Chapter 26

Adrian Valentine took a seat beside her with measured steps, his penetrating gaze locking onto her.

"Evelyn, when did you learn antique appraisal?" His voice was low, betraying no emotion. "And how do you know Sebastian Cortez?"

He lounged lazily against the sofa, but suppressed fury simmered in his eyes.

"Mr. Valentine, we're divorced." Evelyn Roland kept her tone even. "My affairs are no longer your concern."

This was the man she had once loved deeply—yet also the one who had hurt her most.

Years ago, she arrived here with wounds both physical and emotional. It was Adrian's tenderness that had healed her, helping her emerge from the shadow of Alexander Durand's death.

But now...

Evelyn lowered her lashes. The familiar cold scent of him lingered in the air, sending a sharp pang through her heart.

This man had betrayed her.

"You've changed, Evelyn." A dangerous smirk curled Adrian's lips.

She met his icy stare with a bitter laugh. "You've become a stranger to me too, Mr. Valentine."

The formal address ignited Adrian's rage.

In one swift motion, he yanked her into his arms, his grip ironclad around her waist.

His fingers stilled. She felt... fuller than before.

"You've gained weight."

Evelyn's breath hitched. She struggled, careful not to exert herself—terrified of harming the life inside her or revealing her secret.

"Let me go!"

Adrian suddenly crushed his lips against hers.

Evelyn's eyes flew wide. Nausea churned in her stomach.

The memory of these same lips kissing Isabella Langley sent bile rising in her throat.

She shoved him away violently. "Ugh—"

Collapsing to the floor, she dry-heaved uncontrollably.

Adrian's face darkened. "Evelyn, you—"

She actually found him repulsive?

Evelyn lifted her gaze, her eyes glacial. "Adrian Valentine, we're divorced. Your mouth—after touching another woman—makes me sick. Stay away from me..."

Another wave of nausea cut her off.

Staggering upright, she bolted for the restroom.

Adrian remained frozen, his thumb brushing his lips where her scent lingered. His pupils dilated with stormy intensity.

Inside the restroom, Evelyn retched until tears streamed down her face. After rinsing her mouth, she caught sight of her reflection—and froze.

The woman in the mirror had hollow eyes and a gaunt complexion.

"This isn't me..." she whispered.

She'd looked like this ever since Alexander died. Only when Julian Roscente pointed it out had she realized her own transformation.

Dazed, she stepped out—and collided with Isabella Langley searching for Adrian.

"Evelyn? What are you doing here?" Isabella's tone dripped venom.

Evelyn almost laughed. "This is a public space."

Isabella's face twisted. If Adrian hadn't come for Evelyn... where had he gone?