Chapter 157

Sophia's voice bubbled with excitement through the phone. "Evelyn darling, I successfully smuggled that antique rosewood chair you've been eyeing from Harrison's collection!"

"Aunt Sophia, you're absolutely brilliant!" Evelyn clapped her hands in delight. "Next time we meet, I'm taking you to the most extravagant lunch in Fairhaven!"

Sophia chuckled warmly. "Oh pish posh, seeing your smile is reward enough! Though..." Her tone turned playful. "If Harrison discovers this little heist, promise you'll at least bury me in something designer?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes affectionately.

After an exhausting day, Theodore drove Evelyn back to Cliffside Manor.

Kicking off her Louboutins, Evelyn slipped into plush velvet slippers and stretched like a contented cat. "I desperately need that bubble bath now," she sighed, massaging her stiff shoulders.

"Allow me to prepare it for you." Theodore immediately began rolling up his crisp white sleeves.

Evelyn waved him off with a tired smile. "Just whip up something edible. I'm starving."

"What would Madame desire tonight?"

"Hmm..." She tapped her chin dramatically. "Extra spicy ramen with—"

"—enough chili oil to melt steel," Theodore finished dryly.

Evelyn pouted. "And a doner kebab, but alas..." She gestured dramatically at their secluded estate.

"Shower first?"

"Absolutely. If I don't wash off today's grime now, I'll collapse before tasting your culinary masterpiece."

As Evelyn disappeared upstairs, Theodore methodically straightened the living area before donning his apron.

The doorbell chimed just as he finished cooking.

Frowning, Theodore checked the monitor—Sebastian and Dominic had keys, and no one else knew this location.

His breath hitched.

Julian Montgomery's smirking face filled the screen. "Hellooo? Anyone home?" The man actually waved at the camera.

"Theodore Winslow speaking," he said icily. "Ms. Carter is unavailable."

Julian's grin widened. "Followed you from the Monarch Grand, naturally. Honestly Theo, for a Kingsley secretary, your situational awareness is—"

"—When?!" Theodore's grip tightened on the intercom.

"Since you left the hotel parking garage." Julian tsked. "I could've been a serial killer for all you knew."

"Ms. Carter is resting," Theodore ground out. "Kindly leave."

"Lights are on upstairs, my dude." Julian held up a velvet box. "I'm just delivering a gift from Serenia. Be a lamb and open up?"

"Theo, who's—"

Evelyn descended the staircase in a blush silk robe, damp curls piled atop her head. The scent of jasmine bath oils trailed behind her.

Theodore stiffened. "Ms. Carter, I was just—"

Evelyn peered at the screen, then arched a perfectly groomed brow. "Julian. What a... surprise."

"Evelyn!" Julian's entire demeanor brightened. "I brought you something special—a Lillian Archer crystal sculpture from Serenia. Had to pull major strings to acquire it."

"Mr. Montgomery," Evelyn said coolly, "I've declined your gifts repeatedly. The answer remains—"

"—It's from her limited Celestial Tear series." Julian's voice dropped conspiratorially. "The one that sold out in seven minutes last auction?"

Evelyn's fingers hovered over the gate release.

Theodore facepalmed internally. This bastard knew exactly which buttons to push.

With a resigned sigh, Evelyn pressed the button. The gates swung open.

Theodore could only watch as Julian strolled in, victory gleaming in his hazel eyes. That damn sculpture box might as well have been a Trojan horse.