The Billionaire's Two-Faced Escort Wife-Chapter 99: Two Choices

Adrian quickly pulled the ruined silk gown back up, Alexander making quick work of the remaining zipper, covering the hasty, passionate evidence of their stolen moment. The makeup was still pristine, the updo slightly askew, but the air of untouchable elegance had been replaced by a flushed, thoroughly loved look.

​"One final time," Alexander murmured, kissing Adrian’s forehead. "Adrienne. Elegant. Tired, but radiant. We were taking a moment after that intense socialising."

​They stepped back into the ballroom. The music was still playing, but the crowd had thinned slightly. They hadn’t been gone more than fifteen minutes, yet the tension that snapped between them and Mrs. Devereux was immediate.

​She stalked toward them, her phone tucked into her handbag, her eyes narrowed. "Alexander. Where in the world have you two been? I’ve been waiting for a response from Adrian regarding the flights, and you simply vanish! This is unprofessional, even for a family event."

​Alexander draped a possessive arm around Adrian’s bare shoulder, his thumb stroking the smooth skin above the dress line. "We merely slipped out for some air, Mother. The heat of the ballroom, the intense discussions... Adrienne was feeling a little overwhelmed. It’s been a long week."

​Mrs. Devereux’s eyes remained fixed on them, lingering on Adrian’s slightly swollen lips and the undeniable glow on his skin. Then, a slow, predatory smile spread across her face.

​"Oh, my dears," she chuckled, the tension abruptly dissolving into a soft, conspiratorial warmth. "Please, don’t look so guilty! You forget who you’re talking to. I know exactly where you’ve been."

​Adrian and Alexander froze simultaneously, their blood turning to ice. Had she guessed? Had she realized the makeup, the gown, the lack of a real Adrienne?

​"You know—" Alexander started, his hand tightening on Adrian’s shoulder.

​Mrs. Devereux laughed, a genuine, delighted sound. "The private staff lounge, of course! Your father and I used to use the linen closet at the Embassy Balls. Wild days!" She giggled, tapping Alexander’s arm playfully. "Don’t worry, darling, your secret is safe with me. Every Devereux needs a break from the tedious social scene."

​A wave of dizzying relief washed over Adrian. He managed a shaky, perfect, ’Adrienne-like’ laugh. Alexander let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, his grip easing.

​"My wife is simply irresistible, Mother," Alexander said smoothly, pulling Adrian even closer and giving him a quick, chastising look for showing so much distress.

​"Oh, I can see that," Mrs. Devereux beamed, her gaze sweeping Adrian’s figure with approval. "With all this strenuous activity—the charm, the socialising, the... private moments—I fully expect to be celebrating a grandchild by the end of the year, Alexander. You shouldn’t delay your legacy."

​Adrian instantly froze, the relief evaporating and being replaced by a horrifying panic. A grandchild?

​Alexander, however, was unfazed. He gently smoothed a stray strand of hair back from Adrian’s cheek and leaned down, his eyes twinkling dangerously, playing the doting, rebellious husband to the hilt.

​"Do not rush us, Mother," he replied, his voice soft but firm. "Adrienne and I will make a baby when we’re ready." He then captured Adrian’s lips in a soft, visible, public kiss.

​It was brief but undeniable: a full kiss, on the mouth, in front of the Governor’s circle.

​Adrian’s eyes blew wide. For the first time, Alexander had kissed him in public, openly claiming him, even if it was under the veil of the ’Adrienne’ persona. The longing to do it as their real selves—Adrian Cole and Alexander Devereux—was a profound, aching ache in his heart.

​Mrs. Devereux wasn’t entirely pleased with the answer, but the public display of affection satisfied her need for a perfect image. She smiled tightly. "Well, don’t linger. Come say your goodbyes to the Governor. He’s retiring for the evening."

​They said their farewells, the perfect, radiant couple, and soon found themselves walking Mrs. Devereux to her waiting private car.

​"A perfect night, Alexander," she declared, stepping into the back seat. "Don’t forget, tomorrow morning: make sure Adrian is at the residence. I have something important to ask him regarding the Acquisitions Committee schedule."

​"He will be there, Mother. I promise." Alexander closed the door on his mother, the smile dropping from his face instantly.

​He turned to Adrian, his expression softening into tender concern. "Get in, baby. I’m giving you a massage for your hard work when we get home. You deserve it." He opened the car door for Adrian, the midnight blue silk catching the light. He leaned in, about to steal another quick kiss, when a woman in a severe black suit hurried up to them.

