Secretly Married for 4 Years, He Regrets to Tears After the Divorce

Chapter 275: Chapter 275: So As Not to Upset My Wife

Claire Sterling’s fingertips paused on her phone. A look of surprise crossed her face; she clearly hadn’t expected her son to see things so clearly.

"You figured it out?"

"You just called Wren to specifically verify if Isla Griffith was really pregnant. I figured Aunt Yvonne must have been with you."

Adrian Lancaster’s voice came through the receiver, a few shades deeper than usual, tinged with a calm understanding.

Since it had come to this, Claire Sterling had nothing to hide. She leaned back against the sofa, rubbing her throbbing temples, an unshakable weariness on her face.

"I just spent a long time talking with your aunt. Her attitude is as hard as iron. I talked until I was blue in the face trying to persuade her, but she still wouldn’t budge an inch. She’s convinced Isla Griffith has impure intentions."

Adrian Lancaster had expected as much, so he wasn’t surprised.

His aunt, Yvonne Donovan, was well-known in their circle for being headstrong and stubborn. He’d long heard the rumors, and today was just another confirmation.

He fell silent for two seconds before changing the subject.

"Mom, after Wren took your call, she got a little emotional, even a bit angry. It took me some effort to calm her down."

The topic shift was a bit sudden. Claire Sterling was stunned for a moment before it dawned on her. Her heart sank, and she rushed to explain.

"It was my fault for being thoughtless. I wasn’t careful with my words. Please, explain it to Wren for me. I truly didn’t mean to humiliate Isla Griffith. I just got caught up by your aunt and had my doubts, so I asked a couple more questions."

"It’s not a misunderstanding. It’s a difference in perspective," Adrian Lancaster interrupted his mother, his tone still calm but each word sincere.

"Isla Griffith has been Wren’s best friend since childhood; they’re as close as sisters. Now that her best friend has been wronged by the Sterling family, Wren is naturally upset. And when she’s unhappy, as her husband, I’m even more unsettled."

He paused, and when he spoke again, a hint of helplessness colored his voice.

"Things have finally started looking up between Wren and me. I don’t want to argue with her again over the Sterling family’s affairs, and I certainly don’t want her to be caught in the middle."

This statement was both his bottom line and the fundamental reason he intended to go to the Sterling residence to speak with his aunt.

"So, I’m going to the Sterling residence myself tomorrow to have a talk with Aunt Yvonne."

Claire Sterling’s heart leaped into her throat. Her grip on the phone tightened, but she didn’t object immediately.

However, she was still worried.

"Your aunt is very strong-willed and extremely concerned about saving face. If you go and the conversation goes south, what if you two get into a fight..."

"I won’t fight with her." Adrian Lancaster’s tone was placid, carrying a reassuring certainty.

"I’m not going there to lay blame, just to make things clear."

"Isla Griffith is Wren’s best friend. The reason I want to help her isn’t for Sean Sterling, nor is it to meddle in the Sterling family’s business. It’s purely so my wife won’t be upset."

His attitude was clear and firm, each word striking a chord with Claire Sterling.

"Aunt Yvonne can refuse to accept the marriage, and she can continue to have her opinions about Isla Griffith. But she cannot use a check to humiliate a pregnant woman carrying a Sterling family child. That doesn’t just trample on Isla Griffith’s dignity; it also embarrasses Wren."

Claire Sterling fell silent. The only sound in the living room was the TICK-TOCK of the wall clock.

After a long while, she finally spoke, her tone tinged with a bit of relief.

"About the check... your aunt really did go too far."

"When you go to the Sterling’s tomorrow, be very careful with your words. Don’t go head-to-head with your aunt."

"She’s been dominant her whole life and is utterly uncompromising. Everything she’s doing, ultimately, is for the sake of the Sterling family and for Sean’s future. She isn’t wrong in her intentions, but her methods are too extreme and hurtful, and she’s unintentionally harmed an innocent person."

"But you must remember, your aunt isn’t a bad person."

"I understand," Adrian Lancaster replied. "Aunt Yvonne is an elder. I will respect her, and I’ll do my best to explain the reasoning to her clearly."

"As for Sean Sterling and Isla Griffith’s future, I won’t interfere."

"Sean Sterling is a grown man. Since he chose Isla Griffith, he should be responsible for his choice. It’s up to him to shoulder all of this."

"Mm." The worry that had been hanging over Claire Sterling all night finally settled.

Her son’s composure, insight, and sense of responsibility gave her immense peace of mind.

"As long as you think that way, Mom can rest easy."

Her tone was gentle as she reminded him again, "Remember, harmony is the most important thing. No matter how the talk goes, don’t let family feel disheartened."

"I know." Adrian Lancaster’s voice softened with consideration for his mother. "You should get some rest too. Don’t trouble yourself over these things anymore. I’m here. I won’t let Wren be wronged, and I definitely won’t let you be put in a difficult position."

The call ended, and a dial tone droned from the receiver.

Claire Sterling slowly lowered her phone, leaned back on the sofa, and gazed out the window.

The night was silent. Moonlight, fluid as water, spilled through the glass and onto the floor, casting a clear, bright sheen.

She sat quietly for a moment, the corners of her lips turning up in a relieved and gentle smile.

...

「Ten o’clock the next morning.」

Sunlight filtered through thin clouds, spilling onto the ornate wrought-iron gates of the Sterling family’s villa and coating the magnificent building in a layer of warm gold.

