Chapter 133

Evelyn Roland's eyes glinted with cold amusement as she regarded the two uninvited guests.

They couldn't even wait a full day before showing up at her doorstep.

The internet was flooded with rumors of her slapping Isabella Langley.

Yet instead of comforting their precious princess, this father-daughter pair had come running to her.

Money truly trumped blood ties.

The corner of Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Adrian Valentine watched her in silence, his gaze unreadable.

Since returning to Vienna, every movement she made exuded quiet confidence.

Vincent Langley rubbed his hands together with an ingratiating smile. "Evelyn, Adrian mentioned you took those torn photo fragments. Could you return them? I need to restore the manuscript and expedite the diamond mine excavation."

Evelyn nearly laughed aloud.

The old fox was desperate for money.

Even with the manuscript, he'd never locate the vein.

She flicked a glance toward Zachary Deross by the doorway. "Fetch the cloth bag from my car trunk."

Zachary nodded and left, his posture military-straight.

Adrian's brows furrowed as he studied the man beside her.

Vincent continued placating, "Don't take the online rumors to heart. Isabella's still young and impulsive."

Evelyn's eyes turned glacial. "Watching your fiancée stage this pathetic drama was highly entertaining. An audience never complains about bad acting."

Vincent's face darkened, but he swallowed his anger.

His worthless daughter had squandered millions on overseas education only to return with cheap tricks.

Adrian spoke suddenly, "Must you be so harsh, Ms. Roland?"

"Harsh?" Evelyn's laugh was icy. "Isn't slapping people's faces your specialty, Mr. Valentine? Shall we ask your sister to release last night's surveillance footage? Let's see who embarrassed themselves more."

A sharp pain stabbed her chest.

Her fists clenched until her nails bit into her palms.

Adrian's gaze dropped to her whitening knuckles, his expression deepening.

Vincent hastily intercepted Adrian before he could respond.

The manuscript was their priority now.

Julian Roscente had been investigating for over a year. Any delay risked complications.

"Adrian, Isabella was clearly in the wrong. Evelyn's the victim here."

Evelyn let out a derisive snort.

What a victim indeed.