Chapter 338

"Cassandra, you should head home first tonight." Isabella Langley clung to Adrian Valentine's arm, flashing a saccharine smile at his sister. "I'll invite you to Julian Roscente's concert tomorrow."

Cassandra Valentine winked knowingly. "Go ahead with my brother."

As Isabella walked away with Adrian, her peripheral vision caught Daniel Sherwood harassing Natalie Lowell. The corner of her lips curled imperceptibly.

Evelyn Roland stared at Adrian's retreating figure, her gaze darkening.

"Evelyn." Natalie extended an invitation. "Would you and your friends like to join me for supper?" Her eyes held genuine warmth as she glanced at Scarlett Orlando and her brother.

Evelyn turned to them. "Sebastian? Scarlett?"

Scarlett, who had taken a liking to Natalie, nodded readily.

Sebastian offered a genteel smile. "The honor would be ours."

He secretly hoped this outing would help Evelyn emerge from her gloom.

The quartet departed together.

Daniel stood rooted to the spot, watching Natalie step into a limited-edition luxury car while her three companions entered vehicles far beyond his reach. Greed flickered in his eyes.

"Natalie Lowell..." he muttered under his breath, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Just you wait."

——

Isabella didn't return to the Valentines' residence but went straight to the Langley mansion.

Eleanor Langley had been haggard lately, though today she looked slightly better.

"Mother!" Isabella threw herself at the older woman, presenting a velvet jewelry box like a prized offering. "I saw this ruby necklace at the auction and immediately thought of you."

Eleanor accepted the box, her fingers trembling faintly. The beaming face before her would never truly be her daughter's.

"How exquisite." She forced a smile, lifting the necklace into the light. The gemstone refracted dazzling beams across her meticulously maintained complexion.

Seizing the moment, Isabella cooed, "Mother, about my engagement to Adrian—"

"Your dowry is already prepared," Eleanor interrupted, her expression inscrutable. "The Langleys won't shortchange you."

Isabella's eyes gleamed. "This necklace cost two hundred fifty million."

She added casually, "I heard little brother just acquired several overseas companies?"

Eleanor's fingers stilled. The ruby pendant swayed midair like a pendulum.