Chapter 413

Julian wasn't in a rush to leave after stepping out of the lounge. Instead, he lingered in the corridor, his footsteps slow and deliberate.

He appeared to be taking a casual stroll, but his mind was working overtime.

Julian's sharp eyes scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of that small, timid figure with her perpetually lowered gaze.

He wasn't a saint.

But there was something about that fragile girl that tugged at his heartstrings.

"Young Master Julian? What are you doing here?" Agnes hurried toward him, her expression a mix of surprise and suspicion.

"Uh—well—" Julian fumbled for words, his usual confidence faltering. Finally, he steeled himself and asked, "Agnes, where is Eleanor's room?"

Agnes's eyes widened in disbelief.

Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined Julian seeking out Eleanor.

"What do you want with her, Young Master Julian? Miss Eleanor isn't comfortable around strangers. Don't frighten her."

Julian frowned. "Agnes, you've known me since I was a boy. I grew up with Nathan."

"If you ask me, you and Young Master Nathan are fine," Agnes said, giving a thumbs-up. Then she added pointedly, "But you with women?" She gave a thumbs-down.

Julian groaned and rubbed his temples.

It took considerable effort—and a fair amount of groveling—for Julian to convince Agnes he wasn't up to no good. Finally, she relented and led him to Eleanor's room.

"I'll stand guard outside. Make it quick before someone sees you here," Agnes warned, planting herself firmly in front of the door.

Julian rolled his eyes. "We're not committing a crime, Agnes. Relax."

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

Agnes's indignant voice carried through the wood. "You little rascal! Watch your tone with me!"

Julian's breath caught as he took in Eleanor's room.

While Cassandra's quarters dripped with extravagant luxury, Eleanor's space was starkly minimalist. Beyond the manor's basic furnishings, there were no personal touches—nothing to suggest this was her home.

A faint scratching sound drew his attention toward the bedroom. Julian moved silently, his curiosity piqued.

The door was slightly ajar. He slipped inside unnoticed.

Eleanor sat hunched over a wide desk, her slender back to him as she sketched intently.

Julian's pulse quickened as he crept closer, peering over her shoulder.

His heart stuttered.

With delicate precision, Eleanor was drawing a portrait—and the subject was unmistakably him.

"Finished." Eleanor set down her pencil and admired her work with a small, satisfied smile.

"When were you planning to give that to me?"

"Ah!"

Eleanor shrieked and nearly toppled out of her chair. She scrambled to cover the drawing, but Julian was faster.

With a smirk, he snatched it away.

"G-Give it back!" Her cheeks flushed crimson as she stretched on her tiptoes, trying in vain to reclaim it.

Julian held it just out of reach, towering over her. Undeterred, Eleanor grabbed his collar and attempted to climb him like a tree.

"Cough! Let go! You're choking me!"

Gasping for air, Julian finally bent and hoisted her onto the desk just to breathe again.

"Give it back! It's mine!" Eleanor's eyes shimmered with frustrated tears.

"You drew me," Julian countered, his voice dropping low. "That means you've already given me the rights to it."

Their eyes locked, and the air between them crackled.

"Be honest, Eleanor—why not just give it to me?"

Her blush deepened. In her fluster, she yanked his collar harder.

Julian lost his balance.

With a startled gasp, he crashed into her, their lips a hair's breadth apart.

"Ah—that tickles."

Eleanor turned her face away as Julian's warm breath fanned across her skin.

Her heart hammered wildly.

Julian froze, fighting the heat pooling in his gut. With great effort, he pushed himself upright.

His breathing was ragged, his pupils dilated.

Though legally an adult, Eleanor looked heartbreakingly small curled up on the desk.

She hid half her face behind her knees and stretched out a hand.

"Give it back."