Chapter 265

Eleanor Langley adjusted her mink coat with practiced elegance, fingertips brushing the pearl buttons at the collar. Her sharp gaze locked onto Margaret Valentine. "I heard your mother-in-law has never approved of my Isabella. Will she attend the engagement party in three days?"

Margaret's smile deepened, crow's feet crinkling at her eyes. "Don't worry, Eleanor. I have my ways to ensure Beatrice's presence."

A frown creased Eleanor's brow. Things felt off. Ever since Beatrice moved out of the Valentine estate two years ago, she'd shown nothing but disdain for Isabella. Even Adrian's attitude had grown distant.

"Her attendance carries weight," Eleanor emphasized, her tone hardening. "This engagement must proceed flawlessly."

With that, she linked arms with Isabella and strode away, stilettos clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Once the guests dispersed, Margaret dragged Vincent Langley upstairs. The moment the door shut, he yanked at her collar with rough impatience.

"Not yet!" Margaret slapped his hand away irritably. "We still have unfinished business."

Vincent gripped her plump cheeks, desire burning in his eyes. "What's left to discuss? You got what you wanted."

He shoved her against the wall, movements brutish. Margaret gasped at the pain, oblivious to the shadow flickering past the door's crack.

"Gentler!" she hissed through clenched teeth. "I'm not as young as I used to be."

Vincent panted heavily. "You're far more exciting than Eleanor. That woman's frigid as ice."

Outside, bitter wind howled as Cassandra Valentine stood alone by the gates waiting for a cab. The streetlamp cast her slender frame into stark isolation. Silent tears traced her cheeks.

When Eleanor and Isabella passed by, Cassandra's fists clenched instinctively. Isabella's taunt about her stupidity echoed in her mind—now she realized how thoroughly she'd been played.

"Why don't you stay at home, Miss Valentine?" Eleanor feigned concern.

Cassandra smirked coldly. "Your intel's outdated, Eleanor. I was kicked out at eighteen." Her gaze slid pointedly to Isabella. "This house stopped being mine long ago."

Isabella smoothly extended a black card. "My apologies for today. Consider this $100,000 compensation."

Cassandra stared at the card, fingers trembling slightly. She recognized the bribe for what it was. But right now, she desperately needed the money.