Be My Man, Mr. Jenkins By Flora Julius
Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Some said Adriane was lucky she could change her life as a foster child to a woman with a wealthy husband, while some said it was too bad that she was engaged to the ill Mr. Arthur because he might die anytime soon. It would be difficult for Adriane to get married to someone else again later.

Some said Mr. Arthur was once a successful young man who was cold and ruthless. His illness and losing the ability to walk crushed his pride and made his character worse.

Adriane could guess what others would think about her and Arthur, but she did not mind.

There was something else that occupied her mind now. It was her cousin, Zack.

Arthur had assigned someone to send Zack to the Feston Equestrian Center. The manager of the equestrian center would video–call Adriane daily to let her watch Isabella in the stable, who would chase and kick Zack.

Adriane smiled as she greeted Zack, “Cousin, how are you coping with your new job?”

Zack wanted to complain about his condition. He had not only fractured his arm but being around Isabella worsened his state of injury. His legs felt like it was going to dislocate every time Isabella chased him, and his chest bone almost fractured because of Isabella’s strong kick. But he endured his urge and said, “Not bad.”

The excitement of looking at Isabella bullying Zack made Adriane’s eyes sparkle as she grinned, “Good to hear that.”

The video of Adriane tricking Zack and making him run around the race track behind her went viral on the internet. From then on, Zack’s friends stayed away from him and even made fun of him.

There were even some of them who adored Adriane for her excellent horse riding skills.

Francis had only caught a glimpse of Adriane at the race track that day and was mesmerized by her vigilance and beauty. His man had sent him information about Adriane soon after he asked to investigate her.

Adriane was eighteen years old, fresh out of high school, and had an ordinary life. She had become the limelight of the wealthy society in Berkton City because of her engagement with Arthur Jenkins.

Francis gazed at the information about Adriane with interest. Then he tapped her photo with his finger as he muttered, “Adriane Stewart…”

That evening, Albert sent someone to ask Adriane to join him for dinner in his mansion again. Arthur had to take a rest in his room because of his health condition. He seldom came out of his room every day.

His fever subsided after eating well, taking medication, and having a good rest.

Adriane took the initiative to sit beside Albert as soon as she arrived at the dining area. There were fewer family members this time than the last time

Adriane came for dinner.

George’s family and Arthur’s sister did not join them for dinner. Even Alexander was not present. Only Hendrix, his wife, Helen, and another middle–aged woman with heavy makeup on her face were there.

The woman was not at the last dinner Adriane attended, but Adriane had investigated the people living in Jenkins and everyone related to Arthur.

In addition, she also had the memory of her previous life. Rumors had it that Hendrix was quite a playboy when he was young and kept many mistresses.

Helen was from a wealthy family like Jenkins and had given birth to two children with Hendrix. She was the rightful wife of Hendrix. The true Mrs. Jenkins. In the early years of her marriage, she had dealt with many of Hendrix’s mistresses, but there was one she missed. It was the woman at the dinner with the narne Margaret Jakeman.

Adriane could not investigate further into the secret of these wealthy families. All she knew was that Margaret had conceived Hendrix’s son and moved into Jenkins‘ manor many years ago.

Before dinner, Albert asked about Arthur’s health condition as usual and praised Adriane. The other three who were with them said nothing.

After dinner, they sat down on the sofa in the living room. Helen glanced at Margaret. Margaret understood the meaning behind Helen’s glance and said

16:40 Mon,

Chapter 26

to Albert, “Father, have you heard about what happened in Arthur’s place a few days ago?”

Albert asked calmly, “What happened?”

Over the years, Margaret was a little arrogant because she had Helen backing her up. However, she still felt nervous and cautious when she spoke to Albert. She gulped and beat around the bush, “I am not saying that Arthur is bad or mean. It is just that he brought those young men from wealthy families like us to his mansion and taught them a lesson. Many of them came to Hendrix and complained about it. It puts him in difficult situation. I think Arthur might have gone a little overboard this time.”

Adriane understood Margaret’s motive. She was trying to make Albert punish Arthur and Adriane.

Margaret then looked at Adriane and continued, “You must know what had happened that caused this. It’s just a bunch of young people playing around. There is no need to punish those young men. It will be bad if others think that Arthur is brutal and mean. Am I right? Why don’t you advise Arthur to rest well and take care of his health? It will be better for him to do that than worrying too much about trivial matters like this?”

It sounded like Margaret was concerned about Arthur, but she was trying to make it as if Arthur was ruining the reputation of Jenkins Family

Adriane sneered in her heart. It was obvious they were taking advantage of Arthur because he was now ill. She mocked silently.

“You are just a mistress. Will you have the guts to say such things when Arthur was the heir of Jenkins Family? Arthur would have punished you if you said that. How dare you even mock that it happened because of me. Bah!”

Seeing that Albert was looking at her, Adriane put on an innocent look and hesitated before saying, “I think it is better if you say that to Mr. Arthur personally. He doesn’t listen to me.”

Helen, Hendrix’s wife, was almost the same age as Hendrix. However, she took good care of her skin and looked way much younger than Hendrix. She was elegant and had the temperament of a young lady from a wealthy family.

Helen did not react when Margaret spoke. But she glanced at Adriane calmly when Adriane replied to Margaret’s “concern“.

Adriane then continued with a sad look on her face, “Uncle Albert, this is not Mr. Arthur’s fault. I’m an orphan and have no one to help me. Arthur was only helping me out after those young men bullied me. Please punish me, instead of Mr. Arthur. He is still ill.”

Margaret was bewildered. Her jaw almost dropped. She thought, “I didn’t say anything about punishment. Why do you have to cry? And are you sure they bullied you?”

Just as Margaret was about to retort, Albert interrupted with a stern voice, “Okay. Arthur called those young men to his mansion for a reason. They were just a group of disobedient teenagers, and Arthur had every right to teach them a lesson. Hendrix!”

After calling his eldest’s son’s name, Albert continued, “Ask those young men to come to me if they have anything else that they aren’t happy about.”

Albert’s attitude was apparent. He was surely going to take Arthur’s side no matter what Arthur did. Hendrix quickly answered, “Yes, father.”

Helen quickly added after Hendrix spoke. She was saying those to Margaret, “I know you are saying that out of good intention, but it is better to not interfere in Arthur’s business.”

Margaret pursed her lips and said reluctantly, “Yes, Mrs. Jenkins.”

Adriane felt a little hilarious watching the two women putting on an act. Margaret might be Hendrix’s mistress, but her status was almost the same as a maid in Jenkins family.

Helen was the one who asked Margaret to speak out about this matter to Albert. It was to see Albert’s response and attitude towards it. She quickly scolded Margaret once she found out Albert was still on Arthur’s side to make herself seem like she had nothing to do with Margaret bringing out this

matter.

Adriane could see that Hendrix and his wife were not simple to deal with.

She had an inkling that the couple might be supporting Alexander in her last birth. That was the main reason Alexander could take control of Jenkins family. It seemed that Arthur and her situation would be in danger if she could not get rid of those two soon.

Adriane had made up her mind to work as one with Arthur. They were like inseparable partners. So, she had to make sure no one could harm Arthur.

Chapter 26

Soon, everyone stopped mentioning that matter. After Adriane and Albert left, Margaret muttered in frustration, “That girl is a vixen that even a crippled

man like Arthur has fallen for her.”