Chapter 399
Julian's heart ached when he heard Eleanor's quiet sobs.
His throat tightened with an unexpected surge of emotion.
The tears glistening on Eleanor's cheeks sent waves of tenderness through him.
For a moment, Julian forgot how she had fled from him the last time they met.
"Evelyn?" His voice was soft as he brushed away her tears with his rough fingertips. "Evelyn gave you the bear?"
Eleanor nodded quickly, her nose tinged pink.
"Where did you lose it? Here?"
Another small nod, her eyes still shimmering with unshed tears.
"Don't worry, I'll help you find it."
Julian took her delicate hand and led her toward the stage, drawing every eye in the club.
A warm, golden spotlight followed them, casting an intimate glow.
Eleanor kept her gaze lowered, but she couldn't resist stealing glances at him.
Despite his stern expression, he was breathtakingly handsome.
His sharp jawline and piercing eyes were unlike anyone else's.
She bit her lip, memorizing every detail of his face.
"Stop the music."
Julian's command cut through the noise, silencing the room instantly.
Isabelle and Cassandra were too absorbed in their revelry to notice—until someone nudged them.
Isabelle shot up from the couch, her face twisting in fury.
The sudden outburst startled everyone around her.
When Cassandra saw Julian holding Eleanor's hand, her chest tightened with rage.
Was he publicly declaring his affection for that girl?
Her mind screamed. Eleanor! If you think you can take what's mine, you'll regret it!
"What is this?!" Isabelle hissed, summoning her bodyguard. "I told you to watch her! How did she end up with my brother?!"
"Ms. Isabelle, I—I didn't expect Mr. Julian to be here tonight. She was running around, and—"
"Useless!"
Isabelle lashed out, but her kick missed, sending her stumbling to the floor.
Cassandra and her friends stifled laughter.
On stage, Julian's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Let's play a game," he announced. "My sister lost her teddy bear here tonight."
The screen behind him displayed a photo of the stuffed animal.
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Sister? I thought Mr. Montgomery only had one sister—the pianist prodigy."
"More like a secret lover. Since when does he call random girls 'sister'?"
"She looks like a child! Is she even legal?"
"Rich men love them young and innocent."
Eleanor's cheeks burned. She tried to pull away, but Julian's grip was unyielding.
"Whoever finds this bear tonight," he continued, "gets their expenses at Velvet covered for a year."
The crowd erupted in excitement.
A countdown appeared on the screen.
"Five, four, three, two, one—begin!"
Julian watched with satisfaction as the guests scattered in search of the toy.
Eleanor stared in awe, her lips slightly parted.
Julian's gaze darkened as he studied her expression.
"Come," he murmured. "We'll wait in my private room. They'll find it soon."