Chapter 468

Evelyn gasped in shock. Her eyes widened as she stared at Sophia in utter disbelief. "You actually had the audacity to strike me?"

The crowd around them froze in stunned silence. The confrontation had escalated too rapidly for anyone to intervene.

Sophia tilted her chin up defiantly. "What of it? You were asking for it, weren't you?"

"You—"

Before Evelyn could retaliate, a hushed whisper spread through the gathering. "Mr. Hartwell!"

Evelyn's face paled instantly. She turned to see Julian standing near the entrance, his broad frame leaning casually against the doorframe.

His expression remained unreadable, those piercing dark eyes giving nothing away.

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "Julian... how long have you been standing there?"

Sophia felt ice flood her veins at the mention of Julian's name. Realization dawned - this was the legendary third son of the Kingsley family.

Had he witnessed the entire altercation? He must be furious at her for striking his actress.

Lowering her gaze, Sophia turned on her heel without another word, desperate to escape the humiliating situation.

Seeing her retreat, Evelyn seized the opportunity. She rushed to Julian's side with practiced tears already streaming down her cheeks. "Did you see what that woman did to me? She attacked me completely unprovoked!"

The spectators remained silent, none daring to contradict the powerful actress.

Julian's voice was dangerously calm. "She struck you?"

Evelyn nodded vigorously. "Julian, that woman is insane! Her employee brought the wrong necklace, and when I accidentally broke it, she demanded thirty million dollars! When I protested, she slapped me right here in public!"

She painted herself as the innocent victim, unsure how much Julian had actually witnessed.

Evelyn had spent years cultivating her image around Julian - the untouchable music mogul and heir to the Kingsley fortune. A man of his status was exactly what she needed to elevate her career.

She couldn't risk losing his favor now.

Julian's expression remained neutral, though disappointment churned beneath the surface. He'd never imagined she could lie so effortlessly.

"Is that truly what occurred?" He gave her one final chance to reconsider.

But Evelyn doubled down. "Julian, I would never lie to you! That woman is dangerous. I'm getting my lawyers involved - I'll sue her for every penny she's worth!"

Seeing her determination to maintain the charade, Julian simply turned away. "Do as you see fit."

Evelyn stood frozen, a creeping sense of unease settling in her stomach.

Meanwhile, Sophia had reached the lobby where Natalie was waiting.

Natalie took one look at Sophia's stormy expression and frowned. "What happened? Did you manage to exchange the necklace?"

Not wanting to worry her friend, Sophia forced a nod. "The necklace is beyond repair now. I need to handle this situation. If you'll excuse me, I should head back."

She left before Natalie could question her further, leaving the confused woman standing alone.

Moments later, Julian appeared. His eyes scanned the lobby urgently. "Have you seen Sophia? Where did she go?"