Chapter 180

The manager rushed over with security guards in tow.

"Ms. Roland, this reflects poorly on my management." Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "I'll handle this immediately."

The receptionist turned pale. "Manager, I only—"

"Silence!" The manager cut her off sharply. "Pack your things and leave now."

Her legs trembled. She'd schemed relentlessly to land this job—all to snag a wealthy husband.

"Why fire me?" She pointed accusingly at Evelyn. "A woman like her doesn't even deserve—"

The manager's expression darkened.

Mr. Aldridge had made it clear: anyone who harassed his assistant would be blacklisted across Vienna.

"Keep talking, and I'll ensure you never work in this industry again."

The receptionist finally grasped the gravity of her mistake. Sobbing, she fled.

"Who were you here to see, Ms. Roland?" The manager forced a smile.

Evelyn replied coldly, "It's unnecessary now."

She turned toward the elevators, catching Adrian Valentine's silhouette in her periphery.

A sharp pang struck her chest.

Then—nothing.

Don't be foolish, Evelyn, she chided herself silently.

The elevator doors parted. She stepped inside without glancing back, never meeting Adrian's gaze.

Adrian remained rooted in place, his knuckles whitening.

"Adrian!" Isabella Langley's saccharine voice rang out.

She latched onto his arm, her cloying perfume enveloping them.

Adrian's brow twitched imperceptibly. "Why are you here?"

"Contract signing." She preened. "All those companies that canceled are begging to rehire me now."

He extracted his arm. "Victor will take you home."

"Perfect." Isabella giggled. "Don't be late picking me up for tonight's gala."

As the elevator doors closed, she pondered Evelyn's unexpected appearance.

Adrian watched her leave. Nearby employees scattered, avoiding his stormy expression.

"Fetch Vincent first," he suddenly told Victor. "Then retrieve Isabella."

Victor arched a brow. "And you?"

Adrian ignored the question, lowering his voice. "Did you locate Evelyn's address?"