​"Mr. Devereux? The Governor is asking for a quick, private word before he departs. It’s about the port expansion."

​Alexander cursed under his breath. "Of course. Work never ends." He looked at Adrian. "Do you want to follow, or wait here?"

​Adrian shook his head, exhausted and still reeling from the events in the staff lounge. He just wanted to be alone for two minutes. "I’ll wait here, Alex. I need a moment to breathe."

​"I won’t be long, I promise." Alexander gave his hand a quick squeeze and followed the woman back toward the entrance, leaving Adrian standing alone by the black sedan, the most elegant figure in the empty stretch of red carpet.

​Adrian leaned against the cool metal of the car, letting the silence settle around him. He gently rubbed the faint, tender bruise Alexander had left on his neck.

​"It’s nice to meet you here, Adrian."

​The voice was low, slightly slurred with alcohol, and dangerously familiar.

​Adrian’s entire body went rigid. He slowly turned, his blood freezing in his veins. Standing three feet away was Sebastian Vale, looking devastatingly handsome in a tuxedo, but his eyes were clouded and unnervingly focused.

​"Mr. Vale," Adrian said, his voice instantly dropping to the ’Adrienne’ persona—cool, formal, polite. "You’re mistaken. I am Adrienne Devereux. And you seem a little drunk. You should call a cab."

​Sebastian didn’t move. He smirked, the smile cold and humourless. "No, I’m not mistaken, Adrian Cole. Your hips, your voice when you laugh, the way you clench your fist—you’re Adrian. And I’m not drunk enough to forget you." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

​Adrian cleared his throat, his insides erupting like a volcano. "W-what are you saying, Mr. Vale. You’re a little drunk. Go home—"

​Sebastian ignored him, closing the distance between them with a predator’s stillness. He placed one hand on the car door beside Adrian’s head, then the other, effectively trapping him.

​"I have two options for you, Adrian," Sebastian whispered, his breath smelling faintly of fine scotch.

​Adrian gulped, his pulse hammering against his ribs. "Step away, Sebastian. You are drunk, and you wouldn’t want to cause a scene here."

​Sebastian continued like he didn’t hear Adrian, placing his hands beside his face. "It’s either you leave with me, right now, or—" He lifted his phone, the screen glowing ominously in the dim light.

​Adrian’s eyes snapped to the screen. His sharp gasp of horror was swallowed by the surrounding silence. The screen displayed a draft article, already written, waiting only for the final click of the publish button.

​The headline was a sledgehammer: [Mr. Alexander Devereux, married to his transgender secretary, Adrian Cole, also known as Adrienne Devereux]

​"The audio you see down there," Sebastian pointed to a file attachment below the text, "it’s of you and Alexander in the separate room. I heard you guys... it hurt me, Adrian. It hurt me so much. I.... love you—"

​"Sebastian, stop—"

​"I’ll publish it right now," Sebastian threatened, hovering his thumb over the ’Publish’ button.

​"No!" Adrian tried to snatch the phone, but Sebastian was quick, twisting his hand out of Adrian’s reach.

​"Please, Sebastian. Don’t ruin Alexander’s life. I’ll do anything you want—" Adrian pleaded, his voice cracking, the ’Adrienne’ mask completely shattered by terror.

​Sebastian scoffed, the sound bitter and wounded. "Fucking bastard has your loyalty. Fine. Come with me, and I won’t publish this. I promise, Adrian. I’ll never hurt you."

​Adrian glanced desperately at the entrance of the hall, praying Alexander would walk out any second. But no one showed up. The silence was deafening, the threat palpable.

​He sighed, his shoulders slumping in total defeat. The Board, the company, Alexander’s reputation—they would all be destroyed by that headline. For Alexander’s sake, he would go.

​"Let’s go, Mr. Vale," Adrian said, his voice flat and resigned. He stepped away from the car, accepting the sacrifice.

​Sebastian smirked, a cruel, triumphant glint in his eyes. He took Adrian’s hand—Adrienne’s hand—and led him toward a waiting black SUV parked further down the drive.

Just as the SUV drove through the gate, Alexander walked out of the ballroom, making his way back to his car.

He found it odd that Adrian wasn’t out of the car, he knew how much he he loved fresh air.

He thought Adrian might have slept off inside the car. However, when he opened it and looked inside, his heart sank deep in his stomach.

Without asking, he knew that something, or rather, someone must have happened to Adrian.

Marcus was on the line immediately.

Heaven knew Alexander was ready to raid the country if he didn’t gave Adrian on his arms in few seconds.