Chapter 34

Julian Montgomery arrived at the Monarch Grand Hotel's restaurant with his latest fling.

The moment their appetizers arrived, his date immediately pulled out her phone to photograph the artfully arranged dishes.

"Put that damn phone away," Julian snapped, his fingers drumming impatiently on the linen tablecloth. "Are you some starving peasant who's never seen truffle risotto before?"

His date's face flushed crimson as she shoved the device back into her designer purse, her appetite clearly ruined.

As dessert was being cleared, the restaurant's maître d' approached with practiced professionalism. "Mr. Montgomery, was everything to your satisfaction this evening?"

"The wagyu was acceptable," Julian remarked, dabbing his lips with a napkin. "Though the sommelier could stand to learn proper decanting techniques."

His companion chose that moment to slam her fork down with unnecessary force. "That filet was like chewing leather! And the wine tasted like vinegar!"

Julian's expression darkened dangerously, his knuckles whitening around his water glass.

The maître d' maintained perfect composure. "Your feedback is invaluable, madam. We'll certainly review our preparation methods. My deepest apologies for the disappointment."

"Don't waste your breath," Julian drawled, eyeing his date with open contempt. "She couldn't distinguish Kobe beef from dog food if her life depended on it."

His date shrank in her seat, too intimidated to respond.

With deliberate theatrics, Julian produced his alligator-skin wallet and tossed a thick stack of hundreds onto the table. The crisp bills fanned out like playing cards.

In Crestview's cashless society, only old-money eccentrics like Julian still carried physical currency.

"Consider this compensation for enduring her theatrics," Julian said, leaning forward with sudden intensity. "Now tell me - does an Evelyn Carter work at this establishment?"

The maître d' didn't so much as glance at the money. "Monarch Grand employees are strictly prohibited from accepting gratuities, sir. As for your inquiry, we have no staff member by that name."

Julian's smirk faltered. "That's impossible." His voice took on an edge. "I saw her unloading supplies at the service entrance not two hours ago. Check your damn records before lying to me."

"With all due respect, Mr. Montgomery," the maître d' replied smoothly, "having managed this restaurant for eighteen years, I'm quite familiar with every employee. The woman you describe doesn't exist in our system."

As the maître d' retreated, Julian's brooding was interrupted by a vision in emerald silk gliding through the restaurant doors.

Evelyn Carter moved with effortless grace, her posture perfect despite the simple hotel uniform. Her eyes briefly widened at spotting Julian, but her expression quickly schooled into professional neutrality.

Though married to Nathan Blackwood for three years, Evelyn might as well have been a ghost for all the recognition she'd received. No social introductions, no public appearances - just gilded isolation in Cliffside Manor.

Julian knew better than most how close Nathan guarded his inner circle. The fact that Julian remained Nathan's closest confidant despite their polar opposite personalities spoke volumes.

Evelyn's relief at the empty restaurant was palpable. One "Mrs. Blackwood" from a passing employee would shatter her carefully constructed anonymity.

Julian's gaze tracked Evelyn like a predator sighting prey. His date noticed the shift immediately, her manicured nails digging into the tablecloth.

There was no mistaking the hunger in Julian's stare - a look he'd never bestowed upon her.

Evelyn ordered an espresso before settling at a corner table, scrolling through her phone with studied indifference.

"Evelyn!" Julian called, already striding toward her. "Fancy meeting you here for lunch."

She glanced up, her eyes cool. "Just my break. I work here now."

Julian's lips quirked. Of course he knew. He'd had her followed since the divorce papers were signed. But her blunt admission intrigued him - most women would've invented some elaborate cover story.

"Tsk tsk," he chided, perching on the edge of her table. "Sebastian should be keeping a treasure like you in penthouse luxury, not slumming it in hotel service. What kind of brother forces his sister to work like some common laborer?"

Evelyn's laugh was sharp enough to draw blood. "Kept woman? Nathan had me under house arrest for three years. I've had my fill of gilded cages, Mr. Montgomery."

Julian actually recoiled at her venom.

"After leaving Nathan," Evelyn continued, voice steely, "I vowed to build my own life. No more depending on Kingsley money or Blackwood influence. Sebastian's giving me this chance to stand on my own two feet - something you spoiled trust fund babies would never understand."

Julian opened his mouth, then closed it with an awkward chuckle.

"Your companion looks ready to stab me with a butter knife," Evelyn observed dryly. "Perhaps you should return to your date before she files harassment charges?"

Julian waved a dismissive hand. "That gold-digger? Please. If I married every woman I've slept with, I'd have more ex-wives than the Sultan of Brunei."