Chapter 25
A sly smile played on Isabella Langley's lips, her eyes glinting with calculation. She knew exactly how to pluck a man's heartstrings, and Julian Roscente had always regarded her differently.
"Julian, I don't know what I'd do without you." Her voice dripped like honey, her gaze liquid with practiced allure.
What woman didn't enjoy being flattered? She was no exception.
Amusement flickered in Julian's eyes. Though Evelyn Roland outshone Isabella in beauty, the latter's demure charm held its own appeal. Compared to Evelyn's icy demeanor, he preferred Isabella's gentle, flowing tenderness.
"Adrian, Julian... I'm just worried about Evelyn." Isabella feigned concern. "She never continued her education after returning from the countryside at eighteen. With all these business elites here tonight, what if she offends someone..."
Julian scoffed. "Why should we care about her?"
Turning to Isabella, his tone turned teasing. "Bella, even if you came between them, it was Adrian's choice. The fault isn't yours—no need for guilt."
The one who truly hurt Evelyn had always been Adrian Valentine.
Isabella lowered her head, but not before a flash of scheming crossed her eyes. Tonight, she would force Evelyn's hand.
Adrian's expression darkened like storm clouds, the air around him turning frigid.
Sensing his anger, Julian quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, Adrian, I heard Nathan Aldridge from Sterling Manor is attending tonight. Didn't you want to meet their heiress? This is your chance. We must secure the NovaCore project."
Adrian's gaze turned inscrutable. "Nathan isn't an easy man to deal with. We'll play it by ear."
Only two companies stood a chance at winning the major contract tonight—Sterling Manor and his own.
The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and designer gowns. Industry titans mingled, champagne flutes in hand, exchanging polished pleasantries.
Evelyn had claimed a quiet corner for herself.
Her striking presence drew sidelong glances, but the don't-approach-me aura she projected kept everyone at bay as she focused on her phone.
"Boss, I'm here." Sophia Blanchet took the seat beside her.
"Has Nathan arrived?" Evelyn glanced up.
"Not yet. He'll contact us when he does." Sophia scanned the room. "Let me get you some food."
Evelyn shook her head. "No need." She checked an incoming call. "I'll take this in the lounge. Notify me when the main event starts."
"Got it." Sophia nodded.
Weaving through the crowd, Evelyn reached the lounge. Her pregnancy symptoms had worsened lately. She threw open every window, letting the night air soothe her nausea.
The call connected. "Sebastian," she said softly.
Sebastian Cortez's voice held concern. "Tessa, how are you feeling? Grandfather mentioned you've started taking over company matters."
Pain flickered in Evelyn's eyes. "Yes. But I'm not ready to reveal my identity yet. I will uncover the truth about Alexander's death."
Sebastian considered this. "Let Nathan handle it. Ease into the business—I'll be back in three months. Take care of yourself."
The call ended. Evelyn gazed out the window. Her family's warmth was slowly thawing her frozen heart.
The door swung open.
A tall figure in a tailored black suit filled the doorway. The intruder's devastatingly handsome face wore a mocking smile.
Evelyn's gaze turned arctic. "Lost your way, Mr. Valentine?"