Chapter 406

The tires shrieked against the pavement as Nathan watched Evelyn whip the Bugatti into the parking spot with terrifying precision.

Theodore couldn't help but smirk in admiration.

Evelyn flung the car door open, her dark hair still damp from the shower. Her usually composed face was twisted with fury.

"Where is that bastard Julian hiding?"

"The penthouse suite," Theodore answered, lowering his voice. "Top floor. Only one suite up there—so you won’t disturb other guests while you... handle things."

"Good."

Minutes later, Evelyn stormed down the hallway, her stilettos clicking like gunshots against the marble floor. Theodore trailed behind, half-convinced she was about to catch a cheating spouse rather than rescue Eleanor.

"Open it."

"Yes, Miss Carter."

Theodore swiped the master key. Before he could even step aside, Evelyn kicked the door with such force the hinges groaned in protest.

"Julian Montgomery! Get your disgusting ass out here NOW!"

Her voice echoed through the suite like a war cry.

Julian emerged from the bedroom, still dripping wet. His bare torso glistened under the chandelier light, a towel hanging precariously low on his hips.

Theodore inhaled sharply. One wrong move, and that towel would be on the floor—along with whatever dignity Julian had left.

"Evelyn?" Julian's face lit up with genuine surprise. "Damn, if I knew you were coming, I would’ve dressed up—or stayed naked. You tell me which you prefer." He flashed a roguish grin.

Evelyn didn’t answer.

Instead, she crossed the distance between them in three strides.

SMACK!

SMACK!

SMACK!

Three brutal slaps echoed through the suite. Julian staggered back, his cheek flaming red, his expression a mix of shock and betrayal.

"You—you hit me?" His voice cracked. "Three times?"

Theodore winced. He wasn’t sure if he should be more concerned about Julian’s face or Evelyn’s hand.

"Damn right I did!" Evelyn hissed, flexing her stinging palm. "Did I not warn you? Eleanor is like a sister to me! Are the women in this city not enough for you? Did you really think it was acceptable to prey on my friend’s sister?"

"No! Evelyn, listen—" Julian’s voice was desperate, but she cut him off.

"I misjudged you, Julian. You’re worse than filth."

The words hit Julian like a knife. His eyes darkened, his jaw clenched.

Then—

"What the hell did you do to Eleanor?"

A cold, lethal voice cut through the tension.

Evelyn turned to see Nathan striding toward them, his usually immaculate appearance disheveled, his eyes burning with quiet rage.

She frowned. Why did he look like he’d just crawled out of a coal mine?

"Nathan!" Julian whirled toward him, pointing at his swollen cheek. "Your ex-wife just assaulted me! She accused me of something I didn’t do—control her!"

Nathan’s gaze flicked between them, unreadable. Then, with a faint sigh, he met Evelyn’s furious glare.

"I don’t control her," he said simply. "No one does."