Chapter 358
"Did I go too hard on them?" Julian murmured, his piercing gaze sharpening as he studied Eleanor's reaction.
Eleanor glanced down at her trembling hands and gave a hesitant nod.
"Honestly, I still think I went too easy."
Seeing her vulnerable expression, Julian instinctively reached out to ruffle her hair. "You're Nathan's little sister. No one gets to treat you like that." His voice softened. "I held back only because I didn't want to scare you."
The warmth. The comfort. Eleanor felt Julian's fingers threading through her damp locks and couldn't suppress the small, contented sigh that escaped her lips.
At that exact moment, Cassandra emerged from the banquet hall, her eyes widening at the scene before her. Her docile half-sister had somehow managed to sneak all the way here?
"That little witch!" Cassandra's nails dug into her palms. "One moment out of my sight and she's already throwing herself at Julian. How dare she!"
Blind rage threatened to consume her, but Cassandra forced herself to pause when she noticed Julian still standing there. Months of observing Victoria had taught her patience. She wouldn't risk alienating the man she coveted. Instead, she melted into the shadows, watching them with venomous eyes.
Julian took in Eleanor's disheveled state - the soaked dress clinging to her frame, the mud splattered across her hemline. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his tailored burgundy blazer and draped it over her shoulders. From her hiding spot, Cassandra nearly choked on her fury, her face contorting with barely contained jealousy.
"What happened? Didn't your driver bring you?" Julian's brow furrowed with concern.
"I... I came alone. No one knows I'm here," Eleanor admitted quietly.
"Alone?" Julian's frown deepened.
"Mr..."
Eleanor didn't recognize him. The memory of their moonlit kiss during Reginald's birthday celebration had long faded from her traumatized mind.
"Eleanor, I'm Julian Montgomery. Your brother's closest friend." His lips curved into a warm smile. "Just call me Julian."
"Julian... Julian?!"
The name struck her like a thunderbolt. This was the Julian Cassandra constantly raged about? The same man whose name was always followed by threats and violence?
Fear coiled in her stomach, but Julian remained oblivious. Instead, he firmly grasped her chilled fingers. "Let me arrange for fresh clothes."
"N-no, that's not necessary—"
"Don't be shy. Your brother and I are practically family." His grip tightened as he guided her forward. "Come, let's get you sorted."
"Julian, wait."
Being led by a near-stranger unsettled her, yet she lacked the courage to resist. Gathering her frayed nerves, she squeezed his hand slightly. "Do you... treat Cassandra this way too? She's also Nathan's sister."
Julian's expression darkened momentarily before softening into a dazzling smile meant only for her. "No. This is special. Just for you."
Every word pierced Cassandra like daggers. From her concealed vantage point, her glare could have melted steel, her hatred for Eleanor burning brighter than ever.