Chapter 228

Theodore, the loyal German Shepherd, whined pitifully when suddenly assigned guard duty outside Evelyn's office.

As the heavy oak door clicked shut, Evelyn strode confidently to the leather sofa. Her toned legs, porcelain under the studio lights, stretched elegantly as she settled into the plush cushions. One arm draped casually along the backrest while the other rested on her thigh - the picture of effortless power. Julian Montgomery's breath hitched at the sight.

His throat worked visibly as his gaze traced her commanding posture. The air crackled with her regal energy.

God, she was magnificent.

"See? I knew you wouldn't actually throw me out," Julian smirked, his dimples flashing. He took a step forward, only to freeze when Evelyn's voice sliced through the air like tempered steel.

"Julian. Did I stutter when I said I wasn't interested?"

The playboy's charming expression shattered.

"The old Evelyn Carter might've tolerated your nonsense out of gratitude. But Evelyn Kingsley?" Her manicured fingers tapped the armrest. "She doesn't suffer fools."

Her glacial stare could've flash-frozen the Mediterranean. Julian actually shivered.

Desperation clawed at his chest as he advanced again. One razor-sharp glare from Evelyn pinned him in place like a butterfly specimen.

"You're still the same woman beneath the Kingsley name!" Julian's voice cracked. "How can paperwork erase everything between us?"

"The moment those divorce papers were signed, Evelyn Carter ceased to exist." Her crimson lips twisted. "Neither you nor Nathan deserve space in my life. Save your charm for someone impressionable, Mr. Montgomery. I'm immune."

"What did I do wrong?" Julian's knuckles whitened around his car keys. "Just tell me how to fix this!"

A dangerous glint entered Evelyn's eyes. "Let's discuss Eleanor Blackwood's birthday party, shall we?"

Julian's tan complexion paled to parchment. The memory flooded back - Eleanor's drugged state, her feverish skin beneath his palms, the way she'd clung to him in the moonlit gardens...

"That wasn't—"

"Save it." Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "The Blackwoods had staff everywhere that night. You could've called for help instead of playing hero with your zipper."

Julian's Armani shirt clung to his damp back. "She initiated everything! I stopped before—"

"Eleanor's not some club floozy you can use and discard." Evelyn's voice dropped to a lethal purr. "That fragile girl sees you as Prince Charming. And you treated her like another notch on your bedpost."

The fight drained from Julian's posture. He recognized that look - the same one boardroom rivals saw before Evelyn dismantled them.

"Unlike your usual conquests, Eleanor actually believes in love." Evelyn rose, smoothing her pencil skirt. "Now get out before I have security remove you. Theodore?"

"Evelyn, please!"

Julian lunged forward—

And found himself staring down the gleaming blade of a custom Damascus steel stiletto pressed against his jugular.