Chapter 82
Ha
Adeline’s bitter laugh broke the silence
She seemed beyond words ]
“You’re laughing?” Gloria’s voice rose through the phone. “How can you possibly laugh right now? The Kelces are throwing you under the bus to make Evelyn look good! Are you seriously going to take this crap lying down?]
“Where’s that badass I saw at the charity gala? Hit back! Make them pay!]
“Burn those assholes to the ground![]
The profanity tumbled out.[]
This from the woman who typically floated through New York’s elite social circles with practiced grace and a honey–sweet accent.[]
“What if she’s right?” Adeline asked dryly. They’ve got all that evidence. Looks pretty damning, doesn’t it?|]]
That’s complete bullshit!“]
“I’d bet my life on it–you’re not that person, Adeline. Not even close.]
“Everyone who’s anyone knows what Evelyn’s really like. I used to think Tristan was hot stuff–sexy, gorgeous, the devoted husband. I was even jealous of you. But since he got tangled up with Evelyn? Total trainwreck. Can’t even look at him the same way anymore.
“And that childhood engagement from ten years ago? Jesus Christ! Why not claim they were star–crossed lovers in a past life while they’re at it? []
Gloria continued her indignant rant.
When she’d first met Adeline, Tristan had been completely besotted with his wife, treating her like she hung the moon.]
Back then, Gloria and Adeline had just been casual acquaintances–the kind who air–kissed at parties and exchanged business contacts with calculated smiles.[]
But when Gloria’s life imploded, when she plummeted from grace and former friends crossed the street to avoid her–when even family members pretended not to recognize her number or actively piled on Adeline had reached out. []
Gloria would never forget sitting in the snow, calling number after number, feeling hollow as each call went to voicemail. She’d been thinking about ending it all.[]
Somehow she’d called Adeline, who hadn’t hung up or made excuses. She’d just listened, then simply said, “I can help.
Whether she could actually help hadn’t even mattered…]]
The person who shows up when everyone else walks away earns loyalty for life.[]
Adeline let Gloria vent without interruption.[]
“Why are you so quiet? Gloria pressed, concerned. If youre scared to take them on, I’ll do it myself! Ill expose every ugly detail!]
“Don’t you dare go after them!“[]
Adeline’s voice snapped with sudden intensity.
She exhaled heavily Tll handle this myself. Thank you for believing me–that’s enough.
Her mess had already touched her parents, Summer, and now Zarek. She couldn’t let anyone else get dragged into this quicksand.[]
Gloria started to protest]
Slie wanted to mist she could help, but reality checked her courage. What chance did she stand against familles like the Kelces and Granthams?[]
“Lock at you being all noble, she huffed. “Won’t even let people help when they’re literally volunteering.]
Adeline managed a small smile “I appreciate it, I do Just stay on the sidelines, okay?“]
“Stubborn as hell. Tine. I give up. Gloria said, ending the call.[]
The moment Adeline sex down her phone, her forced composure crumbled.[]
For the next hour, her phone buzzed relentlessly []
She was grateful her parents weren’t among the callers–they probably didn’t know yet But they would soon.. The thought of seeing the pain in their eyes made her stomach twist into knots.[]
She dug her nails into her palms []
She hated herself for not listening to them back then, for being so blinded by love. The regret was crushing []
She wished she could erase ise meories completely)
While the world was exploding around them, Trajan Keite was just waking up the hotel bed!]
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Chapter 82
He read through it, his expression giving nothing away.[]
But despite his calm demeanor, the temperature around him seemed to drop several degrees.[]
“Since the Kelces and Granthams are so tight these days, I’m sure they wont have any cash flow issues,” he said casually. Full their project loan
His tone was light, but had a razor’s edge[]
… We’ve already sent the first payment, and the second is scheduled for this week,” Rex said carefully. “Cutting them off now could collapse their whole operation. []
You’re underestimating them, Rex,” Zarek replied smoothly. This is Tristan and Evelyn’s love project. They II keep it funded even if they have to sell their kidneys. I have complete faith in their… commitment.]
Christ, boss, you can’t let personal feelings drive business decisions like this!]
Rex wiped sweat from his brow.
The issue was delicate Zarek had only recently returned to take over the company. This loan had been approved before his arrival, processed through the VP’s office. All the relationships and kickbacks had been arranged. If Zarek suddenly pulled the plug, the VP and his cronies would see it as a direct attack []
But his concerns fell on deaf ears. Zarek had clearly made up his mind []
On the drive back to the office, he dictated instructions for a “routine reassessment of the loan. The official justification: recent negative publicity surrounding the borrower’s company could potentially impact the project’s viability. creating default risks.]
As for whether this reassessment would approve continued funding… everyone understood the game. It all hinged on the young prince’s mood.[]
New York’s most powerful financier could afford to be capricious occasionally–like dangling a treat above a begging dog. If he didn’t feel like giving, he simply wouldn’t.[]
Meanwhile, Tristan remained completely in the dark.[]
Howard and Amanda were at the Grantham mansion, dining with the jubilant family. Evelyn sat beside Amanda, calling her “Mom” with saccharine sweetness.[]
Amanda smiled mechanically, her eyes vacant.].
Howard was privately furious with Amanda’s unilateral decisions. They had argued bitterly on the way over, but he’d eventually resigned himself to reality. Given the circumstances, an alliance with the Granthams seemed their only option now [
It was Adeline who’d been ungrateful and difficult.[]
He had given her chances. She had thrown them back in his face.[]
“Where is Tristan? Evelyn pouted, checking her phone again. “Why isn’t he answering? He better not be with that gold–digging slut!
Her jealousy was obvious, her tone already positioning Adeline as the homewrecker.]
The entire Grantham family had embraced this narrative.]]
They spoke with righteous indignation, conveniently forgetting that Evelyn had been the actual other woman who’d been publicly humillated.
“Women like Adeline just use their looks to climb the ladder,” Wayne Grantham said, swirling his Scotch. Tristan should have seen through her act.
“Always had that look about her,” Daniela added. “You know the type–all bedroom eyes and fake smiles..
“I feel like I need a shower just talking about her, Evelyn’s mother sniffed.[]
As they were gleefully tearing into Adeline, the dining room doors burst open[]
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.