Chapter 4 Just then , a black car drove into the yard . The Aldens arrived sooner than Clarinda expected . Adrienne's expression stiffened at once . The sight of the familiar car outside sent a wave of panic deep down her heart . She glared at Clarinda , fury twisting the delicate makeup on her face . " You did it on purpose ! Didn't you ? " " Adrienne , what are you talking about ? I was upstairs , preparing a gift for Corby . How could you accuse me like this ? " Clarinda's eyes were glistening with tears . She seemed like a perfect victim , filled with grievances . This was what Allen Todd , the housekeeper of the Alden family , saw when he stepped in . He frowned as he looked around at the unbelievably messy state of the villa . " Mrs. Adrienne Alden , " he began , his voice formal and cold . " Madam Alden has instructed me to inform Chapter 4 you that your failure to raise your son properly has consequences . She will now see to it that you are corrected ." Adrienne jerked her head up to him . " What ?" Allen made a gesture toward the courtyard and said , " Please step outside and bow there for three hours ." " Allen ... " Allen had anticipated her reaction . Before she could say more , he interrupted her in a deceptively kind tone , " Mrs. Clarinda Alden , you needn't put in a good word for Mrs. Adrienne Alden . You put so much effort into Mr. Duncan's funeral . Please be careful not to exhaust yourself ." Clarinda didn't say anything . In fact , she hadn't been trying to put in a good word for Adrienne at all . She just wanted to know if Stacey felt better . If so , she planned to go over there soon to talk to Stacey about the divorce . Although Corbin was in charge of the Alden Group , it was Stacey who called the shots in all family matters . Chapter 4 And so , no matter how reluctant Adrienne was , she had no choice but to bow in the courtyard . It was bone - chillingly cold today . She totally deserved it . Clarinda was ready to go upstairs , not even shooting her a glance . Sarah looked torn . " Mrs. Alden , what about the painting ? " " Leave it. Someone will come and collect it later . It'll be sent back once it's repaired ," Clarinda said concisely . Of course , she would never tell anyone that the damaged painting was a fake . The real one was safe , being displayed in her friend's gallery . It was left intact . After all , Myron's greatest wish before he passed away was for his paintings to be seen by as many people as possible . It would have been a profound waste to hide his final masterpiece away at home . " Bad woman ! " Chapter 4 Just as Clarinda was about to walk upstairs , Leonel said with hatred , " I've already called Uncle Corbin . You're finished once he comes back ! " " I'll be waiting then . " Clarinda didn't even stop in her tracks . " He'll divorce you ! You'll be damaged goods ! No one will ever want you ! " She couldn't help but chuckle , amused . " He won't ." She was a fig leaf for him and Adrienne . If Corbin divorced her , it would mean him and Adrienne living under the same roof . Given the facade of their relationship , there was no doubt that Adrienne's reputation would be in ruins . Corbin would never allow such a thing to happen . Corbin soon rushed back . Clarinda had checked the time - it had actually taken him less than twenty minutes from when Adrienne was commanded to bow in the courtyard . Chapter 4 His black cashmere coat accentuated his tall , slender frame and steady , refined presence . He strode directly toward Adrienne , gathered her into his arms , and hurried her back into the villa . He gently settled her onto the sofa . As he rubbed her hands , reddened from the cold , the distress in his eyes was palpable . " Why would you be so foolish ? " he murmured , his voice thick with emotion . " Why did you listen to them ? " " It was Madam Alden's order . What choice did I have ? " Adrienne tugged at Corbin's sleeve , her doe - like eyes glistening with tears , her voice shaky . " Corby , please ... Could you divorce her ? She's horrible ... " Corbin frowned slightly . " You mean Clarinda ? " " Yes !" She bit her lip . " Do you know why Leon ruined Sir Alden's painting ? She put him up to it ." " Mommy's right ! " Leonel pouted , tears glistening on his long lashes . " Uncle Corbin , Auntie Clarinda tried to scare me today ! She said a monster that Chapter 4 would eat my arms was hiding in that painting . That's why I .. !" " That's impossible , " Corbin cut him off without a moment's hesitation . He ruffled Leonel's hair dotingly and said gently , " You must have misheard her , Leon . She's the most good - tempered person I know . If she said she wouldn't be mad at you , then she meant it . She'd never try to scare you ." He paused , and his tone shifted slightly . " Besides , Grandpa doted on her more than anyone . The last thing she would ever do is disrespect his painting . " The last part of his sentence was clearly intended for Adrienne . Adrienne immediately looked up at him , her eyes wide with disbelief . " Are you suggesting that Leon and I are lying to smear her ? " Corbin ! " You've changed so much ! I can barely recognize you now ! " Her accusation sent a surge of fury through him . But as he met her eyes , brimming with disappointment , he could only take a deep breath and suppress the feeling . " Adri , I haven't changed at all . " Chapter 4 She stared at him intently , her gaze challenging . " Oh , really ? Then say it . Look me in the eye and say that you've never had any feelings for Clarinda and that you've never touched her . " Corbin had always believed his conscience was clear where Adrienne was concerned . But somehow , in that moment , the words wouldn't come . Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.