Chapter 85
Evelyn Sinclair gazed at the striking man before her, her breath catching in her throat. He had gracefully lowered himself to one knee, his piercing blue eyes filled with adoration as they met hers.
“So I hear my darling sister wants to discipline me,” Julian Whitmore teased, his lips quirking into that familiar roguish grin that always made Evelyn’s heart flutter.
“Julian…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“Thank God,” he exhaled dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten my name.”
As the youngest heir of the prestigious Whitmore dynasty, Julian carried himself with an air of effortless sophistication that belied his playful nature. Few would believe this charming rogue was the same man who commanded respect in elite circles across Valmont.
In one fluid motion, Julian wrapped his strong arms around Evelyn’s slender waist, pulling her close. With practiced ease, he reached into his tailored coat and produced a delicate gold-wrapped chocolate bar. Using his teeth to tear the foil, he offered the treat to his sister with a flourish.
“Imported directly from Eldermere’s finest chocolatier,” he murmured. “Your favorite dark cherry truffle blend. Go on, try it.”
“Julian!”
Evelyn threw herself into his embrace, suddenly overwhelmed by emotion. Hot tears spilled onto his crisp white shirt before she could stop them.
The floodgates had opened – months of pent-up emotions crashing over her all at once. She missed Julian terribly, yes, but beneath that lay deeper wounds: guilt toward Archibald, simmering anger toward Vanessa, frustration over the unfinished emerald bracelet project. And beneath it all, the lingering heartache Sebastian Blackwood had left in his wake.
“Little dove? Are those tears?” Julian’s voice softened as he gently stroked her hair, his fingers tracing comforting circles along her nape.
“No,” Evelyn sniffled petulantly.
“Really? Because my shirt’s currently absorbing enough saline to qualify as oceanfront property.”
“I said no!” Her voice cracked even as she stubbornly denied the obvious.
Julian knew better than to push. His sister had always been fiercely independent, even as a child. Instead, he simply held her closer, murmuring nonsense words of comfort as her shoulders shook. His chest ached seeing her like this – his strong, brilliant sister reduced to tears.
One thing was certain: Julian’s unexpected return would spell the end of Sebastian’s peaceful existence.
Outside the grand lobby, Nathan and Sebastian Whitmore observed the intimate scene through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sebastian’s jaw clenched so tight his molars ached. “Unbelievable,” he growled. “She’s never once let her guard down around me. How the hell does he waltz in and get that reaction?”
“Given that Julian landed his helicopter in the middle of our rose garden,” Nathan remarked dryly, “the landscaping bill alone will be astronomical.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Make sure accounting sends him the damages invoice.”
Exhausted from her all-night bracelet crafting session, Evelyn had eventually succumbed to sleep amidst her scattered gemstones. Donovan had prepared a guest suite, and Julian now carried his sleeping sister with the care one might reserve for priceless porcelain.
Sebastian watched like a hawk as Julian tenderly tucked Evelyn beneath the silk duvet, pressing a featherlight kiss to her forehead before quietly exiting.
“Pathetic,” Sebastian sneered, crossing his arms. “You jet-set across three continents and the best you can manage is a damn chocolate bar? Christ, Julian, I’ve seen more generous offerings at a child’s birthday party.”
Julian arched one perfectly groomed eyebrow. “Must you always be so… you, Sebastian?”
“Show some respect, you insufferable-“
“Earn it first.”
“Go to hell!” Sebastian lunged, aiming a kick that Julian dodged with the effortless grace of a seasoned operative. The Whitmore spy simply smirked as Sebastian stumbled past, his expensive shoes scuffing the marble.
