Chapter 275

Evelyn was nearly ready to forget the whole matter if he didn't reach out soon.

In rare good spirits, she decided to accept Julian's invitation.

The once frivolous young master had indeed matured lately, his brow now carrying an air of steadiness.

Her fingers tapped the screen: [See you at six.]

Sophia stirred awake. Evelyn moved to cradle her daughter. "Awake, sweetheart?"

The little girl slumped weakly against her, pale-faced, her usually bright eyes dull with illness.

Evelyn's heart ached as she offered a sippy cup. "Some water?"

Sophia shook her head, tiny fingers clutching Evelyn's collar with pleading eyes.

Understanding, Evelyn lay down to nurse. The child barely drank before dozing off again, but the fever had broken. Relief washed over her.

She pressed a kiss to her daughter's smooth forehead.

Get well soon, my little princess.

......

Golden Palace Club shimmered under crystal chandeliers.

Julian lounged across from Adrian, both exuding identical careless elegance.

Swirling his wine, Julian's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Congratulations on finally marrying your precious Isabella."

The words dripped with false cheer, his gaze sharp with mockery.

If this wedding proceeded, Adrian was walking into disaster.

Isabella's ruthlessness far surpassed her delicate facade.

She'd orchestrated the entire scheme yet let Cassandra take the fall, emerging spotless.

Not that Cassandra was innocent—poetic justice, really.

Adrian's voice turned icy. "Any news on Victor?"

He'd asked Julian to track Victor's whereabouts, only for the man's phone to go dead.

Evelyn's people had taken Victor that day—something was off, yet he couldn't uncover a single lead.

The man who commanded Vienna's underworld couldn't trace his ex-wife's movements.

His covert identity remained unusable for now. He'd have to wait.

The day his father's death was avenged would be Isabella's last as his fiancée.

Julian's expression darkened. "Uncle Ashcroft said he's overseas for medical treatment—six months minimum. Won't elaborate further."

"But why was my ex-wife there?" Adrian narrowed his eyes, recalling Evelyn's commanding presence that day—a queen surveying her domain.

Julian scoffed. "Divorce papers were signed two years ago, Adrian. Ex-wife? Let Isabella hear you say that and she'll make Evelyn's life hell again. Your darling bankrupted the Ashcrofts overnight—she terrifies me now."

Sarcasm oozed from every syllable.

His phone buzzed. Seeing Evelyn's reply, his eyes lit up instantly.

Adrian frowned. "What's got you so happy?" The man had changed lately, that habitual flippancy fading.

Julian grinned like a smitten teenager. "Evelyn agreed to dinner."

Adrian's face hardened. "You're serious about her?"

A bitter laugh escaped Julian. "Even if I were, she'd never look my way. Know Nathan's credentials? Ivy League double master's, elite hacker. Sebastian? So accomplished it's depressing."

He shook his head ruefully. "We're not even in their league."