Chapter 18

Evelyn gave Julian a cold glance, her irritation growing at the sight of his charming face.

Her delicate features were frozen in frost, radiating an aura that warned others to keep their distance.

"Julian, what do you want?"

He narrowed his peach-blossom eyes, studying her with curiosity. "Evelyn, how do you know so much about antique appraisal?"

At the auction, she had instantly spotted the counterfeit blue-and-white porcelain—something even the experts hired by the old master had missed.

This version of Evelyn unsettled him.

As a seasoned playboy, he feared women who hid their depths.

The corner of Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Guess."

Her smile was breathtakingly beautiful, yet it sent a chill down Julian's spine.

"Heh..." He leaned closer, catching the faint, unique fragrance of her perfume.

"Evelyn, you look stunning when you smile. Tell me, how did you spot the flaw in that porcelain?"

For once, his usual carefree expression was gone.

A glint of mischief flashed in Evelyn's eyes. "I won't tell you."

Her voice was soft as a feather, yet carried a lethal allure.

Julian froze, his heart skipping a beat.

Evelyn frowned and took a step back, convinced this man had something wrong with his head.

"Evelyn, now that you're divorced from Adrian, let me pursue you?" Julian blurted out.

She scoffed. "Didn't someone say I was as dull as wood and swore he'd chase Isabella? Your heart changes faster than flipping a page, Julian."

He stiffened.

Right. He had always preferred gentle, sweet women like Isabella.

This thorny rose before him was dangerous.

He hastily retreated.

Evelyn coldly pulled open the car door.

Suddenly, a slender hand landed on Julian's shoulder.

"So you're the one who called my sister stupid?"

He turned and met a pair of striking, defiant eyes. Instantly intrigued, he grinned. "What's your name, beautiful? I'm Julian Roscente—"

Sophia smirked and kicked him hard.

"You're not worthy of knowing my name."

"Ah!" Julian groaned, doubling over in pain.

"Pathetic. Can't even handle a little pain, yet you dare insult people?" Sophia looked down at him disdainfully. "Find a hole to crawl into and spare the world your embarrassment."

With that, she got into the car and sped off.

Julian clutched his stomach, his face twisted in agony and fury.

He had just been humiliated by a woman—and left speechless!

"What are you doing here?" Adrian's icy voice came from behind.

Julian forced himself upright, his expression dark. "That woman hit like a truck..."

Gritting his teeth, he added, "Adrian, that blue-and-white porcelain was fake. Do you have any idea how much we lost?"