Chapter 429

Adrian Valentine's slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, his gaze sharp as a blade. "She refuses to see me?"

Victor Ashcroft wiped the fine beads of sweat from his forehead. "Sir, you and Mrs. Valentine have already—"

"Divorced?" Adrian cut him off with a cold laugh. "Who told you that?"

Victor's pupils constricted sharply.

"But the divorce certificate—"

"Fake." The word slipped from Adrian's thin lips.

Victor nearly bit his tongue.

His boss never played by the rules.

"Mrs. Valentine agreed to meet," Victor forced out. "But you should probably explain—"

Adrian stood, his black trench coat gleaming under the harsh lights. "She won't believe me."

Forty minutes later.

The fluorescent lights in the interrogation room stung Evelyn Roland's eyes.

She watched Adrian's slight limp with a mocking curl of her lips. "Here to seek justice for Isabella?"

Adrian sat across from her, his gaze burning. "I did see you set that fire."

Evelyn's fingers twitched.

"So you and Isabella set me up?" Her voice turned icy. "Just to force the divorce?"

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed. "No—"

"Then why?" Evelyn slammed her palms on the table as she stood. "Wasn't losing everything enough? Do you need me dead too?"

Tear tracks glistened on her pale face under the lights.

Adrian's heart twisted violently.

He reached to wipe her tears—only to have his hand slapped away.

"Don't touch me!" Evelyn took two steps back. "We were over the moment you chose to believe Isabella."

Adrian's hand froze midair.

"That fire..." His voice turned hoarse. "I'll prove it to you."

Evelyn turned with a bitter laugh. "Don't bother."

The metal door clanged shut behind her.

Adrian stared at her retreating figure, his eyes darkening.

Victor entered cautiously. "Sir—"

"Investigate Isabella." Adrian bit out each word. "Start from three years ago."

Outside, the storm raged on.