Chapter 88

Adrian Valentine's face was cold as he spoke. "Come in."

Isabella Langley walked in on stiletto heels, her pink dress accentuating her porcelain skin. She carried a thermal lunchbox with a sweet smile. "Adrian, I brought you lunch."

Privately, she reveled in her triumph. Adrian had driven Evelyn away for her sake—this favor made her giddy. She had woken early to prepare this meal herself.

Her father had already tracked Evelyn to Eastalia. Though the painting had surfaced, Evelyn remained a threat that needed elimination. She had already dispatched men to ensure Evelyn vanished forever.

Adrian glanced at the lunchbox, his tone indifferent. "Leave it on the table. I'll eat later. I have a meeting in ten minutes—you should go."

Isabella's smile faltered. Unwilling to leave, she perched on his lap instead, leaning close to whisper in his ear. "Adrian, let's have dinner tonight. You've done so much for me... I want to make you happy."

Expressionless, he pushed her away, his eyes dark. "I'm meeting your director tonight to discuss your new project. Focus on preparing—filming starts soon."

She sensed his distance immediately. Today, Adrian was unusually cold. It had to be because of that nuisance, Scarlett.

"I'll go then. Don't work too hard." She planted a quick kiss on his cheek before swaying out.

The moment the office door closed, Adrian bolted to the restroom.

Regal Heights.

Evelyn Roland slept until noon. Last night, she had stayed up late with Scarlett, leaving her back sore. The toll of pregnancy made her truly understand a mother's hardship.

"Awake, sister?" Victoria Laurent entered with folded clothes. "I prepared these for you."

Evelyn stretched. "Victoria, I won't be going out. Have company documents sent to the study next door."

"Understood. Lunch is ready. Sophia has already boarded her flight." Victoria's gaze lingered on Evelyn's sleep-flushed cheeks.

Unnoticed, Evelyn headed to the shower. The warm water eased her fatigue as she applied her homemade Botanica skincare. The soon-to-launch formula worked wonders—her flawless skin was proof.

The thought of originally intending to gift this formula to Adrian stung. She shook it off, dressed in Victoria's chosen outfit, and went downstairs.

"Evelyn!" Scarlett's voice called from outside.