Chapter 469
Evelyn Carter arched an eyebrow at Julian Hartwell's unusual agitation but chose not to pry.
She gestured toward the corridor. "Sophia just left that way. She couldn't have gone far."
Julian didn't waste another second. His long legs carried him swiftly in the indicated direction. Within moments, he spotted the familiar figure.
His breath hitched. Despite his efforts to remain composed, his steps quickened involuntarily.
"Sophia!" His voice echoed through the hallway.
Sophia Whitmore froze mid-step. Before she could react, Julian had closed the distance between them.
"Why the hurry?" His voice was softer than expected.
Sophia lifted her chin, her expression unreadable. "Here to demand retribution?"
Julian studied her silently, his gaze traveling downward until it settled on her right hand.
Sophia's fingers curled instinctively at his scrutiny.
"If you're here for justice, save your breath. I slapped her. I demanded the thirty million. Any further questions can go through my attorney."
The words tumbled out in a defensive rush, but Julian barely registered them.
"Does it hurt?" His question caught her off guard.
Sophia blinked, momentarily disoriented. "Excuse me?"
Julian stepped closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "You hit her pretty hard earlier. Is your hand okay?"
She jerked her hand back instinctively, but Julian was faster, capturing her wrist.
"Let go!" Her protest lacked its usual bite.
"You don't have to handle everything alone, Sophia. Not like Evelyn does."
Confusion flickered across her features. She wrenched her hand free and averted her gaze.
"Shouldn't you be more concerned about your precious protégé? My hand is fine. But her face must be swelling nicely by now. Go comfort your little junior."
The venom in her voice when she said "junior" was unmistakable, yet Julian seemed oblivious.
"It's you I'm worried about," he admitted bluntly.
"I don't need your concern, Mr. Hartwell. Now if you'll excuse me, I have actual business to attend to."
With that, Sophia strode away, her heels clicking a rapid retreat. She moved as if demons chased her.
Julian remained rooted, watching her disappear around the corner with uncharacteristic bewilderment.
Later, Julian returned to the event hall.
Evelyn approached with a concerned frown. "Julian, the ceremony starts in five. What's wrong?"
He forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Nothing to worry about."
His manager appeared just then, breathless. "Mr. Hartwell, we need you backstage now."
Julian gave Evelyn an apologetic nod. "Duty calls."
Evelyn watched him go, then turned to leave. A sudden commotion made her pause as Katherine Whitaker emerged from backstage in tears.
Spotting Evelyn, Katherine rushed over and clutched her arm. "Ms. Carter, please help me!"
Evelyn frowned. "What's happened?" Her voice remained calm despite her growing unease.
As Katherine lifted her tear-streaked face, Evelyn noticed the angry red mark blooming across her cheek. Her stomach dropped.
She looked to Katherine's assistant for explanation, but the younger woman remained silent, eyes downcast.
Evelyn pressed on. "Katherine, tell me what's going on."