Chapter 45 Chapter 45 Everyone except Adeline ...?!! ཅ རྒྱུ ཕ ཀ Another bombshell dropped on the already chaotic scene [] -0 In the Italian restaurant of the Peninsula Hotel Zarek Weasley had finished his meal but remained seated, absorbed in his phone.[] As he watched the unfolding drama, a slight curve appeared on his lips. His rich, cultured voice carried a hint of appreciation "She's quite formidable. [] Rex Paine stood beside him, equally captivated by the spectacle. "Better than any Netflix drama. This Adeline Paige has both courage and strategy.1] The difference is, they're acting She's fighting for her life." Zarek's observation was casual yet penetrating.] After watching a moment longer, he pocketed his phone and rose to leave.[] In the elevator. Rex had already pressed the button for the parking level when Zafek inquired, "Such a remarkable performance-care to see the live version?] Rex blinked in surprise. Of course V The kind of "of course that wasn't really a choice.[] Back in the ballroom Amanda stared at Evelyn with stunned disbelief.[]| She had never imagined the girl would sacrifice her so brazenly.[] That's absolutely false! I never forced her to do anything. Amanda protested, her composure cracking. "She claimed she had a method to make Adeline sign the settlement agreement, which is why I... why I arranged the hotel meeting. I had no idea she was planning something this depraved. I thought perhaps some intimidation, that's all. I only wanted the agreement signed. Amanda's desperate explanation only confirmed her involvement.] Meanwhile, Evelyn countered with perfectly timed tears, "How can you say that, Amanda? You were the one complaining about how greedy Adeline was, raising her demands from $ 10 million to $15 million. I felt terrible for you and for Tristan, so I offered to help! You said you were afraid Tristan would turn against you, so you begged me to handle those arrangements!" Amanda trembled with indignation, her finger shaking as she pointed. "You... you... unconscionable liar! ]] I'm telling the truth, Amanda, Evelyn replied with calculated sadness. Tor the sake of my future with Tristan, please just accept your role in this. Amanda nearly collapsed, her face contarting with enough rage to trigger a cardiac event.[] The Grantham family, finally catchung up with the situation, abandoned any concern for truth Intent only on extracting Evelyn from blame, they collectively accused Amanda of manipulating an innocent young woman into such a scheme.] Every carefully crafted statement redirected all culpability to Amanda's shoulders.[] The Kekes dropped all pretense of social decorum, engaging in an increasingly heated argument with the Granthams.] The Basembled Manhallan elite were utterly transfixed.] They had severely underestimated the night entertainment value-each revelation more explosive than the last, each twist more shocking, the intensity never waning[] Adeline observed with detached fascination She had expected Evelyn 10 turn on her future mother in law so viciously-a perfect case of honor among thieves [] She glanced toward Tristan, gauging his reaction His face had frozen into a rigid mask, as if carved from glacial ice[] For a man who had bull ise around maintaining appearances, his internal world must be utterly shattered.] Tha was the price of betrayal Adello, I am truly sorry! Evny's vuler broke theatrically for your injuries, for the disease you contracted-1 cover all your medical expenses! With modern treatments, even HIV might be manageable, perhaps even curable Adeline turned toward Evelyn's performance watching as she dated at non - existent tears, presenting herself as somente who recograzed her mistakes and desperately sought forgiveness [] Yet beneath this facade Adeline could still deter the malicious gicam of satisfaction in her eyes !] She didn't fear exposure for her crimes. She didny care about betraying Amanda. Her sole objective reinated spreading the rumor that Adeline had been assaulted and contracted HIV || Eva to lar very care Adeeled sudly Tirst . I reject your pay-I've already Coreacted the palke. Second I regret to disappoint you, but last night someone intervened before your hired men could complete their mission. I didn't contract any dase , and I t gong to die Bas YOU-you are abolarly going to prison Deyn who had been masterfully performing heartfest remorse, traze road sub. The regret, sadness, and contrition on her face peeled away is cheap veneer, revealing the dark, twisted core bath] Tristan's eyen suddenly brightened with hope:{} the spd Koward Aceite , tus ce urgent is that true? Is that really true ?] Adelie dicat even acknowledge has existe Bring Transan's Heart Evryn's voice tram formed into surething shrill and unhinged That's completely unpesiale That hotel is legendary for its discretion. The room was in the must walated section-body would have been there! Wow have postly rescued you ? Who would have even known to rescue you ? What , sour guardian angel Chapter 45 Adeline replied with elegant composure "If you insist on calling him an angel, then yes, he did have something rather divine about him] The subtle fragrance of his palm, his reassuring voice telling her she was safe-in that moment, he had indeed seemed like an otherworldly savior, tall and striking, radiating protection]] Evelyn's face twisted with skepticism This is bullshit. This person doesn't exist. You're just terrified Tristan will see you as damaged goods. Adeline responded with a glacial laugh. I require neither his approval nor his opinion. If I had been assaulted, the ones who would be filthy and contemptible would be those men and you who orchestrated it never the victim!"] Evelyn was momentarily stunned before her expression contorted with unrestrained rage. "Enough with these delusions! You claim this person exists? Then summon him! Call forth your mythical savior! Let everyone witness this mysterious herom Adeline maintamed a dignified silence She couldn't drag Zarek into this sordid affair .[] A man of his stature wouldn't want entanglement in such base melodrama. How could she repay his kindness by causing him public embarrassment? "Cant produce him, can you? I knew you were lying! Seeing her silence, Evelyn grew increasingly aggressive.] The flicker of hope in Tristan's eyes began to fade.] He made no move to halt Evelyn's inquisition because he, too, needed to know. "Guardian angel would be an overstatement, but I was indeed the one who intervened. A refined, authoritative voice resonated from the back of the crowd.[] Every head turned simultaneously. Only then did they notice an extraordinarily distinguished man had entered. His bearing, his presence-absolutely commanding Someone recognized him first, exclaiming in hushed reverence, It's Zarek Weasley! Which Zarek Weasley?" "How many Zarek Weasleys exist in New York? You idiot! "Holy shit, THE Weasley heir! Why would he even be here... Wait, what did he just say ?"] The ballroom erupted in shocked whispers. Zarek Weasley would never normally attend such an event; the Kelces lacked sufficient standing to merit his presence] Yet here he undeniably stood. Combined with his statement... everyone drew a collective breath. So he was the savior who had rescued Adeline?] He had come specifically for her? Did Adeline Paige possess some supernatural ability to attract billionaires?![] The expressions of both the Kelce and Grantham families were kaleidoscopes of complicated emotions.[] Tristan stared at the approaching Zarek, his dark eyes filled with primitive hostility. A man's instinct toward a rivel Evelyn had never ret Zarek in person, but she certainly knew the Weasley name and understood this man's significance She looked at Adeline with venomous hatred This worthless bitch had already secured another powerful protector! The unfairness burned through her like acid [] "Mr. Weasley Adeline said, momentarily caught off guard [] happened to be dining downstairs, Zarek explained with elegant nonchalance, as if he were merely a cultured passerby who had wandered in after dinner. "Noticing the commotion, I thought I might observe With one hand casually in his pocket, his gaze swept the room with quiet authority } His dementer appeared relaxed, yet somettung in his presence created an underuable gravitational pull-as if everyone else had suddenly become supporting characters in his story:[]