Chapter 80

She remained silent, deeming any explanation futile.

The pregnancy respite suited her perfectly, allowing her to avoid the scandal.

She complied with Adrian's demand flawlessly, leaving no room for suspicion.

Evelyn lowered her lashes, veiling the desolation and anguish in her eyes.

Every inch of her body ached. Her jaw clenched, the corners of her eyes reddened, as if her heart had been torn open.

An invisible hand seemed to choke her throat, making even breathing difficult.

She inhaled deeply. When she lifted her gaze again, her expression was calm. "Fine, I'll leave."

Clutching the oranges, she drifted out like a ghost.

"Miss, your noodles," a server called, carrying a bowl of clear broth noodles.

Evelyn ignored him, hurrying away with her head down.

Adrian watched her faltering figure, his lips pressed into a thin line. His fists whitened with tension, dark emotions churning in his eyes.

As the server moved to clear the bowl, Adrian spoke abruptly, "Leave it. My wife ordered it."

The server set the bowl down nervously before scurrying off.

Mechanically, Adrian finished every strand of the noodles, including the braised egg, even draining the broth.

...

The Langleys spent a fortune suppressing the scandal. Within an hour, the internet was scrubbed clean.

Eleanor frowned. "We deliberately left her in the countryside to rot. How did she learn medicine?"

Vincent was equally baffled.

Isabella scoffed. "Pure luck. She didn't even finish high school."

She refused to believe a country bumpkin could practice medicine. That woman had nothing but her pretty face.

The thought of Evelyn inheriting her mother's beauty while she resembled their father sparked jealousy in Isabella's eyes.

Vincent warned gravely, "No matter her background, she's insignificant. Isabella, don't antagonize her. She has ties to Alexander Durand."

"I'll arrange a meeting tomorrow to probe her. We must locate that map soon."

Though the Durands were wiped out, Alexander's siblings survived.

Those spared years ago had now become liabilities.

With the map in hand, all of Northam would be within their grasp.

This year's election was non-negotiable.

Their first move was securing Adrian's allegiance.

Among Vienna's elite, Sterling Manor's shady dealings made them negligible.

Isabella suddenly asked, "Father, who exactly was Alexander Durand?"