The Billionaire’s Orphan Bride

The Favor

Adrian pov

I stared out at the glittering city, a glass of untouched whiskey in my hand.

The report Christopher had given me lay open on my desk Elena Rivera’s life in stark, merciless detail.

And then last night. That café. That man’s hands on her wrist and thighs.

My jaw tightened, a muscle twitching in my cheek.

The girl was drowning in a world that chewed people up and spat them out. And yet she had stood tall, fire in her eyes, refusing to shatter.

She didn’t belong in that café. She didn’t belong, scraping tables and counting pennies.

She belonged… where I could see her. Where I could protect her.

But I have never offered rescue outright. No, I built opportunities, lay paths, engineer outcomes.

And I already knew who could help me.

I picked up my phone and dialed.

“Adrian.” Olivia Harrington’s voice was warm and tinged with surprise. “It’s been a while.”

“Too long,” I said evenly. With Olivia, I didn't waste time. “I need a favor.”

A pause. “From me? That sounds dangerous.”

“There’s a girl,” I began, ignoring her teasing tone. “Elena Rivera. Works at a café downtown.”

“Go on,” Olivia said slowly.

“She’s wasted there. I want her to apply for the assistant position at Blackwood Enterprises. Convince her. Make her believe it’s her idea.”

“And why, exactly?” Olivia asked, though her voice was gentler now.

My fingers tightened around the glass. I didn't answer.

Olivia sighed softly. “You found someone who reminds you of yourself, didn’t you?”

My jaw clenched. “Will you do it?”

“Yes,” Olivia said after a beat. “But Adrian, do not ruin her the way this world nearly ruined you.”

I said nothing.

Before she hung up, Olivia’s voice softened once more. “And if she refuses?”

My gaze hardened on the skyline. “Then pay the café owner to let her go. She’ll have no choice but to seek something better.”

“Still playing God, I see,” Olivia murmured.

“Not God,” I corrected coldly. “Survival.”