Chapter 405

In the icy seawater, Sebastian Orlando held Evelyn Roland tightly around the waist, swimming desperately toward shore.

Adrian Valentine stood on the deck, watching their entwined figures. His heart felt torn apart.

He whirled toward Vincent Langley, eyes blazing with fury.

Vincent adjusted his cuffs calmly. "Adrian, I could only save my daughter."

He signaled to Margaret Valentine. "Margaret, take Isabella. We're leaving."

Adrian turned away without another word.

As he reached the cabin door, Victor Ashcroft approached with a bound man in tow.

"Sir, this is the shooter. He used tranquilizer darts."

Adrian slowly turned, gaze sharp as a blade. "Vincent Langley, you killed my father. This blood feud won't end."

Vincent smiled serenely. "Careful with baseless accusations."

Adrian suddenly laughed. "No evidence? Even better. I'll make you wish for death."

A flicker of murderous intent crossed Vincent's eyes. "Don't let rumors destroy our bond."

"Bond?" Adrian sneered. "You slept with this woman and fathered Isabella. That's your gift to me?"

Isabella Langley paled.

Margaret shrieked hysterically. "Adrian! Must you destroy me?"

He looked at her with disgust. "You ruined my father, then tried to ruin me. Gregory isn't a Valentine. Isabella and I share blood, yet you pushed us together."

"Tonight, I'm cleaning house."

Margaret staggered back, face ashen.

She realized with horror—Adrian knew far more than she'd imagined.

"You...how can you not be my son?" she stammered.

Adrian yanked a hair from her head, then one from his own. "Run the paternity test."

Margaret collapsed, her decades-long scheme crumbling.

"How could you be so cruel?" she whispered hopelessly.

Adrian's gaze remained icy. "You kept grasping for power. Last time, you framed Evelyn. Grandmother knew everything—she just played along."

Margaret froze.

The old woman had been laughing at her all along.