Chapter 216

"Image?" The matriarch curled her lips in disdain. "I'm not like your pretentious mother, putting on airs while scheming behind the scenes."

"Throwing away a good daughter-in-law for some seductress you treat like treasure."

"Today your mother humiliated my daughter. Adrian Valentine, Isabella Langley, mark my words—if anything happens to her, you'll pay."

Before leaving, she kicked Isabella hard, sending her stumbling into Adrian's arms.

In her haste, she didn't notice Evelyn Roland standing in the corner.

Evelyn watched the elevator arrive and stepped inside silently.

As the doors closed, Isabella's tearful whimpers echoed clearly.

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. The Valentines were a nest of vipers, but the matriarch's outburst raised questions.

That selfish former mother-in-law, who'd abandoned her own daughter—why such concern for Isabella?

Besides, Vincent Langley and Margaret Valentine often met secretly at hotels.

Nathan Aldridge had uncovered that.

Evelyn's nose wrinkled in disgust as she dialed Zachary Deross.

"Boss."

"Investigate Vincent Langley and Margaret Valentine's relationship. Start from when they first met. Keep it discreet—focus on their communication records."

Zachary chuckled. "Got it. Those kidnappers are locked up, but they won't admit Vincent Ashcroft hired them."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. That fool Vincent Ashcroft was just a pawn. Served him right.

"Leave him. He's on borrowed time. Monitor the Ashcrofts—see who ultimately acquires them."

Excitement colored Zachary's voice. "My money's on Vincent Langley. He's been quietly buying Ashcroft shares."

Evelyn's smile deepened.

"The real value lies in the elder Ashcroft's technology. Their event company can restart with full credentials. Vincent's buying an empty shell—let him."

The Ashcroft patriarch, clinging to his core tech, would suffer most.

"Roger that. Continuing surveillance."

Evelyn hung up as the elevator reached Scarlett Orlando's floor.

Meanwhile, Adrian guided Isabella into another elevator, finally learning the full story: Cassandra Valentine had struck Isabella, who then complained to Margaret. Margaret retaliated against Cassandra.

The matriarch had come for vengeance.

Adrian's expression darkened with each detail.

Isabella, mistaking his anger, clung to his arm. "Don't be upset, Adrian. Margaret already defended me. Dinner tonight? My father asked when we're marrying."

He shook her off impatiently. "Later."

Her face froze. He never intended to marry her?

Exiting the elevator, Adrian halted abruptly.

Vincent Ashcroft waited in the lounge, rushing forward. "Adrian, my sister's still studying abroad. The Ashcrofts can't fall—help me!"