After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 273

"Aldous, it's been a while. How have you been?"

Ivy greeted Aldous Evernight with a gentle smile.

Seeing her, Aldous's brow furrowed. He used to think highly of her—their families were of equal standing, and she had grown up alongside Gideon.

Unfortunately, the young woman proved to be far too vain and greedy.

Even if she wanted to break off the engagement, she shouldn't have been so desperate, acting as if the Evernight family was going to cling to hers.

Because of that, Aldous had little patience for her now. He merely offered a cold scoff.

Ivy didn't show any reaction, her gaze shifting to Raphael, who stood behind the older man.

"Raphael, we meet again."

Raphael gave a curt nod, purely out of basic politeness.

Aria's brow furrowed involuntarily.

"Officer, I understand you aren't familiar with medical research and need an expert to interpret the data. But didn't you do a background check? Ivy was close friends with Lilith..."

"Ms. Rowan, Lilith and I were indeed good friends, but I won't let that bias my judgment. My dedication to medicine and research would never allow me to do such a thing!"

Ivy cut her off, her tone unwavering.

"Furthermore, when my superiors assigned me to this case, I fully disclosed my relationship with Lilith. I didn't hide anything. So you really don't need to worry about me targeting you."

Flora seized the opportunity to chime in. "Aria! Do you think everyone is as corrupt and self-serving as you are?"

Aria ignored them both, keeping her eyes locked on the officer.

For a case this serious, bringing in an expert who was close to the victim practically guaranteed a bias against her.

It made absolutely no sense.

The officer looked a bit embarrassed and cleared his throat.

Aria slapped his hand away and took a few steps back in disgust.

She hated it when he acted like this, assuming he had her backed into a corner and could manipulate her however he pleased.

If the civil affairs staff hadn't already left, she would have thrown the papers in his face and forced him to sign them right then and there.

"Was I not clear enough? If you won't agree to the divorce, I'll take it to court. Stop hiding behind our marriage to spout this self-righteous nonsense. It's sickening. Our relationship has been dead for a long time, so quit pretending you care."

Aria's gaze shifted back to Ivy.

She understood the officer's position. If it was an order from above, she would play along for now.

"I don't just think you'll target me, Ms. Wynn. You're overthinking it. I know for a fact you will target me."

With that, Aria pressed a finger to her lips in a shushing motion.

"Feel free to treat me like a villain. The floor is yours, Ms. Wynn."