Chapter 4

Right in front of Evelyn, Julian raised a hand and tapped his temple. The message couldn't be clearer. Evelyn didn't even blink. With a teasing tilt of her lips, she shot back, "Maybe I have. Got the cure on you?" Julian came up empty. Again. He was starting to realize he might not be able to out-argue this sharp-tongued woman. Grinning wider, Evelyn leaned in slightly and said, "Of course, if you're too scared, then say no more." That hit a nerve. Julian's smile vanished on the spot. He straightened his back, looking down at her with a slow exhale. "Evelyn, I may be a flirt, but I've got my lines. I don't do third-wheel drama." His meaning was crystal clear—unless she settled things with Nathaniel, nothing would happen between them. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "I get it, Julian. Just so you know though, I'm picky too. If that day really comes, trust me—you'll be standing next to me as my man." Julian narrowed his eyes. "Don't you think that's a bit arrogant?" He could tell she meant every word. This woman wasn't bluffing. Evelyn just shrugged like it didn't matter. "Maybe. But I am planning to cancel the wedding with the Andrews. Up to you if you want to think it over." Julian pressed his lips together, keeping silent. Still, the way his gaze lingered on her, it was clear she'd stirred something. Evelyn held out her hand to him. "Can I borrow your phone?" Without a word, Julian handed his phone over. "Thanks." Evelyn took it and walked a few steps away, quickly dialing a number. Someone picked up almost right away. Evelyn lowered her voice as she spoke briefly, then ended the call. She didn't erase the call log. She handed the phone right back to Julian. Staring straight at the man in front of her, Evelyn gave a light smile. "That's my number. I'll be waiting for you to give me a call, Mr. Everett." Julian's eyes flickered slightly. Evelyn took a small step closer, standing on her tiptoes until she was just beside his ear, her voice barely audible. "Hopefully, you won't keep me waiting too long." "I wouldn't mind taking a trip with you to the civil affairs bureau. Becoming Mrs. Everett sounds pretty good to me." Her slender fingers gently smoothed out the creases on his jacket. Only then did she pull back a few steps. Looking into his deep, unreadable eyes, she smiled again and made a playful phone gesture with her hand. Then, under his gaze, she turned around, heels dangling from her fingers, and walked away in a light mood. Julian's eyes stayed on her until her figure disappeared around the corner. The words she'd just whispered echoed in his ears, and the corners of his lips lifted — barely. His sharp gaze held a hint of something unreadable before his face returned to its usual calm, and he walked off without a word. But around that same corner, Evelyn hadn't actually left. Half an hour later, a woman in a bridesmaid dress rushed up to her, a phone clutched in her hand. Before she could say anything, Evelyn stopped her with just a glance. She scrolled her contacts, kept her eyes on the screen, and when the call connected, her voice was cold as ice. "I need you to do something for me." Her usually bright eyes now held nothing but burning hatred. News of Evelyn vanishing on her own wedding day sent the entire Andrews family into chaos. While everyone was frantically searching for the bride, Nathaniel — the groom — didn't seem the least bit bothered. Inside the master bedroom of the estate. Nathaniel's clothes were a mess as he passionately kissed the woman beneath him, their bodies tangled together, inseparable. Totally wrapped up in the moment, neither of them noticed the bedroom door quietly cracking open. The steamy scene inside was silently captured on camera. What was supposed to be a grand wedding turned into a complete farce with a missing bride. And by the time Evelyn showed up again, it was already late in the evening.