Chapter 137

Adrian Valentine's gaze was glacial.

He looked down at Evelyn Roland's pained expression.

The cruelty in his eyes cut deeper than any blade. Evelyn gave a bitter smile. Adrian had never trusted her.

How could he believe she'd once loved him?

A year after their divorce, these thoughts still haunted her.

Evelyn hated herself for loving too deeply, for still being trapped in this torment.

"Please leave, Mr. Valentine. That was... inappropriate of me." She leaned against the sofa, her face pale.

Her short black hair framed porcelain skin.

The pink blazer softened her sharp edges, but the ice in her eyes kept everyone at bay.

Adrian froze. This was the real Evelyn—ruthless and decisive.

The murderous look she'd given Vincent Langley moments ago proved it.

"Inappropriate?" Adrian sneered. "Evelyn, how can you claim to love Alexander Durand while saying you loved me?"

His burning stare demanded the truth. Had she ever truly cared?

Seeing the pain in his eyes, Evelyn frowned. "Adrian, you were the one who called this a game. Let me go. I feel pain too. Must we destroy each other?" Danger flickered in her gaze.

Adrian suddenly gripped her throat.

Evelyn recoiled from his brutality. The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in her chest.

Silence stretched between them.

Her eyes turned arctic. His remained unreadable.

"What if I decide to play until you break?" Adrian whispered cruelly.

Evelyn's heart shattered. So this was how much he wanted her dead.

The pain spread through her body, making her tremble.

"Sorry, my life comes at a high price." Her laugh was cold.

Adrian smirked darkly. "I despise betrayal, and you—you betrayed me worst of all."

He pressed a fruit knife to her throat. "Leave Vienna. Or I'll kill you. And stay away from Isabella."

Numb, Evelyn pushed his hand aside. She stared at the blade. "Then do it now."

Without warning, she seized Adrian's wrist.

His eyes widened at her speed and strength.

"For Isabella," Evelyn said with a broken smile, "if you don't kill me today, I'll ruin both the Valentines and the Langleys."

She yanked his hand forward.

The blade plunged into her chest.

Adrian's pupils contracted. His blood turned to ice.

Evelyn gasped sharply.

The office door burst open.

Zachary Deross and a reporter stood frozen in the doorway.

Zachary paled at the knife in Evelyn's chest.

Camera flashes erupted as the reporter snapped photos frantically.

Adrian heard nothing but the roar of his own heartbeat.