Chapter 62

Evelyn Roland was massaging her sore back on the sofa when Sebastian Cortez's message popped up.

[The old man told me everything. Don't overwork yourself.]

Her fingers tapped lightly on the screen. [I'll be careful.]

Sebastian replied again: [No tough act. What do you want for your birthday?]

A smile tugged at Evelyn's lips. [I'll love anything from you!]

A head-patting emoji appeared in the chat.

Still smiling, she exited the conversation and texted Nathan Aldridge: [Come back. The deal's off.]

Her hand rested on the slight swell of her abdomen. Independent R&D took longer, but it was safer.

With five top engineers at her disposal, this project would be hers.

She shut her laptop and carefully packed the prototype into her bag.

Standing up, she winced at the sharp ache in her lower back.

Under the hallway lights, two tall figures approached.

Adrian Valentine and Julian Roscente wore matching tailored suits, their presence impossible to ignore.

Evelyn gave them a curt nod and walked past.

True to his word, Adrian hadn't bothered her since the divorce.

"Divorce did wonders for her," Julian whistled. "That figure, that poise—"

Adrian's gaze turned glacial.

"They say divorce is the best cosmetic procedure for women," Julian continued, undeterred. "Wonder who'll get lucky."

He smirked at Sebastian's message still visible on Evelyn's phone.

Adrian watched Evelyn's retreating figure, his knuckles whitening as she laughed with Nathan by the hotel entrance.

"Let's go." His voice could freeze hell.

Julian caught up. "The old man's forcing me to marry some Sterling Manor heiress I've never even—"

One look from Adrian silenced him.

In the lobby, Nathan held the car door open for Evelyn.

Adrian's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, and your mother's throwing a party for Isabella—" Julian began.

"Get lost."

Julian shrugged. Yeah, totally over her.

————

Isabella Langley clicked across the marble lobby in stilettos.

"Manager, I lost an earring in the summit lounge last week." She slid an envelope across the desk. "Could you check the surveillance?"

The manager eyed the elegant young woman, then the thick envelope.

"Sorry. That area isn't covered by cameras." He pushed it back.