Chapter 363

Evelyn had seen Christopher in his playboy mode before at the hotel.

Christopher was speechless for a moment. He cleared his throat before responding. "I know exactly how men like that operate because I used to be one. As for that Jonathan or Phoenix guy, I could tell immediately he was bad news."

In the past, Evelyn would have argued with him.

But her opinion of Jonathan had shifted recently, especially after discovering he had spread false rumors about them himself. Only then did she realize his true nature.

He had never been a good person. He had just hidden it well—too well—until now.

After a brief pause, she admitted, "I’ve come to realize he’s not the same Jonathan I thought I knew."

Julian, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Has he been bothering you lately, Evelyn? If you don’t like him, just tell him directly."

"I’ve told him multiple times, but he keeps misunderstanding. That’s why he won’t give up. And today, I found out he posted an article on the campus website claiming we were dating."

Christopher’s expression darkened. "Let’s go back. That bastard can’t have gone far. I’ll knock his teeth out today."

Julian was equally furious. "I’ll call Nathaniel. He’s an expert in handling this kind of thing."

"It’s fine, Julian. I already took care of it. I picked up a few tricks from Nathaniel before. Tracing an IP address isn’t hard."

Julian remembered when she had hacked into Alexander’s company system. Finding an IP was child’s play for her, but he was still seething.

A storm brewed in his eyes. "When he saved you, I thought maybe he was the right one for you."

"Who knew he’d turn out to be this shameless? Using underhanded tricks to force you? Christopher’s right—he’s all talk. Don’t give in to a man who pesters you. They’re worthless."

She nodded. "I know. He’s been like this for a while, but I don’t feel the same way. You can’t force feelings, can you?"

"Evelyn, if someone’s pursuing you, do you know how to tell if they’re sincere?" Christopher still looked concerned.

Curious, she tilted her head. "How?"

If casual conversations and bringing her breakfast didn’t count, what kind of effort could be considered genuine?

He answered seriously, "First, he needs a solid background. Forget about him unless he makes at least a million a year. Second, he has to be good-looking. And third, he has to come from a loving family."

She blinked in disbelief. "I don’t think those things matter as long as two people love each other."

"Evelyn, oh Evelyn." He pressed a hand to his forehead. "You’re too naïve about love. Do you have any idea how calculating men are when it comes to relationships?"

He continued, frustration lacing his words, "All men want from their girlfriends is beauty and sex. The rest? They couldn’t care less."

"But when it comes to marriage? They’re as meticulous as job hunting. The woman has to be beautiful, have a perfect body, financial stability, and a powerful family."

"Men are mercenaries. Every last one of them."

Julian coughed. "Speak for yourself. I’m an exception."