Chapter 424 - 427: Unintentional Teasing

The Lancaster Estate.

Adrian Lancaster lulled Owen and Nina to sleep, then carefully placed them in their cribs.

"My darlings, Daddy is going to be with Mommy now. You two sleep well. Good night."

Once the children were settled, he turned and walked toward the master bed.

Wren Sutton was propped up against the headboard, waiting for Adrian.

"Are they both asleep?"

"Yes. Let’s get some sleep, too. It’s late."

The two lay down and embraced.

Adrian’s large hand rested on Wren’s back. He patted it gently, slowly, and rhythmically, just as he would to soothe a child, patiently chatting with her.

Nestled in Adrian’s warm and solid embrace, listening to his steady heartbeat and his deep, gentle voice, Wren let out a few soft chuckles. She was completely enveloped in a feeling of immense happiness.

Their fingers were tightly intertwined, palms pressed together, their warmth mingling. In this quiet, tender moment, their hearts drew closer and closer.

Just as Wren was drifting off to sleep, Adrian suddenly leaned down and kissed her. His movements were gentle, his eyes filled with love and deep affection.

Wren’s eyes remained closed, but her eyelashes fluttered. The corners of her mouth lifted in a drowsy, languid smile as she murmured, "You’re sneaking kisses again..."

Adrian’s expression was full of adoration. He couldn’t help but nuzzle her nose again.

"Honey, that was a goodnight kiss. It’ll help you have sweet dreams."

"Then I should give you a goodnight kiss, too," Wren said. Tilting her head back like a cuddly kitten, she planted a kiss on Adrian’s prominent Adam’s apple.

"Good night, honey. You sleep well, too."

Her kiss was like the light brush of a feather—soft and ticklish.

Adrian’s entire body tensed. His Adam’s apple bobbed uncontrollably, his breathing slowed, and the rhythm of his heart went haywire.

A man’s Adam’s apple is a sensitive area. Wren’s kiss sent ripples through the hidden depths of his desire.

Adrian felt his ears turn red and his whole body grow hot. His first instinct was to turn the tables and properly return the favor for her unintentional teasing.

However, when he looked down, the person who had made his heart race was already fast asleep, her breathing even and deep.

Adrian was both amused and exasperated. He let out a low, muffled chuckle and tightened his arms, holding Wren even closer.

"I don’t know what to do with you," he murmured. "Next time you tease me like that, I won’t be so gentle."

Gazing at his wife’s serene and lovely sleeping face, Adrian’s eyes filled with lingering tenderness.

He was just about to turn off the light and go to sleep when his phone screen suddenly lit up.

[Come to the study. The Marshall Family is making a move.]

Adrian’s expression changed in an instant. He was careful not to disturb Wren.

He gently lifted the covers, got out of bed, and quietly left the bedroom, heading for the study.

...

In the study, a vintage bronze desk lamp was lit, casting a warm glow on the dark sandalwood desk. The atmosphere was solemn and tense.

Theodore Lancaster, dressed in dark, formal loungewear, stood tall before the floor-to-ceiling windows. His figure, seen from behind, was steady and strong as he gazed out at the deep night.

His aura was composed and commanding, and a sharp, irrepressible glint was hidden in the depths of his eyes.

A moment later, Adrian pushed open the door and entered.

He asked urgently, "Dad, are there any new leads on the Marshall Family?"

Theodore turned and gestured for his subordinate to report.

The subordinate, dressed in black, nodded, took a step forward, and spoke respectfully.

"Our overseas informant sent back an urgent message. Late last night, the Marshall Family secretly dispatched two of their trusted confidants. They concealed their identities and flew overnight to Aston."

"The Marshall Family has locked down all information. We’ve only confirmed that their people have entered the country. We haven’t yet determined their specific intentions or purpose."

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Adrian’s eyes, and his deep gaze filled with a piercing, cold light.

