Chapter 359

Julian Montgomery reserved the penthouse suite at the Blackwood Hotel, immediately instructing his assistant Yasmin to procure an elegant evening gown for Eleanor Blackwood to change into.

While Eleanor disappeared into the bedroom to dress, Julian lounged on the velvet sofa, his fingers drumming an impatient rhythm against his knee. Dressed in his signature black tuxedo, he looked every bit the dashing groom awaiting his bride's grand reveal.

The door clicked open moments later.

"Mr. Montgomery," Yasmin announced with a warm smile, "Miss Blackwood is ready."

Julian's head snapped up as Eleanor emerged shyly from the bedroom, transformed in a deep burgundy gown that accentuated her delicate frame. Her wide, innocent eyes held a hint of uncertainty that made his breath catch.

In his world of glamour and excess, Julian had encountered countless women, but never one whose gaze remained so untouched by cynicism.

His stare lingered a beat too long, coloring her cheeks pink.

"Honestly Yasmin," Julian chided without looking away from Eleanor's face, "burgundy? For someone her age? Shouldn't you have chosen something more youthful?" His tone carried mock disapproval. "After all these years working for me, I expected better taste."

Yasmin flushed, preparing to apologize when Eleanor spoke up.

"I actually love this color," she said with refreshing honesty. "But Julian, red really doesn't suit you. It makes you look..." She hesitated before finishing, "...like a shadow."

Yasmin's eyes widened in shock behind Eleanor.

Julian's expression darkened instantly. In all his years, only Evelyn Carter had dared criticize him so bluntly.

The man prided himself on his looks, considering himself second only to Nathan Blackwood in all of Crestview.

"Only because you're Nathan's sister will I let that slide," Julian muttered, his voice tight with irritation.

"Are you angry, Julian?" Eleanor asked with genuine concern, clutching her stuffed bear tighter. "If I said you look like a lump of charcoal in red, would you yell at me?"

Yasmin couldn't suppress a sudden laugh, quickly covering her mouth. The infamous Julian Montgomery, reduced to a lump of coal in this girl's eyes!

Julian's jaw dropped, his chest rising with indignant breaths. He moved toward Eleanor with deliberate steps, his imposing frame dwarfing her petite form.

Slowly bending down, he raised his hand. Eleanor squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact.

Instead, Julian's lips quirked into a smirk as he gently flicked her forehead. "You're right. I'm hitting you now. Did that hurt?"

Eleanor rubbed the spot and shook her head.

"Next time you insult me," Julian warned playfully, "I won't be so gentle."

Meanwhile, the banquet hall descended into chaos after Evelyn Carter's dramatic exit forced Nathan to intervene. With Isabella Wang whisked away and Nathan absent, Isabelle Montgomery watched her carefully laid plans unravel.

Frustrated, she drained two glasses of champagne before storming toward the grand piano on the dais.

Most guests continued mingling, oblivious to the seething woman until—

BANG!

Isabelle slammed both hands onto the keys in a discordant crash that silenced the room. Every head turned toward the stage, many wearing expressions of disapproval.