mid-step.

"This isn't the way to the old man's suite."

Henry offered a professional smile. "Mr. Alexander requested your presence."

Adrian's pupils constricted.

He spun on his heel to flee.

Henry anticipated the move, seizing his wrist.

"After you, young master."

Adrian whined pitifully. "Henry, cut me some slack..."

The assistant remained impassive, dragging him forward.

Adrian struggled the entire way.

At the hospital room door, he suddenly went still.

He clung to Henry's arm like a lifeline.

"Put in a good word for me, okay?"

Henry pried his fingers loose. "Compose yourself."

Adrian swallowed hard.

The door swung open, releasing a wave of icy air.

Adrian met Alexander's glacial stare.

He turned to bolt.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Adrian stiffened before forcing a grimace that resembled a smile.

"Brother... you're awake."

Alexander's voice cut like winter wind. "Have I been too lenient with you?"

Adrian hunched his shoulders.

"I was just looking out for you—"

"Still unrepentant." The temperature dropped further.

A chill crawled down Adrian's spine.

The gravity of his mistake finally registered.

"Brother, I swear I'll never—"

A sudden realization struck him.

Had he actually slept with some hideous creature?

Alexander's frigid gaze pinned him in place.

"You're not a child anymore."

Adrian nodded frantically. "It won't happen again!"

Alexander's brow furrowed. "And?"

Adrian blinked. "And... what?"