Chapter 154

Margaret Valentine rubbed her aching back, unable to sit still any longer.

She stood abruptly and walked out without a backward glance.

Her daughter would have to clean up this mess.

Evelyn Roland would never set foot in the Valentine mansion again.

Adrian Valentine settled back into his chair, fingertips tapping the desk. "Julian Roscente, are you serious?"

"Yes." Julian's expression was resolute. "I'm done playing games."

"Christian Lefèvre is dead. Vincent Ashcroft is gone. Only then did I realize how foolish I've been."

The upheaval a year ago had forced him to face reality.

He'd never forget how his father's hair turned white overnight.

Adrian scoffed. "She'd actually want you? You and Vincent tormented her relentlessly."

"People change." Julian gave a bitter smile. "Looking back, we were complete bastards."

"Every time I remember the sorrow in her eyes, I feel sick with shame."

"We thought she was mediocre, but she outsmarted us all."

"We mocked her lack of education, yet she closed deals even Nathan Aldridge couldn't secure."

Adrian's knuckles turned white.

No one understood Evelyn's enigma better than he did.

Julian suddenly chuckled. "How many projects did she land for your company that year?"

"Funny thing—I think about her every night now."

"Without the veil of prejudice, I finally see how extraordinary she is."

Adrian's gaze darkened, his silence heavy.

Julian rose. "Which hospital is she at? I'll visit."

"I don't know." Adrian's voice was glacial.

"I'll find out myself." Julian arched a brow. "Your family's stocks are plummeting, by the way."

"The internet is tearing you and Isabella Langley to shreds."

"Her innocent act is Oscar-worthy. You two deserve each other."

"Julian!" Adrian snarled through clenched teeth.

Julian laughed as he headed for the door. "Some wounds never heal."

"I don't know why you had a change of heart, but Evelyn deserves better."

After the office door clicked shut, Adrian slowly pulled out his phone.

He dialed Nathan Aldridge's number.