Chapter 190

Vincent Ashcroft glared at the soup bowl on the table, his eyes dark with malice. "Isabella, bring this soup. We're confronting Evelyn Roland."

Isabella Langley lowered her lashes, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

Human nature was predictable. Once suspicion took root, it would flourish.

She discreetly dropped a pill into the soup.

This tainted broth would become irrefutable evidence against Evelyn.

Cassandra Valentine would walk away unscathed, while Evelyn bore the brunt of the scandal.

She wanted Evelyn erased from existence.

Vincent's underworld connections could make someone disappear without a trace.

They stormed into the adjacent private dining room.

It was empty.

Isabella froze. "Where is she? Did she flee after Adrian left?"

Vincent frowned and summoned a waiter. "Where are the guests from this room?"

The waiter bowed. "They left abruptly after receiving a phone call without ordering."

Isabella's expression tightened. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, sir. The gentleman departed with his female companion immediately."

Her fists clenched.

Her meticulously laid trap had failed.

Vincent sneered. "She can run, but she can't hide. I'll make her regret crossing Julian Roscente."

He turned to mobilize his men.

Watching his retreating figure, Isabella allowed herself a victorious smile.

The evidence was prepared. Vincent's fury had been successfully redirected.

She carried the soup bowl, following at a leisurely pace.

Vincent suddenly halted. "Isabella, return home. I need to find Julian."

Concern for Cassandra's safety drove him.

She nodded obediently, watching him leave.

Though the plan had deviated, the outcome remained unchanged.

Once Cassandra got what she wanted, she'd be even more indebted to Isabella.

...

Evelyn had just entered the private room when Sebastian Orlando received an urgent call from work.

Scarlett Orlando had deliberately stood them up.

Evelyn urged Sebastian to attend to business first.

Alone in the underground parking garage, she reached for her phone to call a ride.

Strong arms suddenly encircled her from behind.

Hot breath scorched her neck.

She whirled around to meet bloodshot eyes.

"Julian?"

Her fingers flew to his wrist, checking his pulse. Her face paled.

He'd been drugged with a potent aphrodisiac.