Chapter 85

Evelyn's gaze was like an ice blade piercing through the middle-aged man before her.

Vincent Langley felt a chill crawl down his spine under her stare.

"Mr. Langley seems quite interested in that map?" Evelyn tapped her fingers lightly on the table.

Her lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained cold.

Vincent forced a smile. "His father and I were old friends. Naturally, I recognized that painting."

"It appeared at the Roscente Auction House." Evelyn spoke casually. "Though I don't recall who bought it."

Vincent's expression darkened instantly.

He suddenly remembered the auction where Evelyn had bid on the Violette Diamond for Sebastian Cortez.

"That same auction?"

"Yes." Evelyn lowered her lashes. "Later, I realized that painting resembled one from Alexander's collection."

Her voice softened. "He said it held secrets...but I was too young to understand back then..."

Vincent clenched his fists.

That damned painting—the one they'd torn the Durand estate apart searching for—had been right there at an auction?

"Do you know the secret it holds, Evelyn?" Vincent studied her intently.

She lifted her eyes, tears glistening. "Alexander only told me part of it."

"He must have trusted you deeply." Vincent's gaze flickered meaningfully toward a photograph nearby.

"You're mistaken." Evelyn stood abruptly. "We were like siblings, nothing more."

She turned to leave.

Vincent blocked her path. "If I find that painting, will you help me decipher it?"

"I'm afraid there's no time." A bitter smile touched her lips. "Adrian is forcing me to leave Vienna tomorrow—for Isabella's sake."

Vincent froze.

Evelyn seized the moment to stride toward the staircase.

A glacial glint flashed in her eyes.

Take your time searching, Vincent Langley.

Adrian Valentine, Vincent Langley...if either of you had a hand in Alexander's death...

Her nails dug deep into her palms.

At the landing, Evelyn collided unexpectedly with a solid figure.

She looked up—straight into Adrian's fathomless dark eyes.