Chapter 184

Evelyn frowned slightly, studying Adrian's agitated expression. He must have overheard their conversation.

A bitter taste rose in her throat.

Adrian, my love for you was real.

But it meant nothing to you.

"Adrian, whoever I am, our marriage is over," she said calmly. "Evelyn Roland was the name the Langley family gave me."

"I've been using it all these years to investigate Alexander's case."

She chose honesty.

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed as he rasped, "What's your real name?"

"Evelyn Roland," she whispered.

A cold laugh escaped him, danger flashing in his eyes. "Even your name was a lie. How many more secrets are you hiding?"

"Did you only marry me to investigate Alexander Durand?"

His voice dropped to subzero temperatures.

Evelyn shook her head, gaze steady. "No. These four years, I just wanted to live peacefully. If I'd wanted to use you, you'd have noticed."

"Let the past stay buried."

She turned to leave, pain threatening to spill from her eyes.

Unrequited love hurt too much.

Adrian narrowed his piercing gaze.

Sunlight outlined his perfect profile but couldn't penetrate the shadows in his eyes.

"Evelyn, you lied about everything. How could you say you loved me without blinking?"

He'd heard every word—Alexander was her brother.

That raw grief in her eyes whenever she mentioned him... she probably didn't even recognize it herself.

Evelyn paused mid-step but said nothing, striding toward the elevator.

......

After shopping with Scarlett, Evelyn returned to Sterling Manor to nurse her baby before heading to the Imperial Palace Hotel.

This was where Adrian used to bring her.

She knew his private dining room. With no one cooking at the Valentine estate now, he likely dined here often.

To avoid him, she took the side entrance.

The deserted lobby should have been safe—until she collided with Julian Roscente.

Evelyn suppressed a sigh. Why did she keep running into people she wanted to avoid?

"Evelyn, here for dinner?" Julian approached eagerly.

She retreated half a step. "Meeting friends. Excuse me."

His eyes trailed over her stylish outfit. Since leaving Adrian, her fashion sense had become impeccable.

"Vincent Ashcroft is back tonight. Join us? You know him."

Her expression frosted over at the name. "No need. I wouldn't want to lower the tone of Mr. Ashcroft's welcome party."

Those cruel words from years ago still stung.

A mocking voice cut in from behind: "Well, well. Evelyn Roland learns humility after all these years?"