Chapter 262

Adrian Valentine stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, cigarette ash crumbling from his fingertips.

It had been nearly two years since the divorce, yet each day dragged on like an eternity.

Evelyn Roland burst through the front door in a flurry.

In the bedroom, little Sophia curled up on the bed like a wilted kitten. Hearing her mother's footsteps, she struggled to sit up, her small face pale as she reached out with chubby hands.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Evelyn gathered her daughter into her arms, pressing their foreheads together. The burning heat made her heart clench.

Gabrielle Flores hurried over. "Tristan was picked up by Grandpa. Sophia might have indigestion. I just gave her fever medicine."

Evelyn looked down at the little one in her arms. Sophia clung to her neck, burying her face in the crook of her mother's shoulder.

"Get the baby carrier." Evelyn patted her daughter's back. "I'll let her sleep on me for a while."

When Gabrielle returned with the carrier, a faint smile finally appeared on Sophia's pale face.

"You ungrateful little thing," Gabrielle said with mock bitterness. "I take care of you every day, but you never cling to me like this."

Evelyn expertly secured her daughter and headed downstairs. "Any changes with Christian Lefèvre today?"

"Same as always." Gabrielle shook her head.

Evelyn thought of Adrian's words, unease stirring within her. This past year, she'd been consumed by the NovaCore project and caring for her two children, neglecting too many things.

Where did Adrian's hatred come from? Misunderstanding her relationship with Alexander Durand was one thing, but that bone-deep loathing made no sense.

"Keep up the acupuncture treatments," Evelyn said firmly. "Some truths must be uncovered by him."

Gabrielle blinked. "Understood. I'll try the thickest needles tonight."

Evelyn's lips twitched, suddenly feeling a pang of sympathy for Christian.

Just then, Zachary Deross rushed in excitedly, holding up a sealed bag. "Evelyn, I got it!"