Unmasking the Heart

Adrian signed the discharge papers with his usual air of precision, his demeanor as cold as ever, though his actions told a different story. He handled everything personally, ensuring that every detail was taken care of. When Joi was ready, he helped her into the car without a word, his touch firm but impersonal.

Joi remained quiet during the drive, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. The tension between them was palpable, but neither addressed it. When the car finally stopped, Joi stepped out, only to find herself standing before a luxurious penthouse instead of the apartment they had once shared.

The sleek modern design and expansive windows overlooking the city were breathtaking, but Joi's heart remained unmoved. She barely glanced around as Adrian gestured for her to follow him inside.

"Your room is upstairs," Adrian said curtly, his tone offering no room for questions.

Joi nodded, offering no thanks. Her focus was elsewhere, her thoughts revolving around one goal: finding a way to leave him. With Sophia and Isabella now part of Adrian's life, Joi knew she had no place here.

Later that evening, as she unpacked her things in the new room, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. A rare warmth spread across her face as she saw Shane's name on the screen.

"Hi, Shane," Joi greeted, her voice soft and her smile genuine.

"Joi," Shane replied, his tone carrying the comfort of familiarity. "How are you feeling today?"

Adrian stood across Joi's room door, his sharp gaze following Joi, who was lounging on the couch, her phone pressed to her ear. She had been unusually upbeat these days—smiling, even. It grated on him in a way he didn't fully understand. The sound of her light laughter reached him, pulling his attention from the documents he pretended to read.

Joi's voice was warm and relaxed as she spoke. "Yes, Shane, I'm much better now. Thank you for checking in every day—it means a lot."

Adrian's jaw tightened. Shane Dawson. He had seen the name while going through her phone during the search for her. The rivalry between them was bitter enough in business; now, Shane's daily calls to Joi felt like a deliberate encroachment into his personal space.

Joi laughed again, soft and genuine, the kind of laugh Adrian hadn't heard directed at him in what felt like forever. "You're so thoughtful, Shane. I'll definitely take your advice and rest more. Don't overwork yourself, either."

Adrian couldn't take it anymore. He stood at Joi's door looking at her coldly. Joi glanced at him briefly before returning to her call, unaffected by his presence.

When she finally ended the call, setting her phone down with a small, contented smile, Adrian stepped forward. His voice was low but carried a distinct edge. "You've been smiling a lot lately."

Joi looked up, startled by his tone. "Is that a problem?"

Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Depends on what—or who—is making you smile like that."

Joi arched an eyebrow, sensing the subtle hostility in his words. "I didn't know my mood required your approval."

Adrian took a step closer, his presence looming. "Be careful who you trust, Joi. Some people only come close when they think they have something to gain."

"Like you?" she shot back, her tone cutting. "I signed your contract, didn't I? I already know exactly what you're gaining."

The tension between them was palpable, an unspoken war of emotions neither was willing to admit. Adrian turned away, his voice colder than ever. "Just remember who you belong to."

Joi clenched her fists, watching as Adrian walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Her resolve to leave him grew stronger. If Shane's friendship was the light she needed to escape this darkness, she wouldn't let Adrian's coldness hold her back.

But Adrian wasn't about to let her go so easily—not when Shane Dawson was involved.

Joi raised an eyebrow at his odd remark but chose not to respond. Instead, she headed downstairs where Isabella waited with Ruby on her lap.

Sophia lounged on the couch, her pose casual, but her sharp gaze didn't miss a thing. She saw the way Adrian's eyes drifted to Joi, lingering just a moment too long before he looked away, the cold mask on his face betraying a flicker of something deeper.

"Isabella, it's time for bed," Sophia said softly, her tone laced with sweetness. But there was an edge beneath it, subtle yet unmistakable, and Joi felt the weight of it.

"Five more minutes?" Isabella clung to Joi's hand, her wide eyes pleading.

Joi smiled gently. "It's okay. I'll take her to bed soon."

Adrian's silence was heavy, the air around him tense as he stood motionless. Then, without a word, he turned sharply and strode out of the room, his retreating footsteps echoing down the hall.

Sophia's lips curved into a quiet smile, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. Adrian's reactions, though slight, were telling. The dynamic between him and Joi was more complicated than she'd realized, and that meant opportunity—an opening she could exploit.

Joi, oblivious to Sophia's silent calculations, focused on Isabella. She brushed the little girl's hair back and whispered, "Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you ready for bed."

Isabella nodded, but not before shooting a shy look toward the hallway where Adrian had disappeared.

Sophia watched them both, her serene demeanor hiding the wheels turning in her mind. Every interaction, every hesitation—Joi's kindness and Adrian's veiled emotions—was another thread she could weave into her plan.

Meanwhile, as Joi tucked Isabella into bed, her own thoughts were far from the schemes swirling around her. Her focus was clear: she needed to leave Adrian's world, no matter how much Isabella's affection or Adrian's rare moments of warmth tugged at her heart.