Chapter 82

Netizens overwhelmingly favored Isabella's delicate "Innocent Angel" persona.

Margaret Valentine watched her daughter's confident gaze with satisfaction. "Isabella, your efforts will pay off. With your career success and the support of your father and Adrian, no one in the Valentine family will dare look down on you."

A shadow flickered in Vincent Langley's eyes. Even without these advantages, no one could bully his daughter in the Valentine household.

"Rest early. Evelyn is returning tomorrow—prepare properly." Vincent paused. "I have important matters to discuss with Evelyn tomorrow. Don't bring Adrian."

His wariness toward Adrian Valentine remained.

Beneath that gentle exterior lurked unfathomable depths.

Isabella understood perfectly. "Of course." She bit her lip. "But Adrian's attitude tonight hurt me. He didn't even defend me."

Vincent's expression darkened. "You have the audacity to complain? You nearly cost him that contract! This deal is crucial for his company!"

"Use your brain next time! I sent you abroad for education, not to return as some clueless damsel!"

Eleanor Langley quickly intervened. "She only lied to help Adrian. The outcome was fine, wasn't it?"

With a cold snort, Vincent stormed upstairs.

——

Evelyn Roland stumbled home in a daze.

She collapsed onto her bed, staring blankly at the ornate ceiling carvings. None of it felt real.

Silent, icy tears traced her cheeks.

A bone-deep chill settled over her. The man she'd loved so deeply had pushed her to the brink.

She fought to suppress the resentment, but tonight, hatred surged like a tidal wave.

"Adrian Valentine, you're ruthless."

Evelyn scrubbed away her tears violently.

She'd never been a crier. When her grandfather forced her to learn swimming, the bamboo cane striking her back had drawn no tears.

Yet this wretched man had made her weep repeatedly.

Exhausted, Evelyn succumbed to sleep—pregnancy brought relentless fatigue.

——

The following evening, after resting all day, Evelyn drove to the Langley residence with Sophia Blanchet.

"Any theories about Vincent's agenda this time?" Sophia asked, gripping the steering wheel.

Evelyn leaned against the window, gaze distant. "Most likely the map. We'll know tonight."

Sophia frowned. "But why would this highly sought-after Mineral Atlas suddenly appear at an auction? And conveniently where you'd find it?"