Chapter 17

Sophia saw right through Isabella's act.

The fake innocence worked on men, but not on her.

"The evidence is staring you in the face. If you can't even tell what's real, this company might as well shut down."

Sophia never minced words.

"Valentine Group won't collapse!"

Isabella clung to Adrian's arm, shooting Evelyn a venomous glare.

Her plan had been flawless. How did Evelyn get the evidence?

No matter. She'd already leaked the story about Evelyn stealing company secrets online.

This time, Evelyn would be ruined.

Some secrets must stay buried forever.

Adrian would be hers.

Evelyn met Adrian's gaze calmly. "Mr. Valentine, will you clear my name now?"

Sophia cut in first. "You've gone too far. Our boss did nothing wrong, yet you smeared her online. Since you show no mercy, don't expect any in return."

Adrian frowned. Who leaked this so quickly?

Isabella's eyes gleamed with malice. Just wait, Evelyn.

Evelyn opened her phone.

The hashtag #ExValentineEmployeeEvelynRolandStoleTradeSecrets trended at the top.

The comments were a cesspool of vitriol.

Her fingers turned icy. Even after leaving, Adrian wouldn't let her go.

Her heart ached as if sliced by a dull blade.

"Adrian, must you destroy me completely?" Her laugh was hollow. Even divorced, he still tormented her.

Seeing the deadness in her eyes, Adrian felt an inexplicable restlessness in his chest.

She was erasing him from her heart. The realization unsettled him.

But memories of her betrayal and Christian's death hardened him again.

"Sophia, release Melanie's video. If Valentine Group slanders me again, I'll fight back."

Evelyn turned to leave.

Sophia immediately contacted Nathan to handle the footage.

She threw Adrian a scornful look. "Mr. Valentine, your intellect is as barren as the Sahara. I wonder how Valentine Group thrived all these years."

How much of it was actually Evelyn's doing?

Adrian's fists clenched, a storm brewing in his eyes.

With a cold laugh, Sophia followed Evelyn.

Adrian turned to Melanie, his voice glacial. "The video is authentic. Turn yourself in."

Melanie paled. "I'm sorry," she whispered before stumbling away.

Isabella's smile vanished. Her meticulously crafted trap had been dismantled.

If Adrian investigated further...

"Adrian, what about the new product launch? Will this hurt the company?" she feigned concern.

Adrian's lips curled dangerously. "Those who touch what's mine will pay the price."

A chill ran down Isabella's spine.

Adrian watched Evelyn's retreating figure. She'd shed all softness, becoming an unapproachable iceberg.

Just as Evelyn reached her car, Julian suddenly appeared, blocking her path.