Chapter 203

"Ha! Need you ask? From the very beginning, you drove her away in the cruelest way possible. Even the deepest love would wither under such treatment."

"You forced her to sign that dangerous contract. She took a bullet and dug it out with her own hands."

"The second time, you pushed her to leave, and she walked away to spare you. Now she's back, and you're tormenting her worse than ever. Tonight wasn't just a misunderstanding—you tried to destroy her!"

Victor Ashcroft stepped back abruptly, regret flashing across his face.

Damn his loose tongue.

He swallowed hard, meeting Adrian Valentine's icy gaze. "Sir...you told me to speak freely..."

"Get out."

Victor nearly sagged with relief.

The devil seemed remorseful.

At least he'd sleep well tonight.

His boss, however, wouldn't.

Victor turned to leave.

"Wait." Adrian's voice froze him mid-step. "Investigate tonight's incident. Check on Julian Roscente at the hospital."

Victor's legs nearly gave out.

Too soon to celebrate.

Sleep? He wouldn't even see his bed tonight.

He trudged away, shoulders slumped.

Adrian stormed upstairs.

The master bedroom remained untouched since Evelyn Roland's departure—the lavender embroidered duvet, her skincare products on the vanity.

For over a year, he'd avoided this room.

Now he pulled out his phone and dialed.

Evelyn jolted upright at the ringing.

Had something happened to Adrian?

Seeing his name, she exhaled.

If he could call, he was fine.

Her finger slipped, accidentally answering.

"Hello," she forced out.

"Wife..."

Evelyn blinked.

Wife?

Drunk or delirious?

"Adrian Valentine, who's your wife? Careful, that tongue might fall off."

Bastard.

Hearing her sharp tone, Adrian's lips twitched upward.

"I didn't orchestrate tonight. Believe it or not, I'm not that vile."

"Now you deny it? I endured your false vows, your pretend love, but I won't tolerate you ruining me!"

Her voice shook with fury.

"Waaah—" Little Sophia woke crying.

An infant's wail pierced the line.

Adrian froze.

"Wife—"

Evelyn hung up and powered off her phone.

He stared at the screen, that cry echoing in his ears.

Had he heard it during their last call too?

A staggering suspicion took shape.

He redialed.

The number you have reached—

"Evelyn!" He gritted his teeth.

Then remembered the unusually calm child in his arms outside the hospital.