Chapter 822

In psychology, there's a term called gaslighting—a manipulative tactic often used by those with ill intentions. Having worked in the hospital for years, Evelyn Carter understood its dangers all too well.

"Don't overthink it." She spoke softly, offering comfort. "As long as you don’t see him, he can’t do anything. He wouldn’t dare barge into the Hamilton estate. Alexander Hamilton isn’t someone to be trifled with."

Somewhere along the way, Alexander Hamilton’s name had become synonymous with safety. Evelyn had never been one to rely on borrowed authority, but if it helped her friend, she had no qualms about invoking his name.

Bianca Langley nodded quietly. In the days that followed, she spent her time recuperating, often lost in thought as she stared at Adrian Valentine’s urn and the little porcelain figurine.

Alexander was careful to avoid any impropriety, always ensuring important matters were discussed among the three of them. Whether it was Vincent Croix’s movements or the upheaval at the Langley Group, none of the news was good.

"Does he really need such a spectacle just to return to Hudson City?" Evelyn frowned. "He’s clearly doing this on purpose."

Vincent had turned the typically low-profile Langley Group into a glaringly public affair. The scene at the airport looked more like a press conference than a private trip.

"Exactly." Alexander’s lips curled into a cold smile. "He doesn’t want anyone to know his real reason for going to Seaview City."

"Is the information reliable?" Evelyn was skeptical.

"Absolutely." Alexander’s eyes darkened. "The only reason he dares to cause trouble for you in Seaview City is because he’s left trusted allies here."

When he said "trouble," his jaw tightened imperceptibly. Even setting aside Bianca’s situation, he would make Vincent pay.

A spark of life finally returned to Bianca’s eyes. "His allies are betraying him? But those were his childhood friends and classmates."

She let out a bitter laugh. "My parents initially looked down on him, but they changed their minds when they saw his capabilities. He exploited that trust..."

Like a venomous snake, Vincent had slowly devoured the Langley Group. His patience was chilling.

Evelyn suddenly realized something. "Just like those people we encountered in the village. The board couldn’t have been completely united. He bought them off too easily."

Alexander turned to Bianca. She gave a weak nod. "The irony is, when he brought his hometown connections into the company, I actually thought he’d finally found a home here."

"Those who can be bought once will betray again." Bianca’s voice was hoarse. "He’ll reap what he sows..."

She listed the few within the Langley Group who could still be trusted. Alexander acted immediately, catching Vincent off guard.

Vincent had intended to use the airport spectacle to send Bianca a message, only to be betrayed by those he trusted most.

While he was scrambling to contain the fallout, Bianca—accompanied by Alexander and Evelyn—dragged her weakened body to the cemetery.

Alexander had orchestrated everything meticulously, ensuring she could say her farewells in peace. The two of them stopped a hundred meters away, giving her space.

The tombstone bore words Bianca had inscribed as Adrian’s widow. With her own hands, she placed his urn into the grave, along with the little porcelain girl.

What she buried wasn’t just love—it was the person she used to be.