Chapter 86

Evelyn's emotions hit rock bottom.

Then she collided with Adrian Valentine at the corner. Her gaze frosted over instantly.

She sidestepped to avoid him, but he seized her wrist. Dark currents swirled in his eyes.

"What exactly is your relationship with Alexander Durand?"

Evelyn wrenched free with force. "Adrian, don't touch me!" Flames of fury burned in her eyes. "I'm leaving tomorrow. My affairs are none of your concern."

His knuckles turned white. Emotions churned in his gaze. If Alexander wasn't her lover, then...

"Evelyn—"

"Stop hounding me like a rabid dog." Her glare could poison. "Don't test me right now."

She shook off his hand, enunciating each word. "If I find even the slightest connection between you and Alexander's death, I'll personally send you to hell."

Adrian's pupils constricted. "You'd kill me for Alexander Durand?"

His jaw clenched. His chest heaved violently.

The hatred in her eyes made his heart tremble.

The way she shook him off was as if discarding something filthy. No love could outweigh blood debt—especially when he might be complicit in Alexander's murder.

"Vincent Langley is searching for Alexander's paintings. As the Langley family's son-in-law, how could you not know?" Her laugh was icy. "Just wait. The day I return will be the end of your precious Valentine family."

Adrian watched her retreating figure and roared, "Evelyn!"

The light in his eyes shattered into fragments.

She'd choose another man's vengeance over his life. Fine. Just perfect.

Tears streamed down Evelyn's face as she stormed out.

She wiped them away harshly.

If Vincent knew about the painting's location, he'd mobilize all his forces. With Adrian as his lapdog, she could eliminate them all in one sweep.

By the time she reached the car, her composure had returned. "Book a flight to Eastalia. You'll board the plane disguised as me." She paused. "There's something else I need you to do."

Sophia handed her a tissue. "Your eyes are red."

Evelyn smirked self-deprecatingly. "Pregnancy hormones." She gazed out the window. "Don't let Scarlett know about Adrian and me."

"But Miss Orlando will eventually—"

"That firecracker would go straight to Adrian for revenge." Evelyn rested a hand on her stomach. "We'll tell her after the baby's born."

Sophia nodded in understanding and turned the car toward Scarlett's apartment.

The next noon.

Valentine Group CEO office.

Files piled high on the desk, but Adrian stood motionless before the floor-to-ceiling window. The entire city sprawled beneath him, yet he felt like a caged beast.

Knock knock—

He didn't turn. "Enter."