Chapter 474

Evelyn strode out without a backward glance. Every penny from the settlement would go to Hope Haven Foundation. Not a single cent would touch her hands.

Julian's lips twisted into a bitter smile as he watched her leave.

Her glacial beauty perfectly matched her merciless nature. Evelyn was the very definition of an ice queen.

While Evelyn returned to her office, Theodore escorted Julian to finalize the compensation details.

As Evelyn's legal counsel and personal secretary, Theodore had meticulously prepared the damages assessment. The astronomical sum made Julian's throat constrict.

This was the price for plagiarizing Alexa's designs.

Julian stared at the settlement agreement, his fingers tightening around the pen. The financial blow was substantial, but the humiliation cut deeper.

There had been a time when Julian harbored feelings for Evelyn. Though romance was never in their future, he'd hoped to remain friends. Hurting her was the last thing he'd wanted.

Now, any possibility of friendship had shattered beyond repair.

Isabelle sobbed hysterically all the way to the parking garage, playing the victim with theatrical flair.

"The actual victim didn't shed a single tear," Julian snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Why are you bawling when you caused this mess?"

He stormed ahead, leaving Isabelle struggling to keep pace in her designer heels.

"How can Evelyn demand $100 million?" Isabelle wailed, mascara streaking down her cheeks. "This is outright robbery!"

Julian whirled around, his expression thunderous. "Count yourself lucky, Isabelle. If I hadn't intervened, you'd be issuing a public apology to the press right now."

Isabelle paled at the thought.

"You're grounded indefinitely," Julian declared, yanking open his car door. "No leaving the estate without my permission. Use this time to reflect on your actions."

"You can't do this!" Isabelle shrieked, pounding her fists against the car window.

Julian remained unmoved, staring straight ahead as the driver pulled away. He'd been too lenient with his sister for far too long.

Left standing in the garage, Isabelle collapsed into dramatic tears until two female bodyguards forcibly escorted her to the waiting vehicle.

As the car carried her toward the Montgomery estate, her phone suddenly vibrated with an unknown caller ID.

"Who is this?" she sniffled, wiping her nose.

"Ms. Montgomery." The digitally distorted voice sent chills down her spine. "You must be devastated after today's humiliation. The man you adore won't even glance your way."

Isabelle's breath hitched. How did this stranger know her private affairs?

"What if I told you I could help you get everything you desire?" the voice purred. "Would you be... open to collaboration?"