From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 76

Adelina Lane nodded, her brows still knit with worry.

Lance Carter pulled her a little closer. “Hey, don’t stress about it. It’s not a big deal. We’ll see each other in a couple days anyway.”

He said it lightly, but sometimes, things stick with you no matter what. Especially when you’re alone—your mind just keeps circling back.

Noticing her mood, Lance decided to switch gears and distract her. “So, what did you think of Aileen when you met her?”

At that, Adelina’s eyes filled with a deep, quiet ache. “She’s a good kid. But honestly, her family is just awful. You haven’t seen it—her sister, Lavinia, stole her boyfriend and then forced Olivia to take their engagement photos.”

Her voice grew sharper the more she spoke, her anger simmering. “I’ve never seen someone with so little shame.”

Lance’s eyebrows shot up. “That bad, huh?”

“Yeah, but at least Olivia knew how to handle it. She made that woman pay a hundred grand for those wedding photos. You should’ve seen how mad it made Franklin.”

She sighed, but a hint of admiration crept into her tone. “I like her. She’s strong when she needs to be, gentle when it counts. Not a pushover, not at all.”

Lance’s gaze softened. “Reminds me of you, actually.”

Adelina smiled. “I think so too. Aileen’s family might be a mess, but we can look out for her now.”

“Of course,” Lance replied. “She’s practically family now. No way I’d let anyone mess with her.”

Adelina just shook her head, but she couldn’t disagree. There was something comforting in his certainty.

——

Private dining room, high-end restaurant.

Lavinia Bennett sat with perfect poise, watching as Daniel Gill ended his call. A satisfied smile played on her lips.

“Well?” Lavinia pouted.

“It’s good,” Daniel replied.

She rolled her eyes. “That’s it? You sound so half-hearted. You’re done with work for tonight—try to be here with me, okay?”

“Sorry,” he managed a small smile, “I was just thinking about work. The soup’s really good.” He took another spoonful, but if you looked close, the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Lavinia was in high spirits tonight, so she let it slide. Her gaze drifted over the spread on the table, a mischievous glint in her eye.

She turned to Daniel, fluttering her lashes. “Daniel, can you pass me some of that salmon? I’ve been craving fish all day.”

She looked so sweet—anyone else would have melted. But Daniel just paused, then slid the platter over to her without a word. Inside, he felt nothing at all.