Chapter 86
“Ha! Didn’t anyone warn you about splitting your pants if you push yourself too hard? Know your limits!” Julian burst into laughter on the spot.
It had been ages since he laughed so freely. The atmosphere at the covert intelligence agency was always tense, suffocating even.
Nathan’s expression softened as he watched his younger brothers bicker. For a moment, memories of their childhood flashed through his mind.
“Speaking of gifts, check out what I got Evelyn.”
Julian’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he pulled out a sleek silver case, excitement radiating off him.
After inputting a complex passcode, he flipped the lid open, revealing its contents. Nathan froze, while Sebastian sucked in a sharp breath.
“This is the latest prototype from the R&D department,” Julian explained, gesturing to the revolver inside. “It’s loaded with both live rounds and tranquilizers. If Evelyn’s in danger, she spins the cylinder left—enough sedative to knock someone out for three days. Spin it right? Well… let’s just say the target won’t be getting back up.”
He moved on to the next item. “This lighter? Think of it as a pocket-sized grenade. Compact, but don’t underestimate it—it can level a building.”
Then, with the enthusiasm of a kid showing off his favorite toy, Julian lifted a delicate-looking ring. “Evelyn loves jewelry, right? Custom-made for her. Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Sebastian reached out curiously, but Julian snatched his wrist. “Don’t. One wrong touch, and those needles inject venom stronger than a rattlesnake’s.”
Nathan exhaled, muttering under his breath, “God help us.”
Sebastian paled. “You’re giving her these?”
Julian scoffed. “You think these are just toys? No. They’re for him—Sebastian Blackwood. That bastard thinks he can mess with my sister? She’ll decide his fate.”
Sebastian blinked, impressed by Julian’s ferocity.
Nathan cleared his throat. “Julian, how long are you staying this time?”
“Two weeks, give or take.” Julian’s expression dimmed slightly. “I’ve got an urgent mission in Eldermere. Need to prep early. Otherwise, I’d stay longer.”
“Work comes first. Sebastian and I will protect Evelyn,” Nathan assured him. Then, softer, “Will you visit Dad? He mentioned you recently.”
Julian waved a dismissive hand, though his jaw tightened. “No point. We’d just argue.”
Nathan and Sebastian exchanged glances. The tension between Julian and Reginald was no secret.
Evelyn had come to terms with their father’s complicated past—three mothers, multiple affairs. But Julian? He’d never forgiven Reginald for betraying their mother.
That’s why he’d enlisted, trained as a spy, and stayed away for years.
Yet lately, Julian found himself missing home. Maybe age made him sentimental. Memories of their childhood—laughter, fights, stupid pranks—kept resurfacing.
“Hey, Sebastian!” Julian slung an arm around his brother’s neck, grinning. “Let’s go rough up Sebastian Blackwood.”
Sebastian recoiled. “No way. Evelyn specifically told us not to touch him. I’m not breaking that promise.”
Julian rolled his eyes. “Fine. More fun for me.”
