My Ex Left Me Years Ago Then I’m Married to a Billionaire novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171

687

Skye’s POV

I watched Adrian tense beside me as his eyes locked with Leon’s. To prevent their confrontation from escalating, I gently squeezed Adrian’s palm, a silent signal that there was no need to engage. I turned to Leon, keeping my voice deliberately neutral.

“I think I already said thank you,” I said. “Besides, you didn’t rescue me just out of concern, did you? You were worried our mate bond wasn’t fully dissolved yet, and I might affect your candidacy. You were only helping yourself.”

Leon’s mouth twitched, a flash of anger crossing his features before settling into a cold smirk. “Is that what you think?” He stepped closer. “Let me remind you of something. You passed the second trial only because I had Maya give you the correct answers and provided evidence to the Council.”

His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he continued. “You survived the third trial because I saved you. And the final trial?” He shook his head slowly. “Alpha Adrian, next time you won’t be so lucky. The final round is an individual competition. No one can help you.”

Adrian moved forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. “We’ll see about that,” he growled. “I wouldn’t mind erasing the title ‘Alpha Leon‘ either.”

Before they could escalate further, I tugged on Adrian’s arm. “I’m tired. We should go.”

Without warning, Adrian scooped me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. “Then let’s go back to shower and sleep,” he announced, loud enough for Leon to hear.

I buried my face against Adrian’s chest, not wanting to see Leon’s expression. The steady thump of Adrian’s heart beneath my ear was oddly calming as he carried me away.

“You seem thinner than before,” Adrian murmured as we walked. “The thermal springs prepared by the Alpha King open officially tomorrow. You should go with Lydia and Ryder. Everyone needs a day to relax.”

He held me tighter, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered, “I’m sorry you’ve endured so much hardship because of me. For the final trial, I promise I’ll win.”

I pressed my forehead against his neck, breathing in his comforting scent. “I know you’ll win,” I whispered back. “But I don’t want you to feel too pressured.”

***

“Thermal springs!”

When Adrian announced after dinner that we were going to the hot springs tonight, Ryder practically bounced three feet into the air with excitement.

Alpha Xavier laughed, his perfect white teeth flashing. “It’s just some hot water. Why are you so excited?”

“I haven’t been to hot springs in five years,” Ryder complained. “Living in the desert is rough. People like you from big cities wouldn’t understand.”

Adrian glared at him. “What? If you want to move to Los Angeles, I won’t stop you.”

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10:07 Thu, Oct 2

Chapter 171

Ryder quickly raised both hands in surrender. “I never said that.”

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At seven that evening, we arrived at the reportedly healing thermal springs. A staff member guided Lydia and me to select swimwear, both surprisingly conservative.

When we emerged from the changing rooms in our bathing suits, we encountered Adrian in the hallway. I caught the flash of appreciation in his eyes as they swept over me.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, pulling me into his arms. “You look sexy,” he murmured. “I wish I could join you in the springs.”

“Maybe we should take a long vacation after the election is over,” I suggested, smiling up at him.

Just then, a familiar voice came from behind us. I turned to see Leon.

“Let’s hope the losers will still be in the mood for a vacation when this is over,” he said sarcastically.

I pursed my lips and quipped, “When did you develop this habit of eavesdropping on private conversations, Leon?”

Leon snorted, “Who’s eavesdropping? You’re blocking the hallway.” I shifted to the side, making a gesture of invitation with my hand.

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