Chapter 272

Eleanor Langley twisted her napkin absently, her mind in turmoil.

"Mom, I want to marry him, but not now." Isabella set down her fork. "Let's cancel the engagement in three days. I'm aiming for Best Actress—I can't afford to lose focus."

Eleanor's hand paused midair as she reached for her coffee cup.

"As long as you're sure." She took a sip, studying her daughter's flawless makeup.

"I'll visit Adrian later with Dad and Margaret." Isabella dabbed her lips. "We should explain this face-to-face."

Eleanor nodded silently and resumed her meal.

She missed the cold glint in her daughter's eyes. That damned blackmailer would pay dearly if she ever got her hands on them. The sleepless night had left her nerves frayed.

"A press conference in three days will clear things up. It's manageable." Eleanor kept her tone even.

If the paternity test results were unfavorable, she'd never let this girl enter the Valentine family.

After breakfast, Isabella went upstairs to change. Eleanor discreetly pocketed her used toothbrush and drove alone to the hospital. She didn't notice the black sedan trailing her.

At Sterling Group's boardroom, Adrian Valentine had just finished his morning meeting. News of the engagement had quashed Cassandra's scandal, stabilizing the stock.

He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, facing Horizon Tech's building. Evelyn hadn't come to work today.

Had she seen the news? Was she hurting?

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in."

Isabella entered with Vincent Langley and Margaret Valentine. Adrian turned with practiced warmth.

"Have a seat." He gestured to the sofa.

Isabella sat beside him, fingers trembling. She drank in the face that haunted her dreams, her heart twisting. So close to happiness, yet she had to push it away.

"Aunt Margaret, Dad, Adrian." She inhaled deeply. "There's something I need to say."

Vincent frowned. "Unhappy with the dowry?"

"No." She shook her head urgently. "I've taken a new role—filming starts soon. With stocks stabilized, let's postpone the engagement."

Margaret's teacup clattered onto the table.

"Isabella, these aren't mutually exclusive!" Margaret protested. "You could move into Sterling Manor after the engagement. I truly—"

"This film could win me Best Actress." Isabella lowered her gaze apologetically.

Vincent's expression darkened. No one knew his daughter's obsession with Adrian better than him. Why this sudden change? Given the Langley family's current situation...

"Nonsense! Do you think this is a game? The whole world is celebrating this union!"

"Dad—"

Adrian stood abruptly, the air turning icy.

"Isabella." His voice was glacial. "You agreed last night. Is this how you repay my betrayal of Evelyn?"