Chapter 309

Evelyn's foot slipped, sending her tumbling backward.

"Ah—!" The startled cry escaped her lips.

A strong hand caught her wrist, yanking her upright.

When she saw the man's face, fury ignited in Evelyn's eyes.

"Getting jumpy, Evelyn? I haven't even touched you yet." Adrian's deep voice held a mocking edge.

He studied her panicked expression with amusement.

The usually composed woman now resembled a bristling kitten.

The corner of Adrian's mouth lifted, danger glinting in his narrowed phoenix eyes.

"Let go!" Evelyn wrenched her arm free, the corners of her eyes reddening.

Adrian remained unmoved, his gaze darkening like ink.

"I can help with the Langley matter. But tell me—did you have anything to do with Vincent and Julian's situation?"

Evelyn's pupils contracted.

He suspected her?

An invisible hand seemed to squeeze her heart, tightening her throat.

"Mind your boundaries, Mr. Valentine. We've been divorced for two years." Her laugh was icy. "You and Isabella know the Ashcroft and Roscente affairs best."

"Don't pretend innocence now, you cheating pair."

Adrian's expression turned glacial. "Explain."

"That phone number contacted Isabella—and you." Evelyn met his gaze head-on. "You framed me."

She broke free of his grip.

"Try scheming against me again, and I'll personally send you both to hell."

Surprise flickered in Adrian's eyes.

"How did you trace it?" He stepped closer. "Evelyn, who are you really?"

Her lips curled in derision. "Does it matter?"

Adrian's breath hitched.

Of course it mattered.

She had been his wife, yet he didn't even know her true identity.

"You lied to me." His voice roughened.

"I wanted to tell you." Evelyn lowered her lashes. "But you asked for a divorce the moment you returned."

"Everyone has secrets. Mine would never harm you."

Adrian pressed stubbornly, "What's your real name?"

"The Langleys abandoned me. Grandfather Roland took me in." Her voice softened. "I'm Evelyn Roland. My friends call me Chu Chu."

"Chu Chu." He repeated the name quietly.

Evelyn's heart trembled.

The way he said it—so tender it made her dizzy.