Chapter 196

Evelyn Roland swept a cold gaze over Vincent Ashcroft's contorted face. "So you privileged young masters can't stand seeing me with a man better than you? You'd only be satisfied if I knelt begging for your scraps?"

Vincent's face turned ashen, his lips trembling wordlessly.

Evelyn strode past him into the police station lobby without a backward glance.

Just then, a recording exploded across the internet.

Vincent's voice came through crystal clear: "Use any means necessary to bring Evelyn back. Then drive her out of this city."

Those few sentences ignited a firestorm online.

Ashcroft Group's stock plummeted instantly—while Vincent still swaggered around the police station.

"Officer, this is just a joke. Release my friend now," Vincent demanded, slamming his palm on the desk.

The detective gave him an icy look. "We'll determine if it's a joke. Get out."

Vincent stormed out of the interrogation room, furiously dialing his phone.

As Evelyn finished giving her statement, she spotted Vincent pacing the lobby like a caged animal.

"Father! Evelyn's perfectly fine! Call the commissioner and get my friend released!" he shrieked into the phone.

His father's enraged voice crackled through: "Idiot! Don't you know the Youngs leaked the video? The company's being audited, and our stock hit the limit down!"

Vincent froze.

"Sebastian Cortez already withdrew his investment. We'll have to declare bankruptcy by dawn," his father's voice shook. "Congratulations—you're no longer the Ashcroft heir."

The phone clattered to the floor.

Vincent's legs buckled. He never imagined one impulsive act would destroy his entire family.

Adrian Valentine watched the spectacle silently from around the corner.

His gaze lifted to Evelyn nearby. "Evelyn..."

She didn't even glance his way, walking straight past.

Vincent suddenly lunged, grabbing her wrist. "Evelyn, I was wrong! Please tell Sebastian not to pull his funding!"

Evelyn wrenched free, her eyes glacial. "You tried to ruin me, and now you want my help? Tell me, Mr. Ashcroft—how could someone you trampled into the dirt possibly save you?"