Chapter 404

"Evelyn, you're underestimating yourself. To Adrian, you might mean far more than you think."

Evelyn scoffed, not even bothering to glance at Adrian.

Was he insane?

Playing such childish games?

"Adrian, choose. The one you don't pick gets thrown into the sea for the sharks."

The icy voice seemed to come from all directions.

Adrian's gaze flickered between Isabella and Evelyn, his Adam's apple bobbing with difficulty.

Isabella stomped her foot in frustration. "Adrian, have you forgotten who your true love is? You have to choose me!"

Margaret shrieked, "Adrian, Isabella is family! Why save that worthless Evelyn?"

"Shut up!" Adrian snapped. "Who's the real disgrace here? You had an affair with Vincent and bore his child, yet you dare speak?"

Evelyn arched a brow.

So Adrian knew the truth.

Too bad she'd missed the drama.

Margaret's face flushed crimson—that video was her greatest humiliation.

Evelyn had already accepted Adrian wouldn't choose her. She closed her eyes, waiting to be tossed into the sea.

Her guards were nearby. They wouldn't reveal themselves unless absolutely necessary.

That strange scent earlier...

A knockout fragrance potent enough to render someone unconscious instantly—only the Northern Capital had such formulas.

Who was truly behind this?

"Adrian, I've been terrified of water since childhood. Please, choose me! My fans are watching," Isabella pleaded, unable to meet his gaze.

The secret was out—her father had killed Adrian's.

With Margaret's scandal added to the mix, any chance between her and Adrian was over.

"Adrian, I'll count to three. If you don't choose, both go overboard!"

"One... Two—"

"I choose—"

"Isabella." The final words came in Adrian's voice—but it was Vincent who'd spoken.

Evelyn didn't catch the deception, believing Adrian had chosen Isabella.

Her heart wrenched violently.

Even expecting it didn't dull the pain.

Weightlessness seized her.

"No—Evelyn!" Adrian's scream tore through the air.

In his memory, Evelyn had never learned to swim.

As he lunged forward, another figure moved faster.

"Evelyn!"

Sebastian dove into the sea like an arrow loosed from its bow.

Isabella was lowered slowly, triumph written across her face.

Adrian had chosen her after all.

But when she saw Adrian's desperate stare fixed on the churning waters, her eyes darkened with venom.

He still cared for Evelyn.