Chapter 440

Evelyn's gaze rested on the distant lake, her voice eerily calm. "Adrian, this is how you see me. Eyes never lie. Love is instinct, not faith. What you call trust is just disappointment in disguise."

"I gave you my whole heart once."

"A few photos were enough to convince you I betrayed you with Alexander. But Adrian, he was the brother I grew up with."

"His death is connected to Vincent. I have to uncover the truth."

"You brought me joy, then the deepest pain. Without status, I was just a plaything to you—here when summoned, gone when dismissed."

"I only cared about your feelings when we were together. Never minded what your friends thought of me. Those years, I shut everyone out except you."

"You came into my life the year after Alexander died. Your companionship helped me heal. For that, I'll always be grateful."

"I was seventeen when he left. The pain of losing someone who cherished me—you'll never understand."

"I didn't know Vincent was the killer when he came for me."

"The truth surfaced slowly. Isabella's appearance raised my suspicions."

"Let the past stay buried. Between us, it's long over. Your reasons mean nothing now."

"Dead feelings need no explanation."

Evelyn finally turned to Adrian.

That tranquil stare sent a tremor through him. Only a heart turned to stone could face old wounds with such detachment.

He seized her hand desperately. "Can't we try again?"

Words were pointless. She knew better than anyone.

Evelyn withdrew her hand gently, eyes like still water. "My heart died with our divorce. Let's wish each other peace."

She lay down to rest. Adrian recognized this annual melancholy.

Watching her closed eyelids, her face remained vivid in his memory. A storm of longing churned within him, but he left without disturbing her.

"Rest well. I'll visit tomorrow." He hurried out before she could refuse.

Outside, Victor took one look at his boss's stormy expression and knew the outcome.

Tsk. Too little, too late.

"Mr. Valentine," Victor sighed. "You can't fake love or play with hearts."

Adrian's icy glare silenced him. Victor pretended sudden interest in the skyline. Just friendly advice.

"Any leads on my wife's kidnappers?" Adrian snapped.

Victor shook his head frantically. Not another word—this man never forgot a slight.

"Mr. Orlando, your sister hasn't eaten. Please persuade her."

Adrian turned to see Sophia and Sebastian approaching. His frown deepened. What was he doing here?

Sebastian paused. "Didn't dinner get delivered? Evelyn refused it?"

Sophia looked troubled. "Tomorrow's Alexander's death anniversary. She barely eats this time every year."

The world outside was too loud. This lakeside retreat was her sanctuary.

Alexander's belongings slipped from his grasp, his face draining of color.