Chapter 12

Evelyn glanced toward the entrance, her phoenix eyes narrowing with a flicker of cunning. She leaned close to Sophia's ear, whispering just loud enough for them both to hear. "Our money bags just arrived. You know what to do?"

Sophia's lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Understood," she murmured in response.

Evelyn casually pointed at the new collection displayed on the mannequins. "I'll take all of these."

"Of course, Miss Roland." Sophia instantly switched to her professional smile, bowing slightly.

She signaled the other sales associates with a subtle glance, directing them to attend to Isabella and Adrian who had just entered.

Evelyn's gaze inadvertently met Adrian's.

Her eyes remained calm as still water, while his held unfathomable depths.

She quickly averted her eyes, her expression cooling into its usual indifference. Even if she still loved this man, she would never let it show.

Isabella noticed their exchanged glances and immediately clung to Adrian's arm, throwing Evelyn a challenging look. "Miss Roland made quite a splash at the auction. Now you're sweeping up K's new collection? Your man must be very generous." Her voice dripped with envy.

Evelyn smiled serenely. "Isn't it natural for my man to treat me well?"

A sharp glare immediately pierced through her.

She didn't need to look to know it came from Adrian.

He turned to Isabella with gentle eyes, his voice low. "Isabella, I couldn't get you that violet diamond earlier. Buy whatever you like. The woman of Adrian Valentine deserves only the best."

Isabella beamed with delight, shooting Evelyn a triumphant look.

Evelyn lowered her lashes. Such treatment was something she had never experienced.

Adrian had never publicly acknowledged her as his woman.

His cold gaze swept over Evelyn, and seeing her unaffected expression only fueled his anger.

Evelyn smirked inwardly. The difference between being loved and unloved was this stark.

"Adrian, I couldn't possibly let you spend so much," Isabella demurred, though her greedy eyes scanned the boutique's offerings. "But a woman can never have too many clothes. I'll take everything here."

Adrian wordlessly produced his black card. "Charge it."

Sophia feigned hesitation. "Sir, those pieces over there have already been selected by this lady."

Adrian smirked. "I'll pay double."

Sophia pretended to look uncertainly at Evelyn.

Evelyn let her gaze linger on Adrian's handsome face for a moment before curling her lips in derision. "Let them have it. I don't fight over scraps with homewreckers and rabid dogs. It's beneath me."

"What did you say?" Isabella trembled with rage. "Adrian, I'm not—"

She buried her face in Adrian's chest in feigned distress.

Sophia rolled her eyes internally. Such an Oscar-worthy performance.

Adrian's eyes darkened dangerously. "Watch your tongue, Miss Roland."

Evelyn arched a brow, her phoenix eyes radiating dominance. "Did I say anything untrue?"

"Evelyn!" Adrian exploded, his hand shooting out to grip her throat, murder flashing in his eyes. "You're asking for death!"

Evelyn gasped for air, but in his eyes she saw only her own hatred reflected back.

"Let... go..." she choked out.

Sophia's expression turned icy as she instantly moved to strike Adrian.