Chapter 185

Evelyn Roland cast an icy glance at Vincent Ashcroft's excessively handsome face.

This man excelled at putting on pretenses.

Outwardly charming and suave.

But beneath that facade lurked a cunning, treacherous nature—like a dagger hidden behind a smile, as the old saying went.

She knew Adrian Valentine's inner circle well.

Each had their own agenda. Christian Lefèvre was Adrian's most loyal friend, their bond forged through life-and-death trials.

Not once had they clashed in all these years.

During the divorce, she'd assumed Adrian was grieving Christian's death.

Only later did she realize he'd met his true love—Isabella Langley.

Before slipping into a coma, Christian had sworn her to secrecy about his survival. There was clearly more to the story. She'd been preoccupied with childbirth this past year, unable to investigate.

Now it seemed she needed to look into Christian's affairs.

Isabella and Adrian had arrived with Vincent.

Evelyn's gaze collided with Adrian's. She looked away indifferently.

A glacial glint flashed in Adrian's eyes, sharp as a blade.

Julian Roscente glared at Vincent, brows furrowed. "Vincent, that was uncalled for. I invited Evelyn here. If you disapprove, say so directly—no need for such venom."

Vincent gaped at Julian. "Julian Roscente, I've been gone a year, and you've changed. Weren't you the one who used to sneer at Evelyn, that country girl who only knew how to seduce men? What's this sudden closeness? Has she ensnared you too?"

"Julian, this isn't how brothers treat each other. That woman is Adrian's castoff. Someone gentle and virtuous like Isabella is far more suited to him."

As for Evelyn...

An unattainable alpine rose, born to lowly origins, forever wearing that frigid expression.

The sight of her disgusted him.

Julian's voice turned thunderous. "Vincent, you—"

Didn't he realize how cruel those words were?

These spoiled heirs loved gossiping about others. He suddenly felt sick of himself.

Evelyn gave Vincent a cool once-over. "Vincent, there's a difference between having a foul mouth and lacking basic decency."

"Also, my origins are none of your concern. My life isn't yours to dictate. The Ashcrofts are mere second-tier aristocrats—wealthy but morally bankrupt. You've looked down on me from the start, treating me as your plaything. I won't forget this... hospitality."

With that icy retort, she turned on her heel just as the elevator arrived.

Julian hurried after her.

Evelyn's eyes turned arctic. "Get lost."

Julian froze. Her gaze held a murderous edge he'd never seen before. She blocked the elevator doors. "Evelyn, I—"

Isabella watched Julian chase after Evelyn, jealousy twisting her insides.

Julian used to orbit around her.

She'd never allow Evelyn to steal what was rightfully hers.

She stepped forward. "Julian, you can't possibly fancy Evelyn? You're Adrian's friend. If you pursue his ex—"

"Isabella, watch your tongue. I'm pursuing Evelyn of my own volition. Adrian divorced her—what ties remain between them?"

"Besides, what gives you the right to meddle in my affairs?"

After delivering this scathing rebuke, Julian entered the elevator.

Isabella burned with humiliation. Never had Julian treated her this way.

"Adrian..."

Adrian shot her a frosty glance. She immediately fell silent.