Chapter 255

"Stop! Julian, you can't look!" Cassandra shrieked, lunging at Julian Roscente to snatch his phone.

Julian dodged with cat-like reflexes, holding the device high above his head. Cassandra stumbled forward, barely catching her balance. Her face turned deathly pale.

As Julian turned to show the reporters, he found them scattering like frightened rabbits. These paid journalists wouldn't dare expose their employer's dirty laundry.

"Adrian!" Julian whirled on his former friend, fury blazing in his eyes. "Must you drive Evelyn to ruin? You summon reporters to livestream her humiliation, yet shield your own disgrace?"

Adrian Valentine pressed his lips into a thin line, his handsome features darkening. He remained silent.

"Cassandra, thank you." Evelyn Roland spoke with quiet sincerity.

Cassandra Valentine scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. This wasn't for you. Last time Isabella got me a month in the hospital with a fractured wrist." Her gaze swept the fleeing reporters. "Pity they're all bought off. Wasted effort."

She turned to Evelyn. "I just pitied you. Even after leaving the Valentines, they won't stop scheming against you." A cold smile. "Next time you marry, choose better. Avoid scum like Adrian."

Evelyn's lips curved gracefully. "I'll take that advice. I deserve someone who truly cherishes me."

Adrian's fists clenched until his knuckles turned white.

Cassandra studied Isabella with narrowed eyes. "What spell did you cast on Margaret? She neglects her own daughter yet dotes on you like treasure."

"Your mother's stunning. How did you turn out so... ordinary? Genetic mutation?"

Evelyn's breath caught. She'd always wondered about Isabella's plain features compared to Eleanor's beauty.

Isabella's face twisted. That same question haunted her.

Suddenly, Evelyn stepped forward.

"What are you doing?" Isabella retreated warily.

Evelyn yanked a handful of her hair. "From the Melanie incident onward, you've schemed against me repeatedly." Her voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Next time, I won't hold back."

She discreetly pocketed two strands of hair before handing Cassandra an encrypted drive. "The files you wanted."

Cassandra arched a brow. "I've tormented you plenty. Why help me?"

"Some wear kindness like a mask yet harbor venom. Others seem harsh but uphold justice." Evelyn smiled faintly.

Cassandra gave her a long look before striding away, drive in hand.

Evelyn's icy gaze swept over Adrian. A mocking smile touched her lips as she pushed open Scarlett Orlando's door.