Adrian did not answer her directly.

Instead, he smiled and said, “Don’t overthink this, Mrs. Christina. There are certain things that are beyond your understanding at times.”

Christina stopped speaking and leaned into Shirley’s embrace.

***

On the same afternoon, Adrian returned to Swallowston with the mother and daughter. Upon arriving, he arranged for them to stay in the original Battle Warrior Tower.

Adrian instructed Christina to look for a rental house and to get a stable job as soon a