Chapter 468

The insult had come from Julian's beloved sister.

Though fury burned within him, Julian couldn't bring himself to punish Isabelle severely.

The conflict tore at him, leaving him fractured and adrift.

"Are you on your period?" Nathan's voice was cool as he flicked cigarette ash. "You're not acting like yourself. What's wrong?"

Julian exhaled heavily. "The forged necklace Isabella gave to Ada was supplied by Isabelle."

Nathan's expression darkened, his emotions carefully masked. He said nothing.

Julian frowned. "You don't seem surprised."

"I suspected as much," Nathan replied.

Julian's chest tightened. "Nathan, my sister—"

"Since we're on the subject," Nathan interrupted, taking a slow drag, "your sister was also the one who tipped off the press about Evelyn at the charity event."

Julian went pale. His lips trembled before he managed to whisper, "I'm sorry, Nathan."

"The apology shouldn't come from you," Nathan said coldly. "It should come from your sister. She owes Evelyn an apology."

Calling Evelyn his ex-wife still stung.

"Isabelle is twenty-two," Julian said hoarsely. "I know I shouldn't excuse her behavior as youthful ignorance—"

He swallowed hard. "But we grew up with her. She's stubborn, impulsive. She doesn't always think before she acts, but she doesn’t mean harm. Isabella was a bad influence, and I spoiled her. This is my fault."

Nathan was silent for a long moment before cutting to the chase. "So what are you going to do about it? How will you make this right for Evelyn?"

Julian's breath hitched.

Nathan was merciless, unforgiving. He never left room for compromise.

Even if Isabelle was Julian's sister, Nathan wouldn't tolerate her hurting someone he cared about.

"I'll take her to apologize to Evelyn tomorrow."

"Is that all?"

"She's my sister, Nathan," Julian pleaded. "It's her first offense. Can you let this go, for me?"

Nathan stood, his voice icy. "I'll go with you tomorrow."

Julian stiffened. "Why? Do you think I’d side with her and cause trouble for Evelyn? I would never—"

"No." Nathan's gaze was sharp. "I'm worried you might get stabbed."

Julian was speechless.

It stung that Nathan knew about Evelyn holding a knife to his throat.

"I haven't seen her in a while," Nathan murmured, his expression softening. "I want to see her."

He moved toward the door.

Julian stopped him. "You haven't answered my question, Nathan."

Nathan paused.

"We've been friends for years," Julian pressed. "Can we move past this? I'll make Isabelle apologize. The Montgomery Group will compensate Evelyn for the copyright infringement."

Nathan turned, his presence chilling. "Julian, if it were your sister in Evelyn's place, could you forgive such an attack? Would you let it go?"

Julian had no answer.

"We've been friends for over twenty years," Nathan said quietly. "So I won't pursue Isabelle for what she did."

His fists clenched.

"But this is her only chance."