Chapter 80

VELVET was an exclusive high-end club owned by Julian Montgomery.

That evening, Nathan Blackwood felt unusually melancholic. For the first time in months, he reached out to Julian for drinks.

Julian personally drove to pick him up. Since childhood, Nathan had rarely initiated their hangouts.

"Sometimes I feel like your secret lover," Julian whispered into Nathan's ear. To the world, he was an untouchable business tycoon, but around Nathan, he became a chatty companion.

"I've never been this way with women, yet with you..." Julian sighed dramatically. "I drop everything when you call. What an excellent friend I am! I'm moved by my own devotion!"

Nathan gave him an icy glare. "You're quite clingy with Evelyn too."

"Well, she's exceptional! Any man would be captivated." Julian grinned.

Nathan's eyebrow twitched. He pressed his lips together, resisting the urge to curse.

Just then, two stunning women walked by, one boldly winking at Julian.

Julian licked his teeth appreciatively. "Not as alluring as her though."

"Who? Your ex-wife?" Nathan deadpanned.

Julian's eyes nearly popped out. "Damn! Nathan Blackwood, are you telling me you're no longer a virgin? I thought yours was just a contractual marriage with Evelyn! Typical man - all lies!" He smirked. "Though with a beauty like Evelyn by your side, I'd be surprised if you remained chaste."

Nathan stiffened, gripping his whiskey glass tightly.

For a fleeting moment, it felt like he'd actually seen Evelyn's naked form, touched her intimately.

"I never laid a hand on her," Nathan growled, cheeks warming. He took another gulp of alcohol.

Damn it! Why was he having such inappropriate thoughts about that woman?

After several rounds, Julian grew serious. "Nathan, there's something I've always wondered."

"What?"

"Why Victoria Sterling?"

Julian slung an arm around Nathan's shoulders. "Today proved how vicious those women were toward Evelyn! Had Cassandra not testified, Evelyn would've taken the blame. Doesn't that bother you?"

Nathan's gaze grew distant, lost in memories.

"My mother jumped to her death," he revealed hoarsely. "Depression from my father's neglect and society's cruelty. Those were my darkest days." He unclasped his platinum watch, exposing a long, jagged scar. "I tried following her."

Julian inhaled sharply, heart aching. This was Nathan's most guarded secret, shared for the first time in twenty years.

"Victoria found me in time," Nathan continued. "She became my only light - bringing homemade treats, inviting me over, sharing her toys. I promised to marry her someday. That vow stands."

Julian finally understood Nathan's obsession. "But people change, Nathan. The Victoria you knew might not exist anymore. Must you honor a childhood promise if she's become someone unrecognizable? Gratitude shouldn't blind you to morality."

Nathan fastened his watch, expression darkening.

Evelyn's tear-filled eyes flashed in his mind - so clear, so painfully honest. His chest constricted, but he simply drank deeper.

"You're impossibly stubborn," Julian sighed. "I suppose the only woman who matters more than Victoria is that little sparrow you've been searching for, yes?"

Nathan's entire demeanor shifted at the mention. "Have you found her?"

"Like you, I've had investigators searching. But your clues are too vague - you never even saw her face properly. It's like finding a needle in a haystack." Julian shrugged.

Nathan's hope dimmed. Five years of searching for the slender girl who'd dragged him across the Eldermere battlefield to safety.

"Will I ever see her again?" he murmured.

"If you do, how would you treat her?"

"Repay her, of course. She saved my life."

Julian smirked. "What if she wants your heart too? Would you pledge yourself to this mystery woman like you did Victoria?"

"Gratitude isn't love," Nathan stated firmly. "They shouldn't be confused."

"Ah, so you do understand that distinction." Julian's tone held subtle mockery as he clinked their glasses.

Later, their chauffeurs waited outside VELVET with luxury cars. Just before parting, Nathan voiced the question burning all night.

"Julian... why wouldn't Evelyn defend herself if she's innocent? Why take the blame?"

Julian yawned. "Maybe she just doesn't care anymore."

"About what?"

"You're divorced. Why would she care what you or your family think? After how you treated her, if I were Evelyn, I'd have hired someone to break your legs."

With that, Julian disappeared into his car.

Nathan's fists clenched until his knuckles whitened. An invisible noose seemed to tighten around his throat, stealing his breath.