Chapter 269

"Delete it!" Her eyes flew open as she stabbed at the delete button, glaring at Warren. "What are you waiting for? Go inspect the area and cut down every single tree around here!"

Warren's tense shoulders relaxed slightly when she relented.

"I'll handle it personally tomorrow. Rest well, Isabella. I won't let anything happen to you."

He quickly pulled on his jacket and left the room.

At the hallway corner, Eleanor Langley appeared in her nightgown.

Warren halted mid-step, cursing inwardly.

"Madam, Miss Langley left something in the car." He held up a bag without flinching.

Eleanor frowned, waving dismissively. "Don't come up so late next time. Leave it downstairs."

"Understood." He strode away, his figure vanishing down the stairwell.

Eleanor tightened the belt of her robe. Her husband hadn't returned all night, scrambling over the stolen diamond shipment. Distracted, she went downstairs for water, the glass glinting coldly under the moonlight.

————

News of Adrian Valentine's engagement spread like wildfire. Within ten minutes, #ValentineLangleyAlliance trended with an explosive tag.

Adrian stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his sharp profile reflected in the phone screen.

"President, we've confirmed it," his assistant's voice came through the call. "The trending topic was arranged by Madam Valentine. The press release was also her doing."

His fingers tapped against the window frame. His mother's unusual favoritism toward Isabella was suspicious.

After hanging up, the bedroom was so quiet he could hear his own breathing. The room remained exactly as Evelyn had left it—except for the missing documents in the drawer, as if she'd never existed.

His gaze fell on the wicker chair by the balcony. She used to curl up there like a lazy cat.

For a fleeting moment, her familiar silhouette appeared on the white chair. She'd wave her phone at him, laughing. "Honey, come look at this hilarious video!"

He reached out instinctively, but his fingers met only cold rattan.

"Evelyn..." His fingertips brushed the beige cushion, still faintly scented with jasmine. If only things had been different...

Adrian suddenly laughed coldly. Someone like him didn't deserve happiness.

————

Sebastian Orlando scrolled through his phone, his lips curling in mockery.

Adrian was finally marrying Isabella.

His Evelyn would always belong to him.

Outside, Regal Heights lay shrouded in night. She must be asleep by now. Sebastian quietly drew the curtains.

————

Evelyn didn't learn the news until breakfast the next morning.

Victoria handed her a tablet. "The Valentines and Langleys are uniting. The engagement is in three days."