Chapter 227

Evelyn spun around at the sound of Victoria's voice. Sure enough, there she was, striding forward with purpose.

Was Victoria deliberately trying to cause a scene? Maybe she was bored and itching for drama?

But Evelyn wasn’t about to stick around and find out. Retreating was the smarter choice.

Without wasting a second, she dashed toward Julian, relief flooding her at the sight of him.

Julian’s pulse spiked as Evelyn approached. He hadn’t expected to get dragged into this mess.

Keeping Evelyn safe was his priority.

Now wasn’t the time for explanations.

In a flash, Evelyn slid into the passenger seat and urged, "Julian, let’s go!"

"Got it."

No questions asked, Julian hit the gas, speeding away before Victoria could react.

Victoria stood frozen, watching the car disappear. Had that really been Julian behind the wheel? Or was she seeing things?

The more she replayed the scene, the more certain she became—it was definitely him. No mistake.

But why was Julian with Evelyn?

The way Evelyn had slipped into his car so effortlessly… they clearly knew each other well.

A cold dread settled in Victoria’s stomach.

Since when had Evelyn gotten close to Julian?

Wasn’t she supposed to be Nathaniel’s little pet? Had Nathaniel introduced them?

Her hands trembled as she dialed Julian’s number. No answer.

As the distance between them and the scene grew, Julian exhaled in relief.

Thank goodness Evelyn had acted fast. If Victoria had cornered them, things could’ve gotten messy.

Side-eyeing Evelyn, he asked, "Why the rush to leave?"

Evelyn’s fingers twitched. She’d almost been caught.

If Victoria had gotten to her first, the truth about her connection to Nathaniel would’ve spilled.

With all six brothers home today, news of her expulsion from the Whitmore family would’ve spread like wildfire. And Alexander, with his temper, would’ve made a scene.

"Too close," Evelyn and Julian thought simultaneously.

Clearing her throat, Evelyn shrugged. "The decorations are pretty much done. They’ll handle the rest tonight."

"I just wanted to get home for dinner, so I left early."

A smooth lie.

Julian nodded, though suspicion lingered. "But when you ran out, it looked like someone was calling after you."

He wanted to dig into Evelyn’s relationship with Victoria.

Evelyn’s smile tightened. "You know how clients can be, Julian. Some are just… difficult."

"Besides, Jonathan’s there. Everything’s under control."

Julian wasn’t convinced. "Was that woman chasing you the client?"

"Yeah. High-maintenance and exhausting. Honestly, I couldn’t deal with her anymore."

The disdain in Evelyn’s voice was unmistakable.

Given Victoria’s two-faced nature, Julian had always suspected they wouldn’t get along. Now he had proof.

Unease kept him quiet. Pushing further might backfire.

Evelyn, too, was relieved when Julian dropped it. More questions would’ve meant more lies.

Her gaze flicked to his buzzing phone. "Julian, your phone won’t stop ringing. Aren’t you going to answer?"

He knew exactly who it was. "Probably the hospital. Nothing urgent. I told them I’d be late."