Chapter 45

Adrian Valentine's face was as cold as frost, his piercing gaze sharp enough to cut through steel.

Evelyn Roland lifted her chin defiantly, her long lashes trembling as a mist gathered in her eyes. "Adrian, don't forget—you were the one who walked away first. A few photos were all it took for you to condemn me. In this marriage, I was nothing but a plaything to you."

She drew a shaky breath, her voice feather-light. "I surrender. This love isn't worth it. Letting go is better for both of us. Why cling to something broken?"

She could never understand his obsession. In love, Adrian was like a petulant child—domineering, unyielding, leaving her no choice but to retreat.

Perhaps divorce was inevitable.

Too many secrets lay between them.

Staying together would only bring mutual torment.

Though there were regrets, at least they had once loved sincerely.

Adrian simply couldn't let go.

Dark currents churned in Adrian's eyes when he suddenly caught movement in the bushes.

His expression hardened, voice dropping to an icy whisper. "Evelyn, don't flatter yourself. You disgust me. Get lost."

The words stabbed like a knife. Evelyn's pupils contracted, the light in her eyes snuffing out instantly.

Without a word, she turned and walked toward the street.

Her high heel caught on something, sending her crashing to the pavement.

"Ah—!" Sharp pain lanced through her knees, the metallic tang of blood filling the air. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself up, crimson already streaking down her leg.

The pain cleared her mind instantly.

Her hand flew to her abdomen.

The baby couldn't be harmed.

Clenching her jaw, she forced herself forward step by agonizing step.

Adrian remained rooted in place, his knuckles whitening as he stared at the vivid red staining the ground.

The shadowy figure in the distance kept him from rushing to her.

His chest ached, but his face betrayed nothing.

"Boss!" Sophia Blanchet hurried from the car to support her.

Evelyn examined the wound—a thumbtack embedded deep in her knee.

Only then did she notice the dozens of sharp tacks scattered across the pavement.

Her gaze flickered toward Adrian's rigid silhouette before she wordlessly climbed into the car.

Adrian's eyes darkened as they traced the glinting tacks.

"Mr. Valentine." Victor Ashcroft emerged from the shadows.

Adrian yanked the car door open, his voice glacial. "Who did this?"

Victor lowered his voice. "Director Lin's assistant. I saw him lurking earlier, scattering something. Didn't realize it was tacks."

Adrian crossed his long legs, fingers tapping against his knee. "What else have you uncovered?"