Chapter 775

No.1

"I'm afraid not," she declined without hesitation.

"Grandfather doesn't know we've broken up. His heart isn't strong—it's better to keep it from him on such an important day."

Disappointment crashed over Julian like a wave.

He simply acknowledged her words and fell silent.

The diamond ring in his pocket suddenly felt heavy against his skin.

After speaking with William Yearwood, he'd made up his mind.

After all these years...

No.2

He didn't want to wait any longer.

Even if he waited until Evelyn regained her memories, would she still remember their past feelings?

Perhaps she'd already forgotten that innocence, remembering only his coldness.

Before, he'd respected her choice and promised to let go.

But now, Alexander was the one who didn't cherish her. Evelyn was the one who walked away.

Why should he keep his promise?

Besides, the reason he hadn't fought for her before was for Horizon Media's sake.

No.3

But how had Horizon treated Evelyn?

How had his father treated Evelyn?

The Sinclairs had helped the Kingsleys—but hadn't they done the same for the Ashfords?

Wasn't Horizon built on the foundation the Sinclairs laid?

Horizon wasn't worth it.

Not worth giving up the woman he loved.

"Alright," Julian finally spoke as they reached Evelyn's doorstep. "But after the banquet ends... will you leave with me?"

No.4

"Sure," Evelyn smiled. "Thank you, Julian."

With him escorting her home, she always felt safe.

The ring box in his pocket grew warm again.

Julian's mood lightened...

He'd confess after the banquet.

No matter the outcome, he wanted her to know how he felt.

As long as she didn't return to Alexander, he was confident he could win her heart...

No.5

......

Evelyn took out her keys, about to unlock her door.

A voice drifted from the end of the hallway.

"I heard Alexander Kingsley threw you away?"

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine, like a cold snake slithering up her back.

The voice was melodious yet sinister—like a flower at its peak just before decay, or the damp flicker of a serpent's tongue. Unforgettable.

"Tsk tsk..." The sound grew closer. "I told you he was unreliable, but you wouldn't listen... Evelyn, still so stubborn."

No.6

"Long time no see," Evelyn turned, her gaze icy as she faced the man now standing before her.

"...William West."

William West.

That name first entered Evelyn Sinclair's world through Julian Ashford's warning.

"If you see this man, walk away immediately." The teenage Julian's gaze was razor-sharp. "The West family murdered your parents."

Evelyn's fingertips turned ice-cold.

"They killed my parents... and still won't stop?"

No.7

"Because," Julian's voice darkened, "your father took William West's father's life too."

It had been a mutual destruction.

William's mother fled with him, but fate caught up with them regardless.

"He'll come for revenge." Julian gripped her trembling shoulders. "Evelyn, either stay under the Kingsleys' protection forever, or become strong enough that no one can touch you."

Evelyn once tentatively mentioned the name to Alexander Kingsley.

"Who told you that? Has he contacted you?" Alexander's reaction was violently intense.