Chapter 465

Adrian Valentine frowned slightly, his gaze locked onto her face. "Are you alright, darling?"

Evelyn Roland swept a cold glance over his bleeding arm before sharply looking away.

She spun around, her piercing stare fixed on Jack Lombardi.

With a swift kick, her hands clamped around his wrists like steel traps. A sharp crack of bone displacement echoed as the man cried out in pain.

The dagger clattered to the ground.

A glint of ice flashed in Evelyn's eyes as she delivered a precise chop to the back of his neck. The man collapsed, the entire confrontation over in three seconds.

Adrian's pupils constricted, stunned by her ruthless efficiency.

"Thank you for the rescue today, Mr. Valentine." Evelyn removed her coat and draped it over Cassandra Valentine. "I owe you one. Within reason, you may call in this favor."

Supporting Cassandra, she turned and walked away, her back unyielding.

Adrian stared at the blood trailing down his arm, yet a faint smile curved his lips. Even the coldest ice could be melted with patience.

His expression darkened as he glanced at the unconscious assailant. Isabella Langley's methods were filthier than he'd imagined.

Earlier, he'd spotted Sophia Blanchet downstairs, her face pale with panic. After pressing her for answers, he'd learned Evelyn had gone after the attacker alone. Thank God he'd arrived in time.

He dialed Julian Roscente's number, gave brief instructions, then pressed a hand to his wound and left.

Outside the mall fitting room, Cassandra emerged in a pink casual outfit. Evelyn had already paid, her posture straight as a pine.

Cassandra clenched the fabric of her shirt. In the past, when she'd hurled insults, Evelyn hadn't even spared her a glance. Not out of tolerance—but because she wasn't worth the anger.

"Evelyn." Her voice trembled.

Evelyn turned, her gaze steady. "Let's talk at the café."

By the floor-to-ceiling windows, two steaming drinks sat between them. Cassandra stirred her coffee. "Thank you for saving me. About before—"

"Why is Isabella targeting you?" Evelyn cut in. "Haven't you noticed you look almost identical to Eleanor Langley?"

The spoon clattered into the cup.

"You're Eleanor's biological daughter, but Vincent Langley isn't your father." Evelyn pushed the milk toward her. "They've been threatening your brother to control her all these years—"

Cassandra's face drained of color.

"That's all I'll say." Evelyn stood. "Isabella won't stop. Be careful."

As the glass door swung shut, Cassandra suddenly bolted after her.