Chapter 35

Julian Montgomery's mesmerizing gaze darkened as he tilted his head slightly. "Let's have dinner tonight. I'll pick you up from work." His voice was smooth, laced with confidence. "Name the restaurant—anywhere you want."

Evelyn Carter crossed her arms, irritation flashing in her eyes. "I have a boyfriend, Mr. Montgomery."

A smirk played on Julian's lips. "I don't care if you had an ex-husband, let alone a boyfriend."

Julian had never been one to conform to society's expectations. He pursued what—or rather, who—he wanted without hesitation.

"If you're worried about being seen," he continued smoothly, "we can go to my private villa. My personal chef rivals Michelin-starred talent. Consider it an exclusive dining experience."

Evelyn arched a brow, her thoughts sharp. Where the hell is my coffee?

If she had it in her hands right now, she'd throw it straight in his face—maybe that would snap him out of his delusion.

Just then, Julian's phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen—Nathan Blackwood.

"Excuse me," he said smoothly, stepping away.

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll. Good riddance.

The moment Julian disappeared, her coffee finally arrived.

She barely had time to take a sip before Julian's date—some socialite with too much perfume and not enough self-awareness—strutted up to her.

The woman hadn't heard Julian's earlier conversation with Evelyn. All she knew was that Evelyn was the employee Julian had been asking about.

Her lips curled in disdain. How dare this nobody catch Julian Montgomery's attention?

"Listen here," she hissed, leaning in. "If you know what's good for you, stay away from Mr. Montgomery. Unless you want to lose your job."

Evelyn wrinkled her nose, waving a hand in front of her face. The woman's perfume was suffocating.

Does Julian have no sense of smell?

Evelyn didn't even bother looking at her. "And if I don't?"

"I'll file a complaint. You'll be out on the street by tomorrow."

Evelyn finally met her gaze, a slow smirk forming. "Oh? On what grounds? That you're upset he spoke to me?"

The woman's face flushed crimson. "You—!"

"Go ahead," Evelyn said coolly. "Submit it. I'm sure the only response you'll get is a recommendation to see a therapist."

"Bitch!"

The woman's jealousy boiled over. In a flash, she lunged for Evelyn's coffee, intending to humiliate her.

But Evelyn was faster.

Splash.

A sharp gasp echoed through the café as the scalding liquid hit the woman's face.

Her makeup melted, her designer dress ruined. She stood frozen, lips trembling in shock.

Evelyn calmly picked up a napkin, dabbing a stray drop of coffee from her own hand. Then she smiled—bright, lethal.

"I knew one of us was walking away hurt. So I made sure it wasn't me."

Julian answered the call in the hallway. "Nathan. What's up?"

"It's your mother's birthday in two days," Nathan said without preamble. "Come help me pick a gift. I have no idea what to get her."

Julian chuckled. "She adores you. You could hand her a weed from the sidewalk, and she'd frame it. Just grab anything."

"No. Come with me tonight."

"Can't. I have plans."

"Reschedule."

Julian clicked his tongue. "I already told her I'd take her to dinner. Standing her up isn't an option."

He hesitated. Maybe he should be honest. He wasn't the type to sneak around.

Taking a breath, he said firmly, "I won't lie to you. I'm interested in Evelyn."

Silence.

Dead, heavy silence.

Julian frowned, checking his screen to make sure the call hadn't dropped.

Then Nathan's voice came through—icy, dangerous.

"Are you with Evelyn right now?"