Chapter 403

The flickering crimson lights cast dancing shadows over their entangled figures.

Eleanor's slender frame trembled slightly in Julian's embrace. She remained passive, yet her innocent reactions only fueled Julian's reckless desire.

The alcohol coursing through his veins stripped away his restraint.

Eleanor gasped as Julian's towering form pressed her down.

Her limp body sank into the plush sofa cushions.

Julian's breathing grew ragged. His lips never left hers, devouring her with hungry kisses.

A sultry jazz melody floated from the stage.

"Heaven is in your eyes, bright as the stars were under..."

Julian kissed her until her thoughts scattered. Her luminous eyes glazed over with desire.

"Mmm..."

His gaze burned with primal hunger—like a starved predator finally tasting its prey.

Even intoxicated, a sliver of awareness reminded him—Eleanor was his best friend's sister.

At the last possible moment, he wrenched himself away.

"You...you..." Eleanor's dazed whisper trailed off, her mind too foggy to form coherent words.

That kiss had intoxicated her more than any liquor.

"Just testing your little theory," Julian murmured, his whiskey-rough voice laced with dark amusement. "About women's...natural inclinations."

"Do I...seem inclined?" Her eyelids grew impossibly heavy.

Julian brushed his lips against her forehead. "Sleep, little rose. I'll give you the answer tomorrow."

The vivacious girl from moments ago now lay pliant in his arms, succumbing to exhaustion.

The singer's velvet voice wove through her fading consciousness:

"Why stop to think of whether this little dream might fade..."

CRASH!

The door exploded inward as Isabelle Montgomery stormed into the VIP lounge.

Disheveled socialites scrambled apart like startled birds. Women shrieked and clung to their companions.

"Who the hell—?" A bleary-eyed man pointed accusingly.

Julian had kept his sister sheltered. Isabelle's years abroad meant few in Crestview recognized the Montgomery heiress.

Fury radiated from Isabelle in waves. Without a word, she snatched a champagne bottle and smashed it across the nearest man's head.

Glass shattered. Screams erupted.

"You disgusting pigs!" Isabelle's murderous glare promised violence.

"Crazy bitch!" Two men lunged forward.

"Gentlemen." Julian's icy voice cut through the chaos as he emerged from the terrace, cradling a sleeping Eleanor. "Are you harassing my baby sister?"

The room froze.

"Sister?!"