Chapter 351

Vincent Langley stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his knuckles whitening around the stem of a wine glass.

He had just discovered the whereabouts of that painting, yet Evelyn Roland remained oblivious.

This secret must be buried forever.

"She has to die." A dark glint flashed in Vincent's eyes. "But we can't dirty our hands."

Several attempts to eliminate Victoria Laurent had failed, costing him valuable operatives.

Isabella Langley strode in on stilettos, her red lips curling into a smirk. "Father, let me handle this."

Vincent turned to study his daughter, then abruptly changed the subject. "Isabella, Adrian Valentine isn't the right match. Sebastian Cortez is the better choice."

"Because of his father's death?" Isabella arched an eyebrow mockingly.

Vincent's pupils constricted.

"Mother told me years ago." She examined her freshly manicured nails. "Adrian will never learn the truth. Besides..." Her eyes glazed with obsession. "He's far more captivating than Sebastian."

Vincent left with a stormy expression.

Isabella stared at his retreating back, her nails digging crescent moons into her palms.

A name suddenly occurred to her—Daniel Sherwood.

——

In the hospital corridor, Sebastian Orlando guided Evelyn toward Julian Roscente's room.

When they entered, Mrs. Roscente sat by the bedside.

The older woman sprang to her feet upon seeing Evelyn.

Slap!

A resounding blow landed across Julian's face.

Evelyn froze.

Julian cupped his cheek. "Mother?"

"You made me wrong Miss Roland!" Mrs. Roscente's eyes reddened.

Julian sighed. "Then you should apologize to Evelyn."

Though his eyes remained bandaged, he turned unerringly toward Evelyn's direction.

The charade must continue.

After discovering the switched medication this morning, he'd immediately contacted Evelyn. Only this ruse could expose the mastermind.

Mrs. Roscente took a deep breath and bowed deeply. "Miss Roland, I apologize."

Evelyn touched her still-stinging cheek.

"I accept your apology."

Mrs. Roscente exhaled in relief. As a mother, she understood the agony of losing a child better than anyone.

An abrupt silence fell over the room.

Mrs. Roscente recalled the Ashcroft family tragedy—the eerie parallels to this very moment.