"Keep a close watch on them. Don’t lose them. As long as they’re in Aston, it’s only a matter of time before we find out who they’re meeting."

"We’ve been watching the Marshall Family for so long. They’re finally making a move."

"Whatever their scheme is, now that they’re in Aston, they won’t escape our grasp."

Theodore nodded, his expression remaining stern. He spoke slowly, "Exactly. But remember to be discreet. The most crucial thing right now is not to alert them."

"Don’t try to stop them, and don’t deliberately interfere or investigate. Let them proceed with their plan freely. Our people just need to keep them under tight surveillance from the shadows."

"Yes, understood." The subordinate acknowledged his orders and left the study.

The heavy, solid wood door closed, shutting out all external noise, leaving only the father and son, Theodore and Adrian, in the study.

After a moment of silence, Theodore broke it.

"Your mother told me everything that happened at the Flynn Family’s hundred-day celebration."

"Wren was framed for no reason and was wronged. You stood up for her, punished those families, cut off their partnerships with the Lancaster family, and forced the Bennett Family into bankruptcy..."

"I understand everything you did. If it were me back in my younger days, I might have gone even further than you."

Adrian’s hands, hanging at his sides, tightened for a moment.

His punishment of those families seemed like a ruthless business maneuver, but in reality, it was driven by intensely personal reasons.

Adrian had thought his father was going to reprimand him for acting on impulse and jeopardizing the corporation’s interests.

But when he looked up, he saw no anger on his father’s face, only a steady acceptance, as if he had already seen right through him.

"Dad, you’re not blaming me."

"Your wife was wronged. As her husband, it’s only right for you to take care of those who hurt her. Adrian, you did nothing wrong," Theodore said in a calm tone.

"However..."

The next second, his tone shifted.

"There’s something else I need to remind you about."

Adrian took a step forward, ready to listen attentively. "Go on, Dad," he said earnestly.

Theodore began to speak slowly, with the insight and guidance of someone who has been through it all.

"In the world of business, the relationships between powerful families are always complex and deeply intertwined, with far-reaching connections."

"You dealt with the Bennett Family and cut ties with those seven other families to stand up for Wren. That’s understandable, and I won’t stop you. But you must understand that you’re not just moving against a single company. Behind it, you’re affecting an entire circle’s network of connections, interests, and reputation."

"Today, you acted decisively and without mercy. It may seem like you’ve exacted revenge and protected Wren, but the families you affected, and the other prominent families on good terms with them, may not dare to say anything, but they will inevitably harbor resentment."

"In the future, this accumulated discontent could turn into hidden attacks. From places you can’t see, they could cause unnecessary trouble and criticism for you, for the Lancaster family, and it could even circle back to affect Wren and the children."

Adrian’s dark pupils trembled. His heart sank.

He knew his father was absolutely right. He couldn’t find a single point to refute.

Theodore patted his son’s shoulder, the gesture firm and steady.

"Adrian, I’m not telling you this so you’ll just swallow your anger. When our family is bullied, we must take back everything we’re owed. But when you act, you must also leave a little leeway."

"Wiping them out completely isn’t being protective; it’s backing yourself into a corner."

"Leaving some leeway isn’t cowardice. It’s about ensuring your family can live more peacefully, without having to bear the risks of your decisions."

His words, spoken calmly and deliberately, hit the nail on the head and struck a chord deep within Adrian.

He stood there, silent for a long time, his dark eyes swirling with the clarity of someone who had just been awakened to the truth by his father’s timely words.

"I understand, Dad."

Theodore looked at him with satisfaction. "Good. Now go back and get some rest. It’s late."

"You get some rest too."

Adrian left the study.

He raised a hand to rub the bridge of his nose, a faint, self-deprecating smile touching his lips.

’I thought I was so clear-headed and in control of everything,’ he thought. ’If Dad hadn’t pointed it out, I really might have put my family in unseen danger.’