Chapter 412

Leonard checked his watch and frowned.

At this time of day? He knew Nathan wasn't home, and dinner was nearly ready. Why would Julian show up unannounced?

"Leonard, don't overthink it," Penelope chided, looping her arm through his. "Julian doesn’t visit often. Maybe he’s here for Cassandra."

Leonard’s brows shot up. "Cassandra and Julian?"

"You’ve been too buried in work to notice," Penelope said with a playful poke to his arm. "Cassandra has had feelings for him for ages."

Leonard was stunned. "She never mentioned it."

"Girls don’t just announce these things," Penelope replied, feigning embarrassment for their daughter.

Leonard’s expression turned serious. "Cassandra is my eldest. Her marriage must align with our family’s interests. She deserves the best Crestview has to offer."

Penelope nodded. "The Montgomerys are one of the most influential families in the city. Julian is Archibald’s only heir—his uncle is too old to produce one. The empire will be his soon enough."

She had it all mapped out. "Besides, he and Nathan are close. A union between our families would strengthen ties."

Leonard’s frown eased.

Julian might have a reputation as a playboy, but that was typical for young men of his status. Once he settled down, he’d focus on family. And with Cassandra by his side, she’d keep him in line.

Julian lounged in the Blackwood living room, perfectly at ease.

He’d spent countless childhood afternoons at Cliffside Manor with Nathan. Pouring himself a drink, he didn’t bother waiting for the staff.

"Julian, what brings you here?" Leonard appeared, though he usually left socializing to Penelope.

After their earlier conversation, though, he felt he should make an appearance.

"Apologies for dropping in unannounced, Uncle Leonard," Julian said smoothly.

"We were just about to have dinner. Won’t you join us?" Penelope offered.

Julian shook his head. "I won’t stay long." He set his glass down. "Is Cassandra home? I need to speak with her."

Leonard and Penelope exchanged a glance.

Cassandra had been avoiding Julian lately, per her mother’s advice to play hard to get.

She hadn’t expected it to work so well—now he was here, seeking her out.

Her heart pounded as she entered the room.

"You wanted to see me, Julian?"

He took a slow sip of his drink. "Yes."

Cassandra sat across from him, feigning shyness. "What is it?"

His gaze turned icy. "Do you have anything to say about what happened at Velvet last night?"

Her stomach dropped. "What do you mean?"

"Eleanor never leaves the house. So how did her teddy bear end up dumped at my club?"

Julian’s fingers tapped against his glass. "You crossed a line, Cassandra."

Her face paled.

"You’ve got it all wrong," she stammered, eyes welling with tears.

Julian scoffed. "Eleanor didn’t cry when you humiliated her. Why are you?"

He stood, done with her theatrics. "Two things. One—stay away from Evelyn. If you target her again, you’ll regret it. Two—keep your distance from Zoe. She’s innocent. I won’t let you corrupt her."

Without another word, he walked out.

The door slammed shut.

Cassandra collapsed onto the floor, trembling.