Chapter 227

Outside Cliffside Manor, Theodore Winslow paced restlessly, his polished oxfords wearing a path into the gravel. His concern for Evelyn gnawed at him like a persistent shadow.

When Evelyn emerged carrying a sleek leather case, Theodore rushed forward to relieve her of its weight.

"Ms. Carter, did that bastard Nathan Blackwood lay a finger on you?" His voice was sharp with protective fury.

Evelyn arched a brow, unimpressed. "Mind your language, Theo. What if you slip and say that in front of investors? I won't have my secretary embarrassing me at board meetings."

Theodore clenched his jaw. "Understood."

"That bastard wouldn't dare touch me." Evelyn flexed her fingers, knuckles popping ominously. "Unless he wants to lose the ability to father heirs."

Theodore winced. Then his gaze dropped to her feet. "Why are you wearing house slippers?"

"I left in a hurry."

Truthfully, there had been three pairs of designer heels lined up in the foyer—her old life waiting like ghosts. But Evelyn had deliberately stepped over them.

Those shoes belonged to Evelyn Carter, socialite and heiress. Not the docile wife Nathan had tried to mold.

She would never again wear the modest flats of a subdued housewife.

"Take me to Monarch Grand Hotel."

The Bugatti's engine snarled to life as Evelyn peeled away from the manor.

Upstairs, Nathan stood framed in the window of her former bedroom, his knuckles white against the sill. He watched the car vanish down the tree-lined drive, his chest hollow.

At the hotel, Evelyn maintained her icy composure. She and Theodore rode the private elevator to her executive suite.

The moment the doors opened, they froze.

Julian Montgomery lounged against the hallway wall, his inky dress shirt clinging to his sculpted torso. His jacket was slung over one shoulder, revealing a sheen of sweat on his collarbones.

"Julian?" Evelyn's eyes widened. "How did you get past security?"

"Took the stairs. Forty-two flights." He flashed a panting grin, raking damp hair from his forehead.

Theodore's lip curled. This peacock actually thought showing off his physique would impress Evelyn? As if she'd fall for such cheap theatrics.

Julian, as if reading his mind, deliberately tugged his collar lower and winked.

"Are my staff incompetent?" Evelyn's voice turned arctic. "How does an uninvited guest waltz into my private offices?"

Julian's smirk faltered. He'd meant to surprise her, not incur her wrath.

"I'll handle the disciplinary actions," Theodore said with barely concealed satisfaction.

"Wait! Don't punish them." Julian caught Evelyn's wrist. "I snuck past security. Blame me."

Evelyn yanked her arm free. "Deduct a month's salary from the front desk staff. And fire whichever guards were on duty."

She strode toward her office without a backward glance.

Theodore smirked at Julian's stunned expression.

"Evelyn—wait! Ms. Carter!" Julian scrambled after her, suddenly the picture of contrition. "I'm sorry. Punish me instead. I'll do anything—name it!"

Evelyn paused at her office door. "Julian."

He perked up like a scolded puppy granted reprieve.

"Inside. We need to talk."

Julian practically bounded after her, leaving Theodore to stand sentry outside, grinding his teeth.