Chapter 42

Evelyn's fingertips trembled slightly as she watched the smirk playing on Adrian's lips. The image of that torn photograph remained vivid in her mind—how could he smile so carelessly after what he'd done?

She knew Adrian Valentine too well. This man had no heart. Tormenting her was merely his way of passing idle time.

Adrian's sharp eyes narrowed when she remained silent. Today, she wore a pink dress with a matching shawl draped over her shoulders, the delicate fabric hinting at her curves. Her high ponytail exposed the slender column of her neck, where a diamond necklace sparkled under the light. Her face was still breathtakingly beautiful.

He had always believed her radiance complemented his dark allure perfectly.

Their gazes locked, but Evelyn was the first to look away. If love was gone, she would reclaim the version of herself that once drove him mad with frustration.

"You can come, but I can't?" Her voice was icy, devoid of any lingering affection.

The moment he chose another woman, she understood—he could live perfectly well without her.

If he wasn't worth it, she would let go.

Evelyn, wake up already!

"This is my fiancée's home," Adrian replied, his smirk deepening. "As my ex-wife, your presence here is inappropriate."

What was she doing here?

Begging for humiliation?

Evelyn stepped forward gracefully, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Adrian, once we divorced, your so-called fiancée became irrelevant. Your world has nothing to do with me, and mine is no place for you. From now on, steer clear of me—unless you enjoy public embarrassment."

"Evelyn!" Adrian's expression darkened instantly. She always knew how to ignite his fury with just a few words.

"You're unworthy!" Disgust flickered in his eyes.

"Oh, but you are, right?" She let out a cold laugh. "Just don't drag me into your filthy affairs. I find them repulsive."

Adrian's brow furrowed as he studied her with an unreadable gaze. Was she determined to stir up trouble in the Langley family?

Evelyn strode past him without hesitation.

On the staircase, Isabella descended gracefully, her white gown accentuating her elegance. Jewelry adorned her, glinting with every movement.

"Evelyn, you're here," she greeted sweetly.

Evelyn responded with a faint nod.

Just then, Vincent and Eleanor Langley entered from outside. Evelyn approached to greet them.

She had to admit—Eleanor had aged remarkably well. Having given birth to Isabella at eighteen and later a son, she still carried herself with effortless grace.

"Evelyn, Adrian, let's have dinner first," Vincent said warmly. "We can talk over the meal."

The dining table was laden with dishes, though few appealed to Evelyn. Now past her morning sickness phase, the smell of fish no longer turned her stomach.

"Evelyn," Eleanor said as she served her a portion, "though you're not my biological daughter, you're still family. Visit more often—this will always be your home."

A flicker of mockery passed through Evelyn's eyes. Eleanor's acting was truly flawless.

"Thank you for your kindness. I'll visit frequently."

Adrian watched her smiling face, his gaze growing more intense. This woman was becoming harder to decipher.

What was she really after?

"I'm glad you feel that way," Eleanor said, turning to her daughter with satisfaction. "Isabella will have company now."

Isabella quickly chimed in, "Evelyn, consider this your home. Dad didn't mean what he said about kicking you out—don't take it to heart."

"Oh, and," she added, linking arms with Adrian affectionately, "Adrian and I are getting engaged soon. You must come and bless us."

Try not to choke on your jealousy.

A sharp pang struck Evelyn's chest, but her smile remained radiant. "Congratulations. May you have children soon."

Adrian spat out his tea.