Chapter 47 Addie frantically replayed their conversation in her mind. He said he was gang home to sleep she said she was too, so So what exactly! How on earth was she supposed to respond to that?! The woman who had just commanded an entire ballroom with deadly elegance now stood with wide, uncertain eyes, looking as confused as a student facing an impossible exam question. That disarming blend of vulnerability and allure - simultaneously innocent and captivating could make any man feel a pull from chest to gut Zarek stufted his gaze away. [] Sering he wasn't pursuing the question, Adeline lowered her head as well The awkward topic ended as abruptly as it began. When the elevator reached her floor, she offered a polite goodbye, "Goodnight, Mr Weasley Sleep well Zarek responded with a noncommittal "Mmm"] Adeline stepped out, watching the elevator doors gradually close.] Just as she was about to exhale in relief, a long, elegant finger extended through the narrowing gap. The doors reversed direction and slowly reopened [] Adeline's momentary calm evaporated instantly.] tried on the suit," Zarek stated, his tone deliberately neutral] Oh, that Adeline managed a smile. "And? Did it fit?"]] "Not particularly well. Shoulders too narrow, pants too short. Adeline stood frozen, internally groaning. Then perhaps... I should just reimburse you instead ] Zarek didn't acknowledge her suggestion.[] He simply regarded her with eyes deeper than midnight, his expression completely unreadable.] The elevator doors slowly closed again Adeline remained rooted to the spot, thoroughly bewildered. What exactly did that mean? Was that acceptable or not? Would it kill him to give a straight answer?] This comiqunication style that left everything to interpretation was mentally exhausting. That's precisely why she had escaped their earlier conversation. Talking with him created such pressure... her brain cells were dying by the second Then she caught herself complaining about someone who had saved her life, who had stepped down from his position to testify on her behalf, whose appearance in the park had clearly been out of concern for her well-being-and felt a pang of guilt. From that perspective, she was being rather ungrateful.] Inside her apartment, she tossed her purse aside and collapsed onto the sofa, closed her eyes, and fell asleep just like that.[]- At the police station Tristan stared at the nine photographs placed before him - eight men and one woman. The men looked like the kind of lowlifes you'd cross the street to avoid He couldn't bear to imagine his wife in the hands of these creatures. He couldn't fathom how terrified she must have felt in that moment. "According to your wife's statement, after being drugged and taken to the hotel room, she called you three times," the officer explained clinically. "You ignored the first two calls . On the third attempt, your mistress Evelyn Grantham answered. Your wife recorded tlus conversation Listen The officer pressed play. Tratan endured the recording again, the horror washing over him anew Combined with the fact that she had desperately tried to reach him three times, the full , brutal truth crystallized before him. He rested his head in his hands, his vision blurring[] "Now explain why you didnt answer your wife's calls. And why was your phone in your mistress's possession?] The officer's tone semained professional but carried an unmistakable undercurrent. of disgust .[ ] Trean composed humell and looked up 7 was working late at the office Evelyn came by and took my phone, claiming she wanted to play a game. I was focused on work and didn't think much of it f You'd casually hand over something as private as your phone to your mistress? The explanation clearly wasn't landing [ } F " Check the security foulage My office has cameras installed." " Rest assured, we will verify everything In separate interrogation rooms. Evelyn and Amanda were also being questioned Evelyn salabed dramatically pushing all blame onto Amanda. When asked about Tristans inwolvemenu, she vehemently denied it, insisting with theatrical passion that he knew nothing and had no part in it. She claimed she only mentioned hun on the one to hurt Adeline Chupter 47 The presented herself as willing to sacrifice anyone as long as her beloved was protected]] Caven what she had done , the two female officers questioning her could barely hide their revulsion Amada sat rigid in her interrogation chair, her face cycling between humiliated flush and horrified pallor She answered all questions truthfully, withholding nothing She had never experienced such mortification in her entire life.] She now regretted everything bitterly. She had assumed a Grantham daughter would have class, that Evelyn would make a proper daughter-in-law. Who could have imagined this girl would be more dangerous than a demon To commat such a vicious act and then frame her she would absolutely never allow her to join the Kelce family!] While they were being questioned, high-powered legal teams for both families had arrived to arrange bail]] Summer had anticipated this and remained at the station to counter them, providing additional evidence and representing Adeline's interests.[] Bottom line that manipulative bitch Evelyn wouldn't escape justice] As for Tristan... he wouldn't be released before 8 AM tomorrow [] Summer drove from the police station to Adeline's apartment.[] Adeline had slept for a few hours before waking. She'd changed out of her red dress, removed her makeup, and was now packing her luggage "I brought late-night provisions." Summer announced, holding up bags of takeout [] They sat on the balcony, sharing barbecue and beer under the stars.[] They Adeline traced the rim of her glass thoughtfully, looking skyward. "Someone told me I should feel happy after getting my revenge. I suppose I should."] She tilted her head back and drained her beer in one go, exhaling with satisfaction "God, that feels good!" Summer observed her friend's beautiful, bare face and forced smile, feeling a deep ache in her chest.] This marriage had nearly destroyed her. After finally reaching the end, she had hoped for a clean break on her own terms, but Tristan had denied her even that small dignity. He had pushed until she snapped and tore everything to shreds. " Adeline, in the future ... will you ever trust love again? The question was for Adeline, but also reflected Summer's own growing doubts. Was it inevitable that women, no matter how beautiful, accomplished, or good-hearted, would eventually be betrayed? Adeline hugged her glass to her chest, gazing into the quiet night. I can't condemn all dogs just because one bit me."]] "But I will be wary. When one approaches, I'll keep my distance. Summer nodded in understanding Ultimately, the trust was gone... They finished their drinks and curled up under blankets, talking for hours about good times and bad, the past, present, future- laughing and crying until Adeline fell asleep with her arms around Summer.]] Morning Adeline stood in the Living room wearing a trench coat, her suitcase packed beside her.[] ALL Summer hugged her tightly. "Go enjoy your trip without looking back. Leave everything else to me. When you return, the divorce certificate will be waiting, and you'll be completely free . Mm-hmm Adeline nodded.] She had decided to stick with her original travel plans. Though it felt selfish to dump everything on Summer, she desperately needed to escape , to be anywhere but here!! W Adeline had an 8 AM night] Summer had planned to drive her to the airport but received an urgent call from the police station: Tristan's suspicion had been cleared, and he would be released in half an hour!! "Adeline, something urgent just came up. Take a cab to the airport. Safe travels. She didn't mention Tristan, just ruffled Adeline's hair affectionately before grabbing her bag and rushing out. Tristan Kelcef] Even if she had to physically block the doorway, she would delay him until at least 8:00 sharp !] Adeline left the apartment with her luggage While waiting for a rideshare outside the complex, her phone rang with an unknown number [] Lunking at it, her intuignecreamed not to answer. At that moment, a silver topped Maybach exited the complex, stopping smoothly in front of her [] The diver's window lowered to reveal Liam Morgan with a pleasant smile Misa Paige, where are you headed?] Ademe looked up, momentarily surprised, and answered honestly. "The aupon *) "What a romridence We're heading there ourselves Why don't you join us?|]