Chapter 19

Adrian Valentine's slender fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk, his eyes glinting with danger. "Your father spent a fortune on that fake antique overseas. Shouldn't you be questioning the old man instead of harassing Evelyn?"

"Do you think I want to be here?" Julian Roscente ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "She took one look at that blue-and-white porcelain and knew it was counterfeit. Since when did your ex-wife know about antiques? Were you aware of this?"

The family patriarch had sent him to consult Evelyn, but with no way to reach her, Julian had no choice but to confront Adrian for her contact details. He hadn't expected to run into her here.

Adrian's gaze darkened. The post-divorce Evelyn kept revealing unfamiliar facets of herself. An antique connoisseur? This was news to him.

"Julian." His voice turned glacial. "Stay away from Evelyn."

Julian's pulse stuttered as he recalled their brief encounter earlier. He'd always despised Evelyn—so why had his heart raced at the sight of her?

"You're divorced now," he drawled with forced nonchalance. "A woman that stunning? Any man would be tempted. If you're not interested in Isabella, maybe I'll pursue her instead."

Adrian's glare could flay skin. "Any updates on the Sterling Manor heiress?"

Julian sobered instantly. "The young mistress just returned after four years abroad. She controls all operations in Eastalia. Rumor says she earned multiple doctorates by eighteen, but she's reclusive—rarely makes public appearances."

A frown creased Adrian's brow. Some elusive clue danced just beyond his grasp.

"What?" Julian smirked. "Hearing about this formidable woman piqued your interest already?"

A lethal glint flashed in Adrian's eyes. "Shut it. Remember what I said—keep your distance from Evelyn."

Julian suppressed a shudder. For a moment, he'd genuinely sensed murderous intent radiating from Adrian.

"By the way," he ventured, "the news claims your ex-wife stole company secrets—"

The temperature in the room plummeted. So Adrian had mistaken the culprit.

Julian scrolled through his phone and blinked in surprise. "Melanie Evans took the files? Netizens are calling this the fastest public humiliation ever. Adrian, a ruthless CEO isn't scary—what's terrifying is becoming the laughingstock yourself."

"Get out."

Julian wisely made his exit.

Inside the car, Evelyn regained her composure.

Melanie's timid nature didn't align with someone bold enough to steal documents and frame another. Something about this didn't add up.

"Sophia," she instructed, "after dropping me home, investigate Melanie Evans."