Chapter 27
Adrian launched into a full–blown rant, staring at Evelyn like she was a stranger, like he couldn’t recognize her
at all.
Clarissa stood just behind Adrian and watched the confrontation unfold with a smug smile. If there was ever a living example of the phrase smug as hell, it was her.
Evelyn yanked her arm back and looked down at her wrist, now red from where he’d grabbed her.
Evelyn retorted, “Are you blind? I was chatting with my friend. She came over and said she wanted to talk. Talk about what, exactly?
“I ignore her, and she acts like her whole world’s falling apart. Adrian, has love made you that stupid? You seriously can’t see through anything?”
She then turned her glare from him to Clarissa. “Clarissa, let me spell this out for you. You like Adrian? Great. That’s your business. He and I are already in the middle of a divorce.
“I don’t care if you show up in my face to flaunt your new toy or try to play the victim. If you’re really something, get him to finalize the damn divorce.
“If you can’t even manage that, then just stick to being the side chick in the shadows.”
The moonlight made Clarissa’s face look ghostly pale. She looked completely rattled, as if Evelyn had just slapped her across the face.
She turned to Adrian with teary eyes, blinking fast as fat drops clung to her lashes. She looked like she’d break at any second, helpless and heartbroken.
Adrian said through gritted teeth, “Evelyn, do you even hear yourself? Claire is pregnant with my child. If anything happens to her or her baby, I swear I won’t let you off easily.” He then pulled Clarissa into his arms protectively like some kind of hero.
Evelyn saw the triumphant smirk reappear on Clarissa’s face and let out a snort.
Evelyn scoffed, “You really think cheating is something to brag about? If you guys have problems with your minds, go see a doctor. If that doesn’t work, try some poison and spare the rest of us. Stop showing up in front of me and disgusting me.”
She turned and started to walk away. But after just a few steps, she paused and looked back, warning, “Clarissa, tonight is Mr. Brennan’s birthday. If you pull stunts and ruin the night, I’ll make your life hell with my legal wife rights.”
Evelyn believed Clarissa wouldn’t be so stupid. If she had any shame left, she’d behave tonight. After this, she could play whatever games she wanted. But if she messed up the party tonight, all bets were off.
Evelyn walked away without another word. Clarissa’s eyes welled up again, and she looked up at Adrian and said, “Adrian, trust me, I didn’t do anything.”
Adrian patted her back gently, trying to calm her down. “I believe you, dear. Evelyn’s been acting crazy lately.
11:21 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 27
Just stay away from her, okay?”
Clarissa leaned into his chest, like she was just trying to keep the peace. She whispered, “I will. I’m not trying to cause trouble, but… I can’t control what she docs.”
Her fingers started tracing little circles on Adrian’s chest, all sweet and flirty.
Adrian grabbed her hand and held it down. “Not now, okay? We’ve been out here long enough. Let’s go back.
Clarissa nodded, and the two of them walked back, hand in hand.
*****
The moment they stepped into the hall, Clarissa’s eyes instantly locked onto Evelyn. She was standing beside Taylor, who was proudly introducing her to a crowd of guests. “This is one of my most outstanding students, Evelyn. Evelyn, come meet…”
Surrounded by respected figures from all industries, Evelyn looked every bit the elegant swan. Clarissa’s hands curled into fists at her sides as jealousy burned in her chest.
‘Evelyn, just wait. One day, I’ll drag you down and bury you in the mud where you belong,’ Clarissa thought viciously.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
