Chapter 66

Isabella Langley clung affectionately to Adrian Valentine's arm, gazing up at his flawlessly chiseled profile. His brows carried an innate arrogance, his entire being radiating an icy aura that warned others to keep their distance—yet it was impossible to look away.

"Adrian, thank you for always being by my side," Isabella cooed, resting her head against his shoulder.

Adrian's dark eyes were unreadable, betraying neither joy nor anger.

Just as he was about to withdraw his arm, a familiar figure caught his peripheral vision.

Evelyn Roland strode through the crowd in a white dress, draped with a pink Maillard shawl. Her tall, graceful figure stood out effortlessly. She moved with purpose, every step confident and poised.

Isabella followed Adrian's gaze, her heart tightening.

"Evelyn! I'm so glad you could make it to tonight's banquet," Isabella chirped, her voice sickly sweet.

Evelyn, who had been heading toward the elevators, paused mid-step. Only then did she notice the pair at the entrance. Her eyes flickered to their intertwined arms, a sharp pang piercing her chest.

Nothing hurt more than seeing the man she once loved now holding another woman with such tenderness.

Her lashes trembled slightly, but her tone remained flat. "I'm here to meet a friend."

The unspoken implication: She hadn’t come for this event.

Isabella feigned surprise. "Oh dear, I must have been too busy to send you an invitation. Since you're already here, why not join us? We're practically sisters, after all."

"Sisters?" Evelyn scoffed. "That’s a title I can’t afford."

She had no desire to engage with them further. But as her gaze swept past Adrian, she found him watching her intently.

Straightening her spine, Evelyn turned to leave.

"Nathan!"

A warm, cultured voice called out. Nathan Aldridge approached, his refined demeanor a stark contrast to Adrian's cold severity.

"Go enjoy yourself. I need to find Scarlett," Evelyn said.

Nathan grinned and sidled closer. "I'll come with you."

"That won’t be necessary." Her refusal was firm.

Nathan's face fell dramatically. "Are you rejecting me?"

"Hmm, at least you're self-aware," Evelyn deadpanned.

Nathan clutched his chest in exaggerated agony. "Is our friendship really this fragile?"

Evelyn sighed, rubbing her temples. "Don’t tilt your head down. Your double chin is showing."

Nathan immediately jerked his chin up, pouting. "Fine, I'll start dieting tomorrow."

A reluctant laugh escaped Evelyn. "Let’s go."

Nathan brightened instantly, his earlier gloom vanishing. As long as Evelyn spared him even a glance, all his worries melted away.

The two walked side by side toward the elevators.

Adrian watched the entire exchange, a storm brewing in his darkened eyes. How could she smile so brightly for another man?

Isabella, seizing the opportunity, raised her voice. "Evelyn, wait!"