The Shattered Illusion

I ignored the secretary. My gaze was cold and steady as I stared at the police officer. "Are you sure you want to—"

Before I could finish, he yanked out a stun baton and slammed it hard into my abdomen. The fear on his face vanished, replaced by arrogance.

"I don't care who you are. In Ardenton, Mr. Stone's word is the law. Let's see how long that attitude lasts once I take you back to the station."

The blow made my insides twist in agony. White-hot pain tore through me, and sweat streamed down my forehead.

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, my voice sharp as ice. "You'd better learn your place. Otherwise, neither you nor Adrian will walk away from this."

A sharp crack split the air as Evelyn slapped me across the face. Her eyes gleamed with pride and malice. "Still mouthing off? Get on your knees and beg me. Look into that camera and say you're shameless, that you'll never spout nonsense again. Do that, and I might let you go. Otherwise, when this goes to court, no act will save you."

Her bridesmaids flexed their hands eagerly, itching for a fight.

"Mrs. Stone, you shouldn't have to get your hands dirty. You're six months pregnant," one of them said.

"Let me handle this shameless tramp!" Another sneered.

My eyes widened as I stared at Evelyn's belly. Pregnant. So, Adrian had been with her all along.

And I'd been breaking my back overseas for him, burning myself out for his company. What a fool I'd been. The real joke had always been me.

Evelyn waved a hand, and the lead bridesmaid pulled out an electric kettle from somewhere.

"Let's ruin that pretty face of hers. Maybe then she'll stop seducing other men."

The woman lifted the kettle, ready to pour.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from the doorway.

"What's going on out here? Do you have any idea where it is?" Adrian's voice was cold, though laced with weary indulgence.

The moment he spoke, everyone froze. Even the cop who'd hit me straightened up and forced a flattering smile.

Evelyn threw herself into Adrian's arms, tears streaming instantly. "Babe, she went too far! She keeps trying to seduce you. I couldn't stand it anymore."

Adrian wrapped an arm around her and playfully brushed her nose. "You're still as jealous as ever."

That gentle, doting tone sliced through me like a knife.

Adrian glanced my way, frowning slightly. I must have looked pitiful—blood smeared across my face, hair matted to my skin. Clothless, shivering, curled up in humiliation. He didn't even recognize me.

When he started to look closer, Evelyn quickly blocked his view.

"Babe, this shameless woman keeps saying she's your wife!" Then, she pouted and cried harder. "I'm only thinking about your reputation."

Adrian wiped her tears with tender care. "Don't get upset. People like her aren't worth it. You're pregnant, remember? You wanted that painting from the House of Wexley, right? I'll get it for you. Be good."

His words humiliated me. I never imagined that after just three years abroad, Adrian would already have an illegitimate child.

And that painting was the one my grandfather left me before he passed away.

I'd always treasured it more than anything. When the housekeeper accidentally brushed against it once, I cried for three days straight.

Yet Adrian tossed it to his mistress as if it were nothing.

At Evelyn's signal, her bridesmaids lunged at me again, fists and kicks raining down.

I struggled, screaming hoarsely for help, but no one came.

Adrian held Evelyn close, caressing her belly with that tender smile, not sparing me even a glance.

At that moment, something inside me broke completely.

Just as they were about to drag me away, a convoy of luxury cars screeched to a stop outside.

Someone gasped, recognizing the license plates.

"Isn't that the Shea family? The Sheas never show up anywhere uninvited! Mr. Stone must've really outdone himself this time. The Stones' banquet's going to hit international headlines."

Adrian paused, his expression shifting. He instinctively let go of Evelyn and hurried toward the car door.

"I didn't expect you to—"

A slap landed hard, snapping Adrian's head to the side. The entire place fell silent.