Chapter 116

Isabella Langley gazed at the night outside the window, her fingertips absently tracing the rim of her wine glass.

Christian Lefèvre's perpetually gentle eyes flashed through her mind, sending a pang of bitterness through her chest.

That man was too content with the status quo—he hadn't even flinched when her fiancé was stolen from her.

Her phone screen lit up, displaying a photo of Adrian Valentine. The man in the picture had sharp brows and piercing eyes, his tailored suit exuding the commanding presence of a man at the top of the world.

She downed the remaining red wine in one gulp and strode toward the center of the banquet hall in her stilettos.

Under the crystal chandelier, Scarlett Orlando was surrounded by admirers like the moon among stars. Isabella's lips curled into a cold smirk as she spotted the towering three-tiered cake at the center of the stage.

Imperial Consort would premiere tomorrow. She'd see how long Scarlett could keep gloating.

Adrian stood not far away, seemingly waiting for her. Isabella quickened her pace, linking her arm with his affectionately while her eyes scanned the crowd.

By the floor-to-ceiling windows, Adrian was deep in conversation with Evelyn Roland. Across from them sat the heads of Lowell Group and Macmillan Holdings.

Sebastian Cortez held a piece of cake to Evelyn's lips. Engrossed in her phone, she accepted the bite without hesitation.

"Mr. Macmillan, these are the detailed plans for our NovaCore project," Evelyn said, sliding her phone across the table. "Full production can begin within two weeks. If you're interested, I'd be happy to personally visit your facilities."

She paused, then added, "We've already secured partnerships with 360 companies across the Nine-City Alliance, and negotiations are underway with Eastalia and Northam. Both you and Mr. Lowell are Sterling Manor's most trusted partners."

The chairman of Macmillan Holdings took the phone, a pleased smile warming his expression. Being trusted so deeply by a business partner touched him.

Evelyn's gaze chilled the moment she noticed Adrian and Isabella approaching.

Those two persistent nuisances.

Mr. Lowell had already risen to greet them. "Perfect timing, Mr. Valentine. We were just discussing Sterling Manor's NovaCore project. That young lady is remarkable—she solved all the technical challenges in just one year."

Adrian gave a slight nod and guided Isabella to sit beside Evelyn. Despite empty seats elsewhere, he deliberately chose the spot next to her.

Sebastian shot them a frosty look before turning back to Mr. Lowell. "Our lady prefers research over socializing. After NovaCore, we'll be launching our Botanica line of natural cosmetics."

He placed another pastry on Evelyn's plate. "Eat properly. No working on an empty stomach tonight."

His tone brooked no argument, laced with unmistakable protectiveness.

Adrian's fingers whitened around his wine glass, the air around him turning icy. Evelyn didn't need to look up to feel the sudden drop in temperature.