novelraw Chapter 419 - 420: Master Leland’s Adopted Son
Chapter 419 - 420: Master Leland’s Adopted Son
Chapter 419: Chapter 420: Master Leland’s Adopted Son
"Can I handle your father’s case?" Adrian Desmond asked.
"Why?"
"You’re pregnant, and I’m concerned about your health. Besides... I think it’s too cruel for you to deal with it personally. Will you trust me? I will find the murderer and make him pay!"
He hugged her, settling her onto his lap. His hand rested on her belly, where a new life was growing. "Sienna, you can call me selfish if you want, but in my heart, nothing is more important to me than you and our child."
"I’m sorry..."
Sienna Johnson knew her condition wasn’t good. They had gone through so much to ensure this pregnancy was viable. Realistically, she should have been resting to protect the baby, but with all that had transpired, how could she possibly pretend nothing had happened and just stay at home to recuperate?
"Leave it to me, okay?"
Sienna looked into Adrian’s deep eyes, gazing deeply for a moment before hesitating. Then, she nodded. "But you must let me know what’s happening. Don’t hide anything from me, no matter what."
"Okay."
"You can sleep for a while; I’ll call you when we arrive."
Sienna’s nerves had been stretched taut, and now that she finally relaxed, exhaustion washed over her like a tidal wave. She leaned against Adrian and fell asleep almost as soon as she closed her eyes.
"Sleep..." he whispered gently.
"Mm."
Adrian’s embrace felt very safe, and Sienna completely relaxed, sleeping peacefully. She desperately needed this sleep to release the built-up stress and allow her body to recuperate.
The car entered the city as the streetlights began to flicker on. Although it was past rush hour, the roads were still congested.
Despite the traffic jam, Adrian wasn’t irritable today. Holding the woman in his arms, he mentally reviewed the recent events, piecing together even the smallest details.
Just as Adrian was becoming immersed in thought, his phone suddenly rang. Afraid of waking Sienna, he immediately answered it. He glanced carefully at Sienna; her eyelids twitched, but she didn’t wake up.
Adrian lowered his voice and asked, "Did you find anything?" It was Walter Klein calling.
"Yes."
"Who is it?"
"It’s Master Leland’s adopted son—Milo Leland!"
"Was it Master Leland who ordered him to do it?" Adrian suspected Master Leland might be behind it, but he couldn’t be sure.
"It’s not clear yet whether this was Milo’s personal action or if Master Leland ordered him. So far, all we know is that Milo took his men to do it yesterday," Walter reported.
"Have Aiden investigate Milo Leland!"
"Yes!"
"Continue to keep a close watch on Master Leland and his people for me."
"Yes!"
After he hung up, the traffic congestion eased, and the road ahead cleared. Their car sped up, heading directly to the Johnson family’s house.
Sienna didn’t wake up during the entire drive. When they arrived at the Johnson house, Adrian didn’t wake her, choosing instead to carry her inside.
Pauline Briggs had been restless all day. When she saw Adrian carrying Sienna in, she was alarmed and asked, "Sienna, what happened?"
Adrian replied, "Nothing serious, she’s just exhausted. She fell asleep in the car."
"Then quickly take her to your room to rest." Pauline continued, chattering, "You should try to persuade her too. She’s pregnant; why is she overexerting herself like this all day?..."
"There’s just been so much going on..." Adrian mumbled, not wanting Pauline to know what had happened that day.
He knew that if Pauline found out, she wouldn’t be able to help and would likely only make matters more complicated.
Adrian carried Sienna directly to their bedroom.
It was already completely dark outside. Adrian didn’t turn on the lights. He gently placed Sienna on the bed, then went to the bathroom to get a damp towel to wipe her hands and feet. Sienna seemed utterly exhausted and didn’t stir at all.
Adrian sat there in the darkness, his gaze somber.
「The Leland Family.」
The Lelands were having dinner in the dining room. Master Leland sat at the head of the table, with his only daughter on his right and his adopted son, Milo Leland, on his left. The atmosphere at the table was silent; everyone ate quietly, without even the clinking of chopsticks or bowls.
Master Leland’s subordinate, Rodney Leland, hurried in and called out, "Master Leland..."
"Hm."
Rodney glanced at Milo Leland, then leaned in and whispered something in Master Leland’s ear. Upon hearing Rodney’s words, Master Leland slammed his chopsticks down on the table with a CLATTER.
"Is this really true?"
"Yes, Master Leland." Rodney looked at Milo again and affirmed his statement firmly.
Cynthia Leland, biting her chopsticks with a curious expression, asked, "Dad, what’s the matter?"
With an angry expression, Master Leland looked at Milo Leland, who was still oblivious to what had transpired, and said, "Milo, come with me to the study."
"Dad, I haven’t finished dinner yet. What’s so urgent that it can’t wait until after we eat?"
Master Leland stood up and walked away, leaving Milo staring at his retreating back, utterly bewildered.
Cynthia Leland gloated, "Milo, did you get into trouble again?"
"...Aren’t you the one who’s always causing trouble?" Milo retorted.
Milo Leland and Cynthia Leland often had conflicting interests, and the two were typically like oil and water. Although Cynthia was Master Leland’s biological daughter, she was, after all, a woman. Master Leland favored sons over daughters and had no intention of passing the family business to her. This reality only fueled Milo’s arrogance.
Seeing Master Leland’s displeased expression, Milo didn’t dare to delay and quickly followed him to the study.
Master Leland’s study was decorated in the Orienta style. A redwood desk held an arrangement of brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone. A freshly painted piece of calligraphy lay flat on the desk, displaying the single character for "Harmony."
"Dad, what on earth is the matter?" Milo asked. "I hadn’t even finished dinner."
Although Milo Leland was not Master Leland’s biological son, he was a blood relative; specifically, he was the son of Master Leland’s younger brother, making him his nephew.
"Did you dig up Dexter Johnson’s grave?" Master Leland stared sharply at Milo.
Milo was in his early twenties, an age of youthful impetuosity. Unfortunately, he was exceedingly impulsive and often acted on a whim without considering the consequences.
A flicker crossed Milo’s eyes, and he chuckled. "Dad, who’s Dexter Johnson? I don’t think I know him."
"Stop playing dumb with me!" Master Leland yelled, his gaze filled with exasperated disappointment. "I’m asking you because I already know something! Tell me honestly, what exactly did you do?"
"Fine, I’ll tell you. It’s no big deal. I just can’t stand the Johnson family, especially that Sienna Johnson. I happened to be passing Phoenix Hill Cemetery the other day and heard the Johnson family’s grave was up there, so I had my men dig Dexter Johnson up..."
Milo then added defiantly, "Hmph! She dared to splash tea on you. Next time I see her, I’ll splash sulfuric acid in her face!"
"You scoundrel!" Master Leland roared.