Chapter 18 - Unmasked Before Society
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Adrian rushed out the back doors of the kitchen, sprinting down the gravel path toward the greenhouse and the lower gardens.
Night had fully fallen. The moon cast a silvery glow over the sprawling estate, illuminating the dew on the grass.
He found her near the outer gates of the estate, carrying a heavy canvas tool bag over her shoulder, waiting by the side of the road for her ride.
"Maya!" Adrian called out, his lungs burning as he ran up to her.
She stopped, turning around slowly. In the moonlight, her face was composed, but her eyes carried a profound sadness.
"Mr. Mercer," she said formally, taking a step back.
Hearing his real name from her lips hit Adrian like a physical blow.
"Don't call me that," he said, stepping closer, reaching out toward her. "Please. It's just Adrian."
"Is it?" Maya asked softly, looking at his tailored shirt, his expensive trousers, and the unmistakable posture of absolute wealth. "You're a billionaire, Adrian. You own companies. You own this entire valley. You were playing a game."
"I wasn't playing a game with you," Adrian said fiercely, taking another step forward despite her retreat. "I put on that apron because I was sick of being lied to. I was sick of women smiling at my bank account while stepping on the people around them."
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"And what about me?" Maya asked, her voice cracking slightly. "Was I just another subject in your little social experiment? Did you enjoy watching the gardener girl hand you an apple because she felt sorry for the poor cook?"
"No!" Adrian shouted, his voice echoing across the open field. "You were the only real thing in this entire place!"
