Chapter 401

"Cheers to Mr. Montgomery! Long live Mr. Montgomery!"

"Hell yes! Julian's incredible! I need a Velvet Lounge membership ASAP!"

"Sign me up for a three-year membership renewal! Mr. Montgomery keeps his promises!"

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their excitement palpable in the air.

Natalia Montgomery's phone buzzed with a text from sales - tonight's revenue shattered all previous records since Velvet Lounge's grand opening.

Though Julian Montgomery came from old money, he was no spoiled heir.

What appeared as extravagant generosity tonight was actually a masterstroke of marketing. By treating every guest, he'd won public favor, boosted Velvet Lounge's prestige, and stimulated future spending - a triple victory.

"It's too extravagant..." Eleanor lowered her thick lashes, biting her plump lower lip in discomfort.

"What? Worried about my finances?" Julian arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow in amusement.

True, he'd spent a small fortune tonight. But the joy he felt was priceless. When was the last time he'd experienced such genuine happiness?

Julian couldn't determine whether his lavish display was to impress this intriguing girl or satisfy his own whims.

Eleanor blinked her doe-like eyes, giving a tiny nod.

"Ha! Fascinating." Julian chuckled. "Most women beg me to spend more on them. Yet here you are, distressed over my spending for your sake."

Turning, he leaned against the balcony railing, studying Eleanor's flushed cheeks. A roguish smile played on his lips. "Why? Planning to manage my finances someday, little one?"

The alcohol loosened his tongue, making him bolder than usual.

Standing so close, Eleanor could feel his warm breath caressing the shell of her ear. The sensation sent involuntary shivers down her spine.

She hunched her shoulders timidly. "I-I'm not a bank. I don't want to handle your money."

"Banks aren't the only ones who can manage my wealth, Eleanor." Julian's baritone voice dropped an octave as he reached out to toy with her silken strands. "Why didn't you keep those curls? Though I must say, this straight style suits you. Adorably so."

Eleanor's eyes reddened as she turned away, feeling mocked. "I don't like perms."

"You don't?" Genuine surprise colored his voice.

When her hair slipped through his fingers, an inexplicable emptiness settled in his chest.

"I don't like perms," Eleanor confessed softly, lifting her delicate face to meet his gaze. "But if you prefer it... I'll get one. You saved me tonight and found Mr. Snuggles... I'm grateful. I'll do whatever you wish."

"Whatever I wish?" Dark desire flared in Julian's eyes, his breathing growing ragged.

From any other woman, this would be a blatant invitation. But from Eleanor's innocent lips, he knew she meant every word literally.

"Mr. Montgomery."

A waiter entered with a crystal decanter of ruby-red wine and two glasses. "Compliments of Mr. Whitmore - a vintage from his Belvaux estate."

Julian nodded his approval. As the waiter departed, Eleanor's eyes sparkled at the sight of the wine, her pink tongue darting out to moisten her lips.

That telltale gesture didn't escape Julian's notice. "Care for a drink?" he offered with an amused smile.

"R-Really?" Her eyes widened like a child offered candy.

"Clearly you enjoy wine. That night in the garden-"

Julian's throat went dry as memories of their moonlit encounter surfaced. He forcibly pushed down the heat threatening to consume him.

Before he could finish, Eleanor had already poured the wine with surprising grace. She brought the glass to her nose, inhaling deeply like a curious kitten.

With practiced movements, she swirled the liquid, studying its legs and hue like a seasoned sommelier. Finally, she took a delicate sip, savoring each nuanced flavor with closed eyes.