Chapter 41
No.1
She hated nothing more than Julian's protective stance toward Evelyn.
Evelyn abruptly opened the car door and slid inside.
"You—" Melissa grabbed for the rear handle, finding it locked.
"Julian!" She rapped on the window.
He lowered it slightly. "Isn't your car parked over there?"
Evelyn waved through the glass. "Goodnight, senior."
In the rearview mirror, they watched Melissa hurl her handbag to the pavement.
No.2
......
Silence filled the car.
Julian chuckled unexpectedly. "You've grown bold."
Evelyn watched neon lights streak past the window. "I cared too much about others' opinions before."
She finally understood—no matter how carefully you tread, those who despise you will always find fault.
Better to live unapologetically.
"About Ryan Holt..." She turned to Julian.
No.3
"Wasn't me." He kept his eyes on the road. "I know you have your own plans."
Evelyn blinked.
This didn't align with Julian's usual approach.
He preferred supporting her from the sidelines, not taking over.
Then who?
The car stopped at her apartment complex.
Evelyn had barely stepped out when she felt piercing eyes upon her.
No.4
Alexander Kingsley leaned against a black Maybach, Isabella Winslow beside him wrapped in a silk shawl.
Evelyn turned to leave.
"Evelyn!" Isabella rushed forward. "I came to apologize... I've waited four hours..."
Evelyn paused. "Did I ask you to wait?"
Isabella's tearful eyes sought Alexander. "Alex..."
"Evelyn." Alexander's voice was glacial. "Isabella came to make amends."
"So?" Evelyn's laugh was brittle. "Her apology obligates me to accept it?"
No.5
Alexander frowned.
When had she become so confrontational?
"Evelyn, I truly didn't know about Ryan's contract..." Isabella's eyes welled up. "I've already terminated it..."
Julian exited the car. "Your affairs don't concern her."
He positioned himself before Evelyn like an impenetrable shield.
Isabella's tears froze mid-track.
Alexander's gaze turned murderous.
No.6
Under the night sky, tension crackled between the four like live wires.
"Shut up!" Alexander's knuckles turned white, veins bulging.
Julian's holier-than-thou attitude never failed to ignite his fury.
Always pretending to care about Evelyn, yet abandoning her when it mattered most.
Julian ignored the provocation.
He subtly shifted position, shielding Evelyn behind him.
She seized the chance to swipe her access card, disappearing into the apartment complex.
No.7
Their seamless coordination made Alexander's face darken.
The quicker she left, the cleaner the break.
Julian was right—they shouldn't disturb her life anymore.
After leaving Royal Gardens, even the air smelled fresher. Isabella had transformed from a loathsome rival to a ridiculous clown.
Julian feared she might look back...
What pointless worry.
Golden afternoon light filtered through sheer curtains.