Chapter 44

Vincent Langley's sharp gaze lingered on Evelyn. His decision to summon her back had borne fruit.

"Take it if you like."

Evelyn tightened her grip on the photograph and stood. "Thank you, Mr. Langley. I'll take my leave now, but I'll visit again soon."

Vincent didn't stop her. There would be plenty of time—as long as she kept returning, he would eventually get what he wanted.

Evelyn strode briskly toward the exit.

Adrian Valentine seized the first opportunity to excuse himself.

Isabella Langley scowled, but Vincent understood Adrian's intentions all too well. He held his daughter back.

Adrian was furious. If Isabella followed him now, she would only suffer his wrath.

Evelyn had admitted the truth herself. Adrian wouldn't let her off easily.

A man's vengeance was far more terrifying than a woman's—especially a man as proud as Adrian Valentine.

The moment Evelyn stepped out of the Langley estate, Adrian blocked her path.

She frowned at the enraged man before her. His expression was chilling.

"Adrian, shouldn't you be with the mother of your child? Why are you stopping me?"

Before she could finish, his hand closed around her throat.

Her breath cut off instantly. His eyes were icy, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Evelyn cursed his entire bloodline in her mind. This man always went for her throat, reveling in her pain.

"Evelyn, was playing with my feelings fun?"

She choked, her chest burning with fury. This was the man she had once loved—now desperate to destroy her.

"Let... go."

Adrian released her abruptly when he saw her face flush crimson.

He shook his hand as if disgusted.

Evelyn gasped for air, coughing violently.

A single tear slipped free. Even now, he could still hurt her so easily.

Adrian's breath hitched at the sight of her tears. The red marks on her pale neck, the bruises forming near her collarbone—he saw them all.

He averted his gaze, his hands clenched at his sides, knuckles white.

Then her cold voice sliced through the silence.

"Adrian, weren't you just pretending too? Don't be a sore loser. Our marriage is over. I can love whoever I want—it's none of your business."

"And stop bullying me. I'm just the woman you betrayed and abandoned. I feel pain too, Adrian. I'm human. Stay away from me from now on."

Her last words ignited his fury. He wanted to strangle her right then.

He was used to her docile, efficient demeanor. Now, faced with this thorny version of her, all he wanted was to break her wings.

"Evelyn, you're the one who should stay away," Adrian snarled. "I underestimated you. First Sebastian Cortez—how many others have you seduced behind my back?"

Evelyn let out a bitter laugh.

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "What's so funny?"

She lifted her chin, burying the pain inside. Her hollow expression sent a jolt through him.

Her piercing gaze seemed to see straight through him.

"Adrian, haven't you heard of a clean break? Since we're divorced, why keep harassing me? Or did my walking away so easily wound your pride?"