Chapter 168

Cassandra's perfectly contoured face stiffened. A shiver of fear ran down her spine.

"Also, are we really that close? Don't you think this kind of physical contact is inappropriate?" Julian's voice was icy as he roughly extracted his arm from her grasp.

"Mr. Montgomery, I apologize. You're my brother's closest friend, so I consider you family too. I meant nothing by it—" Cassandra rushed to explain, terrified of earning Julian's disdain.

"You're his sister, not mine. Mind your manners next time."

With that cold dismissal, Julian turned on his heel and strode away.

This suit had been a gift from Evelyn. He treasured it too much to even consider dry cleaning, let alone let someone else soil it.

Cassandra's fists clenched so tightly her manicured nails left crescent marks in her palms, nearly drawing blood.

Suddenly, Julian paused mid-stride. Slipping one hand into his trouser pocket, he glanced back at her through narrowed eyes.

Cassandra instantly brightened, her heart pounding with renewed hope.

I knew it! she thought triumphantly. Julian's cold exterior is just an act. He must have feelings for me after all.

"I truly don't understand modern women's fashion choices."

"What?" Cassandra blinked in confusion.

"I've heard of lipstick before, but I always assumed it belonged on lips, not teeth. I suppose I've learned something new today."

Julian chuckled mockingly before sauntering away with effortless grace.

Only then did realization dawn. Cassandra dashed to the nearest restroom and bared her teeth at the mirror.

There it was—a glaring smear of red lipstick across her front teeth.

"Ugh!" she shrieked in humiliation, barely resisting the urge to shatter the reflective glass.

Julian pushed open the study door and found Nathan reviewing documents Oliver had delivered. Stretching his long legs across the sofa, Julian adopted a leisurely pose.

"That stepsister of yours is quite the predator—trying to maul me at first sight. Tsk tsk! Why are women so unrestrained these days? Evelyn would never behave so shamelessly."

Nathan's head snapped up at the comment, his gaze frosty. "What are you doing here?"

"Checking if you caught pneumonia from your dramatic all-night vigil in the rain." Julian extracted a cigarette from his silver case and placed it between his lips.

"Julian, you're enjoying this, aren't you?" Nathan's grip tightened around his pen.

"Hmm, perhaps. Still better than someone who can't even cross his ex-wife's threshold." Julian exhaled a lazy smoke ring.

Nathan's jaw clenched as he glared at his smug friend.

The truth stung. Three years of marriage to Evelyn, yet here he stood—reduced to waiting outside her home like some lovestruck teenager, getting drenched and ultimately rejected.

From that perspective, Julian's position did seem enviable.

The absurdity of it all fueled Nathan's rising anger.

Julian stubbed out his cigarette in the crystal ashtray and approached Nathan's desk. Planting both hands on the polished surface, he leaned forward with narrowed eyes.

Nathan met his challenging stare without flinching.

"Nathan, I'm going to pursue Evelyn. And I intend to win her."

Julian's piercing gaze seemed capable of slicing through Nathan's defenses, desperate to uncover what made this man so special in Evelyn's eyes.

After three years of neglect and ultimately forcing her into divorce, Nathan had proven himself an unworthy husband.

Julian refused to accept this injustice.

Nathan's breath caught. His knuckles whitened around the pen. "Don't forget. She's with Sebastian now."

"I don't care, as long as she's not with you."

Nathan felt blood rush to his temples, his composure fracturing. "They're not married. What does it matter if they're dating?"

Julian cocked an eyebrow, inching closer. "You're the real obstacle here. With Reginald's birthday approaching and your impending marriage to Victoria, yet you're lurking outside Evelyn's home like some tragic romantic hero. What were you hoping to accomplish? Recreate The Notebook?"

A bitter taste filled Nathan's mouth. "I had my reasons for seeing her."

"Reasons?" Julian scoffed. "Nathan, whatever your justifications, you're engaged now. Stay away from Evelyn."

"I won't go there again."

Nathan exhaled sharply, his brow furrowing. "But if you truly care for her, consider this—the entire Kingsley family adores her. They're eagerly anticipating her marriage to Sebastian. Your interference could jeopardize her chance at that prestigious union."

"Bullshit!" Julian's composure shattered. "Since when are the Kingsleys the only elite family around? What about the Montgomerys?" His voice rose in indignation. "And she's never marrying Sebastian!"

Nathan's eyes sharpened with sudden interest. "What did you say?"

Julian caught himself too late. Nathan leaned forward intently. "Explain that remark."

"I have my reasons for saying so." Julian recovered smoothly. "I don't believe their relationship is genuine. Evelyn doesn't love Sebastian—she's using him to spite you. If I were in her position, I'd certainly parade a new lover to prove my desirability post-divorce!"