Adrian Lancaster’s car came to a smooth stop under the portico. He got out, deliberately adjusting the cuffs of his dark gray suit. His posture was tall and straight, his demeanor composed and elegant.

In the trunk were the gifts he had carefully prepared.

A tastefully packaged box of top-grade Malaysian bird’s nest.

A tin of aged Pu’er tea that had been stored for many years.

A custom set of pearl jewelry from a luxury brand.

A box of cranberry cookies handmade by Wren Sutton.

Carrying the gifts, he walked with a steady gait to the front door and rang the bell.

The maid, Nanny Zane, answered the door. Seeing it was Adrian Lancaster, her face immediately broke into a familiar smile.

"Young Master Adrian! You’re here. Please, come in."

"Good morning, Nanny Zane." Adrian Lancaster nodded, his tone gentle. "Are my aunt and uncle in?"

"The madam is here. The master went to the office early this morning and said he won’t be back until tonight."

Nanny Zane took the gifts from him as she led him inside, announcing his arrival toward the living room.

"Madam, Young Master Adrian is here."

In the living room, Yvonne Donovan was standing before the entryway mirror, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Today, she was dressed in a dusty pink, heavy silk suit. Her makeup was exquisite and proper, a limited-edition diamond watch graced her wrist, and she held a crocodile-patterned handbag. It was clear she had just finished getting ready and was about to head out.

Hearing Nanny Zane’s voice, she whipped her head around. The moment she saw Adrian Lancaster, an undeniable look of delight and affection flooded her eyes.

"Adrian." Yvonne Donovan immediately set down her bag and hurried to greet him, her steps a little quicker even in her high heels.

"Oh, you. You could have just come. Why bring so many things? You don’t have to be so formal with your aunt."

She reached out and naturally took Adrian Lancaster’s arm, her palm warm. Her eyes scanned him up and down, her voice full of adoration.

"You’ve lost weight. Is being a full-time dad too tiring? Taking care of the children is important, but you can’t neglect your own health."

"I’m doing well, Aunt Yvonne. Don’t worry." Adrian Lancaster supported Yvonne Donovan by the arm and walked with her toward the sofa.

"I was passing by and realized it’s been a while since I’ve seen you and Uncle, so I thought I’d drop by. Were you about to go out?"

"Yes, I had an appointment with Mrs. Wallace and the others for a spa treatment. But since you’re here, I’ll just cancel."

Yvonne Donovan picked up her phone and, right in front of Adrian Lancaster, called the salon, her tone decisive.

"Manager Morgan, something came up today, so I’m canceling my treatment. I’ll reschedule for another day."

After hanging up, she placed her phone on the coffee table and immediately instructed Nanny Zane.

"Nanny Zane, quickly, make some tea. Brew the Lapsang Souchong my Adrian loves."

Yvonne Donovan treated Adrian Lancaster as if he were her own son.

She spotted the box of cranberry cookies on the table, and her smile grew even brighter.

"If I’m not mistaken, Wren made these cookies."

"Yes. Wren knows you love them, so she got up early this morning to make them especially for you."

Yvonne Donovan beamed, her heart filled with warmth.

"Thank Wren for me, and tell her that her cookies are much more delicious than the ones sold in stores. Ever since I had hers, I don’t want to eat any others."

"Okay, I’ll be sure to pass that along."

Soon, Nanny Zane brought over hot tea and delicate pastries. The air filled with the fragrant aroma of tea and the sweet scent of the treats.

Yvonne Donovan pulled Adrian Lancaster into some casual chat.

She asked about how adorable Owen and Nina were, then about Wren Sutton’s recent health, and then went on to remind him to be good to his wife, that childbirth isn’t easy for a woman, and so on...

Her tone was gentle, her eyes crinkling with smiles. It was the picture of an elder doting on a junior, and the atmosphere in the living room was warm and harmonious.

Adrian Lancaster listened patiently, answering each question. He would occasionally play along, sharing a few amusing stories about his family that made Yvonne Donovan laugh again and again.

After more than ten minutes of idle chat, Adrian Lancaster picked up his teacup, took a sip of the warm tea, and as he set the cup down, his fingertips gently brushed the rim a couple of times.

He looked up at Yvonne Donovan, the smile on his face fading slightly as his expression became serious and sincere.

"Aunt Yvonne, besides coming to see you, there’s something else I’d like to talk to you about today."

Yvonne Donovan was just picking up a cookie to taste. At his words, her movement paused, and the faint premonition she’d felt was instantly magnified.

She put down the cookie, picked up a napkin to wipe her fingers, and looked up at him, the remnants of a smile still in her eyes.

"What did you want to talk about? Go ahead."

Adrian Lancaster met his aunt’s gaze, his tone steady as he said, clearly and deliberately, "It’s about my cousin, Sean Sterling, and Isla Griffith."

The moment he said it, the temperature in the living room seemed to plummet.

The smile on Yvonne Donovan’s face froze as if touched by ice, becoming completely stiff.

The affection in her eyes was replaced by a layer of cold frost. Her fingers, clutching the napkin, tightened abruptly, her knuckles turning white.

Her previously relaxed shoulders tensed instantly, and her entire aura shifted, becoming forceful and sharp.

She was silent for a few seconds. When she spoke again, her voice was as cold as ice, with a sharp edge that was almost imperceptible.

"Adrian, I knew it. Your sudden visit today wasn’t so simple."

Yvonne Donovan’s gaze was scrutinizing. "Be honest with your aunt. Did Wren send you? Did she ask you to be a mouthpiece for that Isla Griffith?"