Chapter 244

Julian Montgomery had arranged to meet Nathan Blackwood at a newly opened high-end karaoke lounge in Crestview.

Inside the exclusive VVIP suite, Julian ordered an extravagant selection of premium wines. Gripping a bottle in one hand, he attempted to belt out Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, completely butchering the iconic melody.

Nathan sat on the plush crimson velvet sofa, swirling a glass of whiskey with effortless elegance. His posture was regal, as if he were presiding over a throne rather than a dimly lit karaoke room.

The flickering neon lights cast shifting shadows across the space, but even in the darkness, Nathan’s commanding presence was impossible to ignore.

"We both know I'm not what you need— And I— Will always love you— I will always love you—"

Nathan’s jaw tightened, his fingers clenching around the glass so hard it nearly shattered.

Only someone with an unbreakable bond could endure Julian’s off-key wailing, which sounded more like a distressed donkey than a human voice.

Julian finished his performance with a dramatic, ear-splitting crescendo, while Nathan took a stiff sip of whiskey, his expression unreadable.

"Bro— Burp!"

Julian staggered over, collapsing onto the sofa beside Nathan and slinging an arm around his shoulders.

"Bro, how was that? Still got the pipes, right?"

Nathan arched a brow and sidestepped, letting Julian face-plant into the cushions.

"Yes. Astonishing how one man can sound like an entire herd of dying donkeys."

"Screw you!" Julian groaned, rubbing his face. "No wonder Evelyn divorced you. That mouth of yours could send a saint into early menopause."

"Evelyn?"

Nathan’s gaze sharpened, his voice dropping dangerously low. "I thought you were heartbroken. Or did you forget you two are practically strangers now?"

Julian choked on his drink. "Damn it, man. You really know how to twist the knife."

He exhaled heavily, swirling his wine before slamming the bottle onto the table.

"I admit it—your ex-wife is the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever met. I messed up from the start, and now I’ve lost my shot. But I still don’t get it—what’s so special about you that she gave up being the Monarch Group heiress? That she stayed anonymous for three years just to be your wife in name only?"

His voice turned bitter. "Sure, you’re good-looking, but that’s not enough. You treated her like dirt, and she still didn’t leave. And in the end, you were the one who kicked her out."

"Julian," Nathan warned, his fist clenching.

"No, I’m not done!"

Julian’s eyes burned with frustration, his words slurring slightly from the alcohol. "I don’t understand! Were you two lovers in a past life or something? Why would she endure so much humiliation—carry so much weight—just for you*?"*

Even Nathan didn’t have an answer.

That was why he had stopped Evelyn at Cliffside Manor—to demand the truth.

This mystery had become an obsession. Ever since discovering her real identity at his grandfather’s birthday gala, sleep had been elusive.

Nathan’s throat tightened. Before he could respond, Julian let out a hollow laugh.

"Nathan, I’ll admit—I’ve been reckless with women before. But this time, with Evelyn… I was serious. And I keep thinking—why couldn’t I have met her sooner?"

Nathan remained silent, his gaze darkening.

"If I had, I would’ve told her to stay the hell away from you. She’d have been better off."

Nathan’s patience snapped. He shot Julian a glare sharp enough to kill.

Meanwhile, Arabella Kingsley’s mood had lifted the moment she saw her sister. She insisted on treating Evelyn to dinner.

Unable to refuse, Evelyn chose a modest sushi bar, deliberately picking the most affordable dishes.

Though the food was mediocre, the sisters laughed freely, downing glass after glass of sake. Theodore Winslow, Evelyn’s ever-loyal assistant, played bartender, refilling their cups without complaint—though he barely touched his own meal.

Still, seeing the sisters so carefree made him smile.

After several bottles, they were pleasantly buzzed and decided to continue the night at a nearby karaoke bar.

Theodore was about to join when his phone rang—his brother informed him their mother’s heart condition had flared up. He had no choice but to leave.

"Theo, go. We’ll be fine," Evelyn assured him.

"Yes, don’t worry about us," Arabella added gently. "You’ve had a long day. Go take care of your mother, then rest. We’ll just sing a little and head home."

Theodore hesitated but finally nodded. "Call me if you need anything."

As he left, the sisters exchanged mischievous grins—tonight was theirs.