Chapter 323

Julian stood with his hands buried deep in his pockets. His lips curved into a deceptively tender smile, but his eyes burned with something far more dangerous.

The air around him seemed to drop several degrees.

Evelyn remained perfectly still. Her gaze locked onto his with unsettling calmness.

He moved toward the bed with predatory grace, perching on its edge. One hand braced against the mattress as he leaned closer, invading her personal space. His other hand reached out to trace the delicate line of her jaw.

His fingertips trailed downward with agonizing slowness. They mapped the column of her throat, danced across her collarbone, and hovered dangerously close to forbidden territory.

Bile rose in Evelyn's throat. Her skin crawled with revulsion, every nerve ending screaming in protest.

Yet her expression remained an impenetrable mask. Only her eyes reflected cold indifference.

This reaction gave Julian pause. His hand froze just below her collarbone. "Aren't you afraid?" he demanded, eyes flashing with something wild.

The gag in Evelyn's mouth prevented any response.

Julian was exactly the type of monster who thrived on fear. Any reaction would only fuel his sick desires.

"Do you know why I've taken you?" he murmured, voice dripping with false sweetness.

"Taken?" The word sent ice through Evelyn's veins. She'd thought this was a simple abduction - not something more permanent.

When she still refused to react, Julian yanked the cloth from her mouth.

Evelyn exhaled sharply as the painful pressure vanished. But she remained silent - no tears, no pleas, no screams.

"You could scream now," Julian taunted, lips twisting in amusement.

Evelyn swallowed hard. "Why am I here?" she asked instead, voice steady.

Julian's hand resumed its exploration, fingers skimming back up to cup her face. "I proposed to you," he countered softly. "Why did you refuse?"

"I have no memory of you," Evelyn lied smoothly. "How could I accept a stranger?"

Julian chuckled darkly. His fingers tangled in her hair, tightening painfully. "Have you really forgotten everything?" he purred, voice laced with menace.

"It's the truth," Evelyn insisted, fighting to keep her breathing even.

She'd seen glimpses of Julian's cruelty. The possibilities of what came next made her stomach churn. All she could do was maintain this fragile calm and buy time.

"Why move into Wright Manor?" Julian's voice turned razor-sharp. "Don't lie. I'm not as gullible as Victoria."

Evelyn considered her answer carefully. "I still have feelings for Liam," she admitted. "I went to Wright Manor to watch Victoria. I wanted to stop their wedding."

Julian's laughter sent shivers down her spine.

His fingers tapped against her cheekbone. "I don't believe you."

Evelyn held his gaze. "That's your choice. What do you want from me?"

Julian's smile turned feral. He braced both hands on the bed and leaned in to claim her lips.

Evelyn jerked her head away, eyes burning with unshed tears. "Don't touch me!" she spat.

Undeterred, Julian pressed his mouth to her cheek instead.

When she continued to resist, his patience snapped. He seized her face, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Listen carefully," he growled, voice thick with possession. "From this moment, you belong to me. Your body, your heart, your very soul - they're all mine now. Whether you like it or not."