Chapter 145

Vanessa Kalmien's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Isabella Langley with admiration. "Isabella, you're absolutely amazing."

Isabella offered a sweet smile. "Vanessa, you're exaggerating. The ratings haven't been released yet. We shouldn't gossip about Mr. Lin."

Her voice was soft as water, her smile tender and charming.

Vanessa burst into laughter and grabbed Isabella's hand. "Isabella, you're always so modest. No wonder Mr. Valentine would risk his life for you. What does Evelyn Roland even amount to? How dare she bully you?"

Isabella's expression faltered.

She hadn't expected Adrian Valentine to go to such lengths for her.

His devotion moved her deeply, filling her with happiness.

She lowered her head, biting her lip, her eyes reddening at the corners. "Adrian went too far. He hasn't come to the office yet—I'm worried."

Vanessa suddenly pointed excitedly toward the entrance. "Isabella, look! Mr. Valentine is here!"

Isabella turned.

Adrian's tall, imposing figure strode into the lobby, the light outlining his striking features.

She hurried toward him. "Adrian, are you alright?"

Adrian responded coldly, "I'm fine."

Isabella clung to his arm, her face pale. "Adrian, is Evelyn okay?"

Adrian paused mid-step, his handsome face turning icy. "Isabella, drop the act. Haven’t you seen the news online? There’s going to be an even bigger exposé tonight. What are you doing here?"

His tone startled her.

"Adrian, you're scolding me?" she asked tearfully.

The usually gentle Adrian had snapped at her today.

Her lips trembled as she bit down on them. "I know you're doing this for my sake. I'll leave now."

Adrian turned to Victor Ashcroft. "Take her home. There will be major news this afternoon."

Isabella's heart clenched.

She had felt uneasy when she saw the news this morning.

So there really was more to come.

Just as she was about to leave, Scarlett Orlando stormed in with Celeste Rubinstein in tow.

Scarlett marched straight up to Adrian and shoved him hard.

Adrian stumbled back a few steps, frowning at her.

"Adrian Valentine!" Scarlett glared at him furiously. "For stabbing Evelyn over Isabella, I’ll make sure the Valentine Group goes bankrupt by tonight!"

Adrian's brow furrowed.

Where did this woman get such confidence?

What was her relationship with Evelyn?

Isabella sneered. "Such bold words, Ms. Orlando. Do you really think the Valentine Group is so easily toppled?"

SLAP!

A sharp crack echoed as Scarlett's palm struck Isabella's face.

Everyone froze.

Isabella clutched her cheek in disbelief. "Scarlett Orlando, have you lost your mind?"

Scarlett's red lips curled into a cold smile. "Isabella Langley, trying to climb over others to get ahead? I won’t let you have your way. What makes you think the Langley family can scheme against me in the entertainment industry?"