Watching the crowd swell, Ariana brushed aside her perturbing thoughts and resolved to return home.

Simultaneously, Adrian stepped into the elevator, his expression unaltered. As soon as the doors slid shut, he promptly pulled out his phone, his fingers dancing on the screen.

“I spotted your wife at the Anderson Group. I couldn‘t help but notice a certain roundness to her figure. Could she be expecting? Are you soon to be a father? Get back to me quickly! I am curious! Are you indeed about to embrace fatherhood?"

Theodore's retort was instant.

"Mind your business!"

Atop the BRD Group's building.

A crease of annoyance formed on Theodore's forehead as he read Adrian's message.

A mental image of Ariana surfaced, coaxing a fond smile onto his face.

Indeed, she seemed to have filled out a little recently. However, he considered it a positive development. Her prior thinness was a matter of concern, and now she radiated a charming aura with her added fullness.

When she was slender, her waist was devoid of any softness. He often harbored the absurd worry that a sudden gust could carry her away.

Her weight gain was subtle, barely noticeable unless he paid extra attention. He only truly registered the change when he cradled her in his arms.

This line of thought led him to question how Adrian discerned Ariana's slight weight gain.

His smile evaporated instantaneously, replaced by a frown.

Picking up his phone, he retorted, “My wife, in any shape or form, is stunning. Sadly for you, she belongs to me. Do you have a wife?"

Adrian, upon reading Theodore's comeback, was rendered speechless. He shot back with an ellipsis, a rolling eyes emoji, and a grumbling remark, "Childish."

Just as Theodore was about to counter, a cough reverberated in the room, followed by a stern, elderly voice, "We seldom convene like this Please set aside your distractions and turn off your mobile device.”

Theodore promptly settled into his chair, placing his phone on the table and rubbing his forehead.

"Grandpa."

Aldus grumbled in response, "You impertinent lad, why haven't you visited me? I journeyed all the way from Mistlyn, and you didn't even bring my granddaughter-in-lLaw to meet me."

A look of helplessness clouded Theodore's features. He wasn't prepared to disclose his true identity to Ariana, while Aldus was eager to formally acquaint himself with her.