Chapter 264

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the living room of the Valentine family estate.

Evelyn Roland stood silently on the second-floor balcony, watching the commotion below.

Her fingers absently traced the jade pendant her grandfather had given her.

Though she had grown up without parents, her grandfather and brother had given her all the love she needed.

A sharp slap suddenly echoed through the room.

"Isabella Valentine! Are you happy now that the company stocks have crashed because of you?"

Margaret Valentine glared furiously at her daughter.

Cassandra Valentine clutched her stinging cheek, staring at her mother in disbelief.

"Mother, it was Adrian's mismanagement that caused this!"

She turned toward Adrian Valentine, who sat elegantly on the sofa in his white suit.

His long fingers tapped the armrest as he regarded her with indifference.

"Adrian, why should I take the blame for your failures?"

Isabella Langley lifted her teacup with practiced grace, a faint smirk on her lips.

"Cassandra, I already did everything I could to cover for you yesterday."

Cassandra's eyes widened.

"But those reporters were clearly—"

Slap!

Another harsh strike landed.

Eleanor Langley flinched, her nails digging into her palms.

Margaret snapped, "How dare you accuse Isabella? This must be Evelyn Roland's doing!"

Adrian's gaze flickered.

Her skill at shifting blame was truly impressive.

Vincent Langley frowned. "This isn't the time for accusations. We need to stabilize the stocks first."

Isabella set down her cup, her voice soft. "Adrian, let's get engaged."

Margaret brightened. "That's perfect!"

Adrian's eyes swept over Isabella's hopeful face before he gave a slight nod.

"Three days from now."

He stood, adjusting his cuffs, his imposing figure radiating authority.

"Mother, arrange the engagement details."

Isabella barely contained her triumph, her fingers tightening around her skirt.

Eleanor watched Adrian's retreating figure thoughtfully.

Margaret turned on Cassandra. "Get out of my sight! Go back to your apartment!"

Cassandra smiled bitterly.

It was always like this.

Isabella's schemes, yet she was the one who suffered.

Why did their mother favor Isabella over her own flesh and blood?

She stumbled out the door, oblivious to Eleanor's conflicted gaze.

Eleanor pressed a hand to her chest, that strange ache returning.

"I hope Adrian truly cares for Isabella."

Vincent wrapped an arm around his wife. "Rest. I'll handle the company matters."

Upstairs, Evelyn turned away.

The jade pendant glowed warmly in her palm.