Chapter 130

The sound of shattering porcelain exploded through the dining room.

"Those damn reporters!" Isabella Langley stared at her phone screen, fingers trembling.

Cassandra Valentine's arrogant face flashed through her mind, followed by Celeste Rubinstein's mocking smirk.

Vincent Langley set down his chopsticks with a frown. "Isabella, what's this about? Why did Evelyn hit you?"

He'd been preoccupied with the mineral atlas last night and missed his daughter's latest scandal.

Isabella bit her lip and recounted the previous night's events.

Eleanor Langley's face darkened. "How could you be so reckless? If you're going to play games, make sure they can't recover—like that male celebrity last time. Now you've left evidence!"

"Mom!" Isabella's eyes reddened. "The worst part is Cassandra might have proof. Once the internet finishes attacking Evelyn, she'll reveal the truth..."

Vincent slammed his teacdown. "How many times must I tell you? True power requires patience! Evelyn is already finished. Why waste energy on her?"

Isabella clenched her fists.

This past year in the entertainment industry had gone smoothly—she'd finally shed the "rich heiress" label.

But Adrian Valentine's name still haunted her like a shadow.

"Father, this isn't the time for lectures! We must stop Cassandra from leaking anything!" Her voice shook. "The higher the internet lifts me now, the harder I'll fall later!"

Eleanor stood abruptly. "I'll handle the company. Stay home today." She turned to her husband. "Hurry with the atlas. Adrian still has some photos we need recovered."

Vincent nodded. "I'm meeting him today about the Sterling Manor collaboration. If we secure this project—"

"Sterling Manor?" Isabella looked up sharply. "Why has their heiress remained out of the public eye since returning?"

Vincent's gaze darkened. "That's not your concern."