The Tycoon's Gutsy Wife

Chapter 29: Traveling To London

Adeline had been busy over the past few days after her last meeting with Darien.

She’d gotten occupied with her proposal, amending every little thing possible with the help of her grandfather’s assistant, who occasionally gave her a few tips. And now, she was in the kitchen, baking cookies and cakes for Darien—because apparently, businessmen weren’t excluded from the saying that the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. At the end of the day, he was still a man.

Adeline wiped a bead of sweat from her face after putting the tray of cookies into the oven.

She only had three weeks left, and if Darien didn’t sign the papers by then, she would continue to stay married to Theodore.

The thought made her shudder.

She’d also been busy with her lawyer, who was slowly drafting her divorce papers just in case everything worked out in her favor, so she could easily serve Theodore the divorce papers as soon as Darien’s signatures stained the partnership documents.

She had also started preparing Ian for what was coming, explaining that she and his father would soon go their separate ways permanently. Three weeks was still a short time for Ian to grasp everything that was happening, but it was better late than never.

Three hours later, Adeline was done baking. She showered, dressed, and prepared everything before heading to the hospital.

Darien was still admitted and wasn’t allowed to leave until he had fully recovered from his injuries.

She opened the door to his hospital room and found him in the exact position she had imagined when she was at home—sitting on the bed, a laptop on his lap, working as though his life depended on it.

That was something she didn’t understand about CEOs. Even when their health was on the line, they still worked like losing a single buck would lead them straight into bankruptcy.

It was absurd, considering the fact that they had multi billionaire companies and teams that could easily handle any situation without running the company to the ground.

"Mr. Hawthorne," she said. He swiveled his head toward her, his eyes landing on her.

They were cold yet oddly warm. He blinked at her before a faint smile appeared on his lips—only to disappear as if it had never been there.

"Adeline," Darien said. "It’s a good thing you’re here."

She gave a curt nod and reached for the cake and cookies.

"I baked you cookies and a cake," she said.

Her heart stilled when he didn’t even glance at the treats, only cocked an eyebrow at her.

"You bake?" he asked, as if he needed to confirm what he’d just heard.

"I do."

"Why did you bake for me?"

Because I want you to eat them, get entranced, and sign the papers already.

"It’s just my way of showing appreciation for saving me back at the hotel construction site," she replied with a smile that curved her lips like crescent moons.

Darien finally glanced at the cake and cookies. The aroma wafted through the hospital room, proof that they were as delicious as they looked.

His mouth watered, but he quickly controlled himself. He’d been stuck in the hospital for almost a week now, ever since his stitches reopened after that day at the construction site.

Tatiana had informed their mother, and she’d immediately given a strict warning to the doctor and hospital staff not to let him leave until he was fully recovered. And if he did, she would sue the hospital.

The doctors were so shaken by her threat that they’d even tightened security around the ward.

"Thank you so much. I appreciate it," he said.

"Why did you say it was a good thing I was here?" she asked, curiosity in her tone.

"We’ll be heading to London for a business trip. It’s going to last two weeks, so start packing your bags. We’ll leave in three days," he informed her.

Hopefully, in three days, his shoulder will be working fine again.

Adeline blinked at him, stunned.

"Wait, why do I have to follow you?" she asked, genuinely confused.

"And why not? You’re going to be my business partner once I sign those documents. What better way to test your abilities than to take you along on business trips?" he countered, as though he were the one making perfect sense.

Adeline didn’t respond immediately—her mind was still trying to process his words.

She’d thought he had given up on his offer since she hadn’t given him a reply, but apparently, he’d taken her silence as a yes. Now she was trapped.

"If you don’t want to accompany me, that’s up to you," he added coolly. "But I must remind you—I won’t sign the papers if you say no."

At this point, Adeline couldn’t help but think he was threatening her with those papers. He had leverage over her and could make her do anything, as long as she needed his signature.

Darien smiled when Adeline’s shoulders dropped in defeat. His assistant had done some digging and discovered that Adeline had a secret motive all along.

Her marriage had fallen apart, and the only way to be completely free was if he signed those papers.

Her pitch had been impressive, but he had decided to make it difficult for her on purpose and her expression always hit a spot in him that he liked.

"Alright, I’ll go with you," she replied quietly.

Traveling to London had not been in her plans at all, but time was running fast.

Three weeks left. She had three weeks to convince Darien, and this was her chance. She wasn’t going to miss it.

Darien smiled at her response.

The first stage of his plan had been activated.

With just the two of them in London, he would make her fall in love with him easily—and extract every piece of information he needed.

He was done wasting time. It was finally time to uncover the truth and give his father and grandfather the justice they deserved.

Adeline and Darien arrived in London.

The flight had been the most silent flight either of them had ever taken. Adeline didn’t bother to start up any conversation, and neither did Darien, who focused entirely on his work.

When they landed, Adeline inhaled deeply, as if she’d been deprived of oxygen the entire flight.

Darien’s team was already waiting for them at the airport, and together, they headed to their destination. The mansion belonged to a prestigious businessman whom many had tried—and failed—to partner with.

His name was Julian Heisenberg. He was one of the wealthiest men in all of Europe, making him a highly sought-after ally. But he didn’t partner with just anyone.

The double doors of the vintage-looking mansion swung open, revealing a man in a butler’s suit, his mustache hanging neatly below his nose.

He bowed slightly in respect, his gloved hands pressed against his chest.

"Darien!" A deep voice called out from the massive living room. They hadn’t even stepped inside yet, but Adeline could already tell that nothing within those walls was made from simple materials. Everything screamed luxury.

Her family was definitely rich, but there would always be levels when it came to wealth.

"Mr. Heisenberg," Darien greeted with a curt nod as the older man approached, a walking stick in hand.

He looked to be in his early sixties, with not a single black hair left on his head.

He was all smiles, revealing straight, pearly white teeth—remarkable for a man his age.

"Will you drop the formality? Calling me Mr. Heisenberg makes me feel ancient. I’ve been waiting for your arrival, and it’s good you made it early. Dinner’s almost ready," said Mr. Heisenberg warmly.

Adeline glanced at the man. She’d seen him on national TV before, which was only natural for someone of his status.

The entire continent knew of him.

Once he made eye contact with her, she quickly gave him a polite nod.

"This must be your wife," he assumed. "You really got married to Jessica. How are you doing, my dear?" Mr. Heisenberg asked kindly.

Adeline’s eyebrows shot up to her forehead at his statement.

’Who’s Jessica?’ She wondered silently.

Darien was about to correct the older man, but Mr. Heisenberg interrupted him.

"Where are my manners? Come right in. The food’s getting cold."

Adeline shot Darien a look, silently urging him to correct the misunderstanding.

It might have been an innocent mistake, but it still made her uncomfortable.

They entered the lavish living room, which was filled with so many delicacies it almost looked like a feast.

"Mr. Heisenberg—"

"Drop the formality, will you?" Mr. Heisenberg interrupted with a sharp edge in his voice. "You’re all grown up now, and you’re ashamed of calling me uncle?" he questioned, his eyes narrowing.

Adeline noticed Darien’s hands clench on the table, his jaw tightening. Suddenly, the air grew tense.

Both men stared at each other coldly as silence filled the room.