Chapter 114

Evelyn's eyes darkened. Since childhood, she had always despised being thrust into the media's relentless spotlight.

Unless absolutely necessary, she avoided public attention like the plague.

Why are they making such a fuss over something so trivial? Don't these reporters have anything better to write about?

She took a slow sip of her coffee, exhaling in frustration. Forget it. The hype will die down soon. She had already instructed Sebastian to suppress the news, and it should take effect any moment now. "Let's take the back entrance," she murmured.

Arriving at the hotel's discreet rear entrance, Evelyn instructed Theodore to park the car while she headed straight for her private elevator. She needed to reach her top-floor office without delay.

As she walked, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through Monarch Grand Hotels' official page.

Thanks to her heroic act, the hotel had been flooded with glowing reviews and praise.

"Next time, I'm definitely staying at a Monarch Group property! Their staff is incredible!"

"That woman is stunning! Can we get a clearer photo of her face?"

"Monarch Group is so much more trustworthy. Unlike the Blackwoods—thinking they can bully hotel staff just because they're wealthy!"

A smug smile curled Evelyn's crimson lips, making her resemble a triumphant little fox.

Though she loathed the personal attention, she couldn't deny the free publicity was a boon for the hotel.

Still, the situation with Skylar wasn't fully resolved, and unease prickled at the back of her mind.

Suddenly, her instincts flared. Someone was approaching too close—violating the unspoken boundary of personal space.

Before she could react, a hand clamped onto her shoulder.

Evelyn's eyes widened. Instinct took over. She spun around and flung her coffee straight into the man's face.

"Ah—!"

In one fluid motion, she seized his muscular arm and flipped him over her shoulder.

Thud.

The tall man hit the ground with a pained groan.

Evelyn blinked. Then gasped.

"Julian Montgomery? Is that you?"

"Ahem... yes."

Julian lay sprawled on the floor, torn between laughter and agony. Beautiful women really are a man's downfall, he mused wryly.

"Why did you sneak up on me like that?" Evelyn huffed, cheeks flushing. "My reflexes kicked in before I realized it was you!"

Mortified, she dropped to her knees beside him, her hands moving with practiced precision as she checked for injuries. Her touch was so skilled that Julian found himself comparing her to the elite masseurs at his family estate—and she surpassed them all.

His gaze lingered on her, admiration gleaming in his eyes as he savored the feel of her hands on him.

Oh, Nathan... You're a fool for letting this treasure slip through your fingers. Don't blame me when I claim her for myself.

"You're fine," Evelyn declared, relief washing over her. "Thankfully, your muscles absorbed most of the impact. No fractures." She patted his leg. "Get up. You can't sue me for this."

"I want to get up," Julian groaned, flashing a pained grin. "But I can't. Everything hurts. Mother Teresa, lend me a hand?"

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn reached down and hauled him up.

The moment their bodies brushed, Julian's breath hitched. Her scent—soft, intoxicating—wrapped around him, sending his pulse racing.

Countless women had thrown themselves at him before, but none had ever made him feel like he was the one being seduced.

"So," he murmured, lips quirking, "how did you enjoy manhandling me just now?"

"Manhandling you?" Evelyn scoffed. "If you're hallucinating, you do have a concussion."

She smirked. "The only way I'd look twice at you is if you were a three-legged toad. As a man, you've got nothing I want."

The words tumbled out before she could stop them. Heat rushed to her cheeks.

Julian knew exactly who she was referring to—and jealousy flared hot in his chest.

Driven by sudden possessiveness, he spun her around and pinned her against the wall. His gaze raked over her face, darkening with intent.

Leaning in, he lowered his voice to a husky whisper.

"Who do you think is better than me? Nathan?"

His lips curved into a dangerous smile. "How do you know I don't surpass him in every way?"