Emma's POV:

"What?!" I stared at Adrian, utterly stunned. ‘Did I hear him right?’

"I don't like your job," he replied curtly, not bothering to explain further.

He stood there, hands in his pockets, towering over me like a king passing judgment on his subject.

"No way!" I shot back without hesitation.

Adrian fell silent. His eyes narrowed, and he began walking toward me, his slow, deliberate movements making my pulse race.

Intimidated by his presence, I instinctively stepped back.

Unfortunately, my back hit a tree. Trapped, I could only watch as he closed the distance between us.

To my surprise, Adrian pressed his hand against the tree trunk, boxing me in.

The atmosphere between us suddenly became charged with tension.

"Adrian, we're getting divorced soon. You don't get to control my life anymore," I snapped, clenching my fists.

How long was he going to keep playing these games?

Once, I had loved him with all my heart, but his heart had always been hers.

Now, even after I'd agreed to their demands, he started harassing me.

What a joke.

Adrian noticed my face, his expression softening as he let out a sigh, "If you want to work, I can arrange another job for you."

"No!" I shot back, my tone unwavering. "I want this job, at this TV station."

"Fine," he said, his voice low but firm. "Then I'll buy it and make you the boss."

"Adrian, you don't need to do this. We're getting divorced, remember?" I was shocked by his words.

"Here’s an idea," he countered, his tone casual. "I'll have the lawyers modify the agreement and give you more money."

"I don't need it. Didn't you already give me the house?"

"I'm doing this for your own good," he replied, his voice taking on a stern edge. "You're still young. Don't make choices you'll regret for the rest of your life," he said gravely. "Besides, I don't want my ex-wife having to cozy up to her boss to get by. It would be embarrassing."

My hands clenched so tight that my nails bit into my palms.

First, he accused me of cheating. Now he's insinuating I'm sucking up to my boss? What exactly does he take me for?

"Adrian Thorne," I said, my voice icy. “I'm not a three-year-old. I can take care of myself. Aren't you worried about making Aria jealous by coming out here with me? After all, no woman would be okay with her fiancé being intimate with his ex-wife."

"Don't be like this. I'm trying to discuss something important that concerns both of us," Adrian said exasperatedly, like he was dealing with a child.

"Why can't I mention her? You're getting married soon. People will ask about her when they see you - you'd better get used to it."

Adrian rubbed his forehead with his thumb and index finger.

He seemed to be trying hard to control his temper.

I turned to leave, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist and shouted angrily, "Can you stop bringing her up?"

"Then what should I say?" I demanded, locking eyes with his and emphasizing each word, "You're getting engaged to Aria, but you won't divorce me, why? Are you playing games with me? Or is it that you're still attached to our relationship. Have you fallen in love with me?"

I needed to know the answer.

I stared into Adrian's eyes, searching for an answer.