Chapter 1

The June sun blazed mercilessly, its scorching rays baking the asphalt.

Evelyn Roland staggered out of Horizon Tech's headquarters, her white blouse stained crimson with blood.

She clutched the contract in her hand, her lips curling into a bitter smile.

This gunshot wound settled four years of debt with Adrian Valentine.

That rainy night three years ago, when Adrian had stood outside her dormitory holding an umbrella all night—now she knew it had all been an elaborate ruse.

"Director Roland, Mr. Valentine is waiting for you in the conference room," the secretary's voice snapped her back to reality.

The elevator ascended to the top floor. Through the slightly ajar door, a woman's breathy moan drifted out: "Adrian, not so rough..."

Evelyn pushed the door open.

Isabella Langley sat disheveled on Adrian's lap, her lips swollen. At the sight of Evelyn, she scrambled to her feet in panic. "Sis—"

Evelyn strode to the desk and dropped the bloodstained contract alongside the divorce papers.

Adrian leisurely adjusted his cufflinks, his black dress shirt accentuating his lean frame. When his gaze lifted, the disdain in his eyes cut through Evelyn like a blade.

"Horizon Tech's contract," Evelyn rasped. "I've signed the divorce papers."

Adrian's fingers stilled. His eyes flickered over her pallid face. "How did you secure it?"

"Does it matter?" Evelyn laughed softly. "You only care about results, Mr. Valentine."

Isabella suddenly threw herself into Adrian's arms. "You promised to marry me!"

Adrian stroked her hair, his tender gaze sickeningly sweet. "We'll file for divorce today."

But when he scanned the terms of the agreement, his pupils constricted. "Empty-handed?"

"Clean breaks are best." Evelyn turned away, her wound tearing—but the pain in her chest was worse.

Adrian rose with a cold chuckle, his suit jacket brushing her shoulder. "As you wish."