Chapter 72

Adrian Valentine narrowed his eyes as Theodore Lowell stormed toward them.

Isabella Langley froze under Theodore's piercing gaze, cold sweat trickling down her back.

Had the truth been exposed?

Her body turned rigid, her breath catching in her throat.

Slap!

A sharp crack echoed through the banquet hall.

Isabella staggered back, her cheek burning with pain.

"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Lowell?" Adrian stepped in front of her, his voice icy.

Theodore scoffed. "You have excellent taste, Mr. Valentine. A viper in disguise."

Adrian's expression darkened.

"Effective immediately, our contract is terminated." Theodore pulled a check from his suit pocket. "I'll compensate double the penalty."

Isabella's vision blurred as her nails dug into her palms.

"Mr. Lowell, there must be some misunderstanding," she forced a smile.

Theodore's gaze sharpened like a blade. "You impersonated my daughter's savior and dare call it a misunderstanding?"

Her legs trembled, nearly buckling beneath her.

"Business and personal matters should remain separate," Adrian warned. "The contract is legally binding. Breaching it benefits no one."

The murmurs of surrounding guests pricked at Isabella like needles.

She bit her lip hard, cursing Evelyn Roland a thousand times in her mind.

"Who struck my daughter?!" Vincent Langley shoved through the crowd, face flushed with rage.

Theodore gave him a cold once-over. "Consider it a lesson in parenting, Mr. Langley."

Adrian weighed his options before speaking. "Name your terms, Mr. Lowell."

"Simple." Theodore's eyes burned with intensity. "I never want to see this woman again."

He turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and Mr. Valentine... would you like to know who truly saved my daughter?"

Adrian's brow furrowed. "Who?"

Theodore smiled meaningfully. "The songbird your family caged."