heodore found himself momentarily speechless, astonished by Adrian’s words.
“Oh, you see, Wilfred, the third son of the Jovanni family, married Catalina, the daughter of the Chadwick family. Interestingly,
Catalina’s brother, Amiri, and his family met a tragic end while they were out, and their only daughter has been missing ever
since. It has been many years, and it is likely that she might have passed away,” Adrian explained.
Observing Theodore’s intent to light another cigarette, Adrian swiftly intercepted it, cautioning, “Please refrain from excessive
smoking. Lately, you have been looking increasingly unhealthy.”
Theodore no longer smoked. He crossed his long legs and leaned back against the sofa chair. Weary, he pinched his nose and
urged Adrian, “Continue. Why doesn’t Mitchel bear the Jovanni sumame?”
“It’s rather straightforward, really. At that time, Catalina was pregnant and gave birth to a child. To ensure the continuation of the
Chadwick family lineage, they made a decision. Their firstborn son would bear his mother’s surname and be adopted by his
deceased brother.
Due to the Jovani family having numerous boys, his grandfather didn’t think much of this and agreed to the arrangement. The
other relatives did not object either.
They even chuckled in secret, knowing that Mitchel did not possess the privilege of inheritance. This implies that Catalina and
Mitchel willingly withdrew from the competition for the family’s inheritance.”
Adrian chuckled, pausing for effect. “Now, care to guess what happened next?”
Theodore arched an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. “Then Mitchel became a medical genius?”
“you, my friend, possess a sharp intellect indeed.” A playful smile tugged at
Adrian’s lips as he assumed the role of a masterful storyteller. Patting his thigh lightly, he spoke in a whimsical tone. “Mitchel,
with a surname distinct from his grandfather’s extensive lineage, emerged as the most exceptional talent in the realm of
medicine. Mitchel’s grandfather, filled with regret, yearned for his grandson to reclaim the family name. Naturally, the Chadwick
family vehemently opposed this proposition, as Mitchel had been adopted into their family. So these two families have recently
found themselves at odds, their relationship teetering on the precipice of rupture.”
Theodore scoffed in disdain, his disdain evident. “How absurd to engage in such trivial quarrels.” With a touch of derision, he
mused upon the increasingly foolish behavior of the old and wealthy clans.
“As for why Mitchel finds himself toiling away as a doctor in the obscure confines of Eleymond’s small hospital, I cannot say,”
Adrian pondered aloud. “Perhaps he sought an experiential journey through life. Nevertheless, there is no denying Mitchel’s
brilliance in the field of medicine, particularly in the realm of neuroscience.” He smacked his lips appreciatively, raising his pinky
finger as he sipped his coffee with elegance.
Theodore paid little attention to this display and inquired, “And why is Ariana here, by Mitchel’s side?”
“I chanced upon Tyler’s new crew assembling on the top floor,” Adrian replied. “Your wife seems to be accompanying him.
Beyond that, I am unaware of any further details.” He shrugged nonchalantly, secretly reveling in Ariana’s knack for provoking
Theodore’s ire.
A shadow fell over Theodore’s countenance as he realized that Ariana could not have obtained the invitation on her own. It had
to be Mitchel who had brought her into this circle. When had they grown so intimate?
Theodore seethed with annoyance, a tempest brewing within him. Finally, he grasped the root of his animosity towards Mitchel.
Like two hungry wolves eyeing a prime piece of meat, both Mitchel and Tyler coveted Ariana’s affection.
While Tyler was a mere puppy and posed no threat to him, Mitchel stood as formidable as Theodore himself, making him a
challenging predicament to handle.
“Cease your ruminations, for Ariana is your lawfully wedded wife. You entered into matrimony lawfully, it is true. Even if there
were any connection between her and Mitchel, they...”
“How dare she!” Adrian’s words were rudely interrupted by Theodore, his eyes brimming with a raw intensity he struggled to
contain. Memories of Ariana’s involvement with Mitchel flooded his mind, stoking the fires of anger within him.
Adrian recoiled, realizing his misstep, and hastened to amend his words. “That was me bluffing. Ariana possesses principles and
integrity. She would not deceive you behind your back, as long as you both remain wedded.”
Theodore remained silent, his countenance gloomy and troubled.