Chapter 79

Adrian Valentine's gaze lingered on Evelyn Roland's slightly trembling legs, his brow furrowing.

"Running around with your injury still unhealed?"

Evelyn tightened her grip on the paper bag of oranges, the plastic crinkling softly.

"Just here for noodles."

Adrian glanced at the bowl before her, its steam long dissipated.

This old noodle shop was where they'd had their first date.

The memory of the boy who'd run three blocks to buy her bubble tea now stood before her in a tailored suit, his eyes glacial.

"Excuse me." Evelyn pushed herself up from the table.

Adrian didn't budge. Instead, he pulled out the chair opposite her and sat.

"I'm staying."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

That was the same stubborn tone he'd used years ago, insisting they share one drink.

"Not worried about paparazzi, Mr. Valentine?" Her laugh was brittle. "Ms. Langley might misunderstand."

Adrian suddenly seized her wrist.

"Why expose Isabella?"

Evelyn's pupils constricted.

So this was a retaliation mission for his precious Isabella.

She yanked her hand back, her wrist burning.

"She stole credit. She deserved it."

Adrian's expression darkened.

"Leave Vienna." His voice was dangerously soft. "Stay away from Isabella."

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms.

"Or what?"

"I'll make sure you never work in this industry again." Adrian rose, looming over her. "I want your resignation within three days."

The glass door slammed shut with enough force to rattle the windows.

Evelyn stared at the congealed noodles, laughter bubbling up her throat.

How pathetic.

In this very shop, he'd once blushed while promising to cherish her forever.

Now he'd destroy her career for another woman.

A waiter approached cautiously. "Ma'am, are you alright?"

Evelyn shook her head, pulling out her phone.

"Attorney Lowell? I'm filing a commercial fraud lawsuit against Isabella Langley."

Hanging up, she wiped away tears she hadn't realized had fallen.

If he wanted to protect Isabella so badly, they'd settle this in court.