Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Tantrum

Chapter 77: Tantrinn

The next morning, Grace woke later than usual. She had a meeting scheduled with a new investor which will be an important step toward expanding her operations. But for once, she wasn’t rushing

By the time she stepped outside, her men were already assembled A neat row of black vehicles were already lined up in front of the mansion. Marco stood at the forefront, as always in his relaxed posture but his sharp gaze tracked her every move.

Grace walked out of her room in a sleek, all–black pantsuit. Her wolf–cut hair was swept into a high ponytail. She looked composed and unshaken, but beneath the polished exterior, something had changed.

As she descended the steps, everyone instantly greeted her.

“Good morning, boss.” Their voices rippled through the air. Marco offered his own nod in greeting, expecting her attention to land on him as it always did.

But it didn’t.

Grace’s gaze swept past him without hesitation.

“Ryuji.” She called.

The name was spoken smoothly, without a hint of hesitation. The man standing just behind Marco immediately stepped forward, bowing his head.

“Yes, boss.”

“Drive my car,” she commanded, tossing him the keys with a flick of her wrist before sliding into the backseat without another word.

Silence fell over the group.

For as long as anyone could remember, it had always been Marco at her side. Marco was the one she relied on, the one she trusted with everything. He was the one she’d bark orders at, the one she’d pull into whatever scheme or game she was playing. But today?

Today, she didn’t even look at him.

Marco remained rooted in place as his fingers curled into a fist at his side. He wasn’t sure which was more jarring, the dismissal itself or the fact that it actually bothered him.

His expression remained unreadable, but there was no hiding the flicker of shock in his dark eyes.

‘Was it because last night? Whatever it is, she’ll eventually come around.‘

That was what he thought.

But reality hit differently.

As soon as they arrived at the location, Marco did what he always did. He got out of his car first and moved with ease as he walked to Grace’s car to open the door for her, expecting her to step out like she always did.

But she didn’t.

Instead, the opposite door swung open.

Grace had already stepped out.

Marco paused. His fingers tightened slightly on the car door handle.

She hadn’t waited for him. Hadn’t even looked in his direction.

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Marco’s grip on the car door slackened as he watched her. He wasn’t used to this. To being ignored, Grace was usually the one clinging onto him and that was what he was used to.

yet, Grace didn’t even spare him a glance.

Instead, she strode forward with her heels clicking against the pavement while her presence commanded attention as always. But this time, her authority wasn’t directed at him.

It was at someone else.

“Stay close to me, Ryuji,” she instructed, hef voice firm but indifferent, as if Marco didn’t exist beside her. “Be watchful of your surroundings. That’s how you keep me safe.

The words cut sharper than they should have.

“Yes, ma’am.” Ryuji responded without hesitation, stepping into place on her right side..

Marco clenched his jaw, his dark eyes locked on the way she walked ahead without looking back.

She had always relied on him. Trusted him to be at her side, to watch over her, to be the first and last line of defense between her and the rest of the world.

Marco exhaled sharply and forced himself to school his expression into something calmer.

‘She’s throwing a tantrum,‘ he told himself. That’s all this was. A petty, childish attempt to get under his skin.

But for Grace, this wasn’t a tantrum. This wasn’t some shallow attempt at revenge.

This was her drawing a line.

Ever since last night, every word Marco had thrown at her had echoed in her ears, playing over and over until it was burned into

her memory.

‘You disgust me.‘

She had replayed it in her mind so many times that she began to wonder, was that truly how he saw her?

A bitter taste settled in her mouth as she walked ahead with her shoulders squared. She wouldn’t falter. Wouldn’t let him see that his words had cut her deeper than any knife ever could.

If this was how he saw her, if this was what she meant to him—

Then she would let him go.

As they finally entered the high–end restaurant, a waiter led her to a private booth near the back where a man in his late forties sat waiting. He was well–dressed, his suit crisp, his salt–and–pepper hair neatly combed back. His sharp, calculating eyes flicked up as she approached, and he stood, offering his hand.

“Miss Blackwood,” he greeted smoothly. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Grace took his hand, shaking it firmly as she offered a polite smile. “Mr. Kasamoto. Likewise.”

They both sat, and a server quickly poured them each a glass of red wine. Grace barely touched hers, keeping her focus on the man before her.

“I must admit, I was intrigued when I received your proposal,” Kasamoto began, swirling his drink leisurely. “Expanding into international markets is no small feat, especially with the recent… complications surrounding your family name.”

There it was. The subtle jab.

Grace didn’t flinch. She had expected this.

“I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending my name isn’t a topic of interest,” she said smoothly, leaning back slightly. “But

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1 believe you’re a man who looks beyond gossip and recognizes an opportunity when he sees one.”

Kasamoto chucked, clearly entertained. “A bold approach. I like that.”

He took a sip of his wine before setting the glass down. “So tell me Miss Blackwood, why should I invest in you?”

Grace met his gaze head–on and smiled.