Chapter 497

The morning mist still lingered as Evelyn Roland set out for her jog along the riverbank. Dressed in white athletic wear, her long legs moved with effortless grace in the soft dawn light. Her ponytail swayed gently with each stride.

Passing men slowed their steps, their gazes instinctively drawn to her. Evelyn paid no mind to their stares, maintaining her steady breathing rhythm.

Compared to the tedious equipment drills at the police academy, she far preferred the freedom of running outdoors. Especially those shooting classes—whenever she gripped that silver pistol, she could feel the thrill coursing through her veins.

After an hour, Evelyn stopped at a well-known breakfast spot by the river. Wiping sweat from her brow, she scanned a QR code to order hot soy milk and crab roe buns.

She settled onto the outdoor steps, taking large bites of the bun. Only in solitude could she shed the poised demeanor expected of Sterling Manor's young mistress.

"Vanessa, you gambled again?" A furious shout cut through the air.

Evelyn glanced up to see Leonard Lefèvre gripping a woman's wrist. The woman looked haggard, the wrinkles at her eyes pronounced.

"If I don't play mahjong with those society wives, who'll bring you clients?" Vanessa Kalmien yanked her arm free. "I told you not to get divorced!"

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly. Wasn't this woman Leonard's mistress? Why was she blaming him for the divorce?

"I divorced to give you legitimacy!" Leonard's face darkened. "But you lost three hundred thousand last night—that was the company's emergency fund!"

Vanessa lowered her voice abruptly. "Mrs. Huang is signing the contract today. I lost to her on purpose. This deal will net us millions—what's three hundred thousand?"

Leonard fell silent.

"Your ex-wife knew how to make money," Vanessa said, eyes reddening. "Why couldn't we just take the money quietly? Why did you have to divorce her?"

Evelyn nearly choked on her soy milk. This lovers' quarrel was rewriting her understanding of relationships.