Chapter 33

Adrian Valentine gave a faint nod. "Mm."

Julian Roscente rubbed his hands excitedly. "Isabella, your Adrian is incredible. He even secured the deal with Sterling Manor. Now we just need Mr. Lowell's approval. I heard he didn't show up today. We'll arrange another meeting."

Isabella Langley's eyes lit up.

Though the Langleys were wealthy, they paled in comparison to the Valentines.

If the Valentines secured the contract, the Langleys could benefit too.

"I always knew Adrian was the best." Isabella clung to Adrian's arm affectionately. "Let's grab something to eat. I'm starving."

Adrian lowered his gaze, suppressing the turmoil in his eyes. "Mm."

As they headed toward the dining area, they nearly collided with Evelyn Roland and Sophia Blanchet, who were leaving.

Evelyn walked past Adrian without sparing him a glance.

The familiar scent of her perfume brushed past him, and Adrian's steps faltered. He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to pull her back. The memory of that photo shattered his resolve.

She was better off without him.

In the car, Evelyn remained composed.

She needed to erase that betrayer from her heart completely.

She sent Nathan Aldridge a message:

[Don't invite me to these pointless events again.]

Nathan replied instantly:

[You're heartless! After you left, two women cornered me. Their perfume nearly suffocated me. And you didn’t even wait for me!]

Evelyn smirked:

[Enjoying the attention, I see.]

Setting her phone aside, she reviewed the contracts signed that night. Her fingers paused when she spotted Valentine Group's name.

She refused to let personal feelings interfere with work, but seeing Adrian's name still stung.

Her phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID made her tense.

It was inevitable.

She took a deep breath and answered. "Grandmother."

"Evelyn, your mother-in-law told me Adrian has someone else. That you divorced. Is it true?" The old woman's voice trembled.

Evelyn tightened her grip on the phone. "You already know."

"Oh, child. No wonder you haven’t visited me this past month." Beatrice Valentine choked back a sob. "No matter what, you’ll always be my granddaughter. Can you come see me now?"

Evelyn's eyes burned. "I'll be right there."

After hanging up, she turned to Sophia. "Take me to Sterling Manor."

The Valentine estate stood at the foot of the mountains, just three streets away from Regal Heights.

At the gates, Evelyn asked Sophia to wait in the car.

The grand manor was flanked by towering pine trees.

A servant bowed respectfully. "Miss Roland, the Madam is waiting upstairs."

"Thank you."

The moment she stepped inside, she ran into Margaret Valentine.

Margaret scowled at the sight of her. "Evelyn! Where have you been this past month? I called you endlessly! My back is killing me—get over here and treat me!"

Evelyn shot her a cold glance.

The woman was as domineering as ever.

Without a word, she walked past her toward the stairs.

Margaret stomped her foot. "Evelyn! I'm talking to you!"