After a brief pause, I added, "Also, spread the news about the new project. Get Brian to invest, then cut off access to the critical technologies for both the Herbert and Wyatt companies."

Within seven days, I would give them a gift that they would never forget. Once I ended the call, I gathered every photo of me and Brian. One by one, I tossed them onto the floor and set them on fire.

Watching the flames rise, I whispered coldly, "This time, we’ll never meet again."

I packed all my things in my room before stepping out the moment I saw Adeline leaning casually against the second-floor railing. She held the engagement ring Brian had given me while she showed off a smug smile on her face.

"Lilian, was that kidnapping game fun last time?"

"You still haven’t learned your lesson, have you? No one will believe you. They’ll only believe me. You’re nothing but a liar."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you! The men who beat you were sent by Brian himself. It was his punishment for making me sick with your little self-made drama!"

After that, Adeline laughed loudly as she rubbed her fingertips against the smooth ring. Then, all of a sudden, her grip loosened. The ring then slipped from her hand, clattering down the stairs with a sharp sound.

"What did you just do?"

Without realizing it, I shouted as I rushed forward to catch the bracelet. But as I passed her, Adeline suddenly leaned forward to block my path. Her lips curled into a cold smile. She grabbed my hand and deliberately placed it on her shoulder.

With a piercing scream, Adeline then threw herself backward and tumbled down the stairs. By the time I realized it, Adeline was already on the ground. She was half-kneeling, tears streaming down her face.

She wailed pitifully, "Ah! It hurts!"

Footsteps thundered up the stairs. Brian and my parents appeared in a rush. From where they stood, they saw me at the top of the staircase while Adeline curled on the floor below, sobbing.

Brian stormed up the last few steps, grabbed my arm and shouted, "Lilian! How could you push Adeline?"

"I didn’t push her!"

I glared at him, forcing each word out through gritted teeth as I said, "She fell on her own!"

My father’s face turned red with anger as he shouted, "Are you still lying? You know Adeline’s health isn’t good. How could you be so cruel?"