Chapter 78

Evelyn's drowsiness evaporated instantly.

She shoved the person before her away, finally recognizing Julian Ashford.

The raw emotions swirling in his eyes caught her off guard, exposing feelings once carefully concealed.

"Julian..."

He recovered faster than she did.

Grabbing her wrist, he marched them both into the apartment.

"Where is he?"

His gaze swept the empty living room. Without waiting for an answer, he stormed toward the bedroom.

Only then did Evelyn notice the unnatural silence. "He's gone. I had stomach pain last night and slept heavily just now."

Julian's footsteps carried unmistakable fury. She hurried to explain, "Nothing happened between us, we really—"

Her words died mid-sentence.

The kitchen's disastrous state came into view.

Julian stood amidst the wreckage, his aura darkening by the second.

Crunch.

Glass shattered beneath his shoes.

"He trashed your place?" His voice dripped ice when he turned.

Evelyn shook her head. "No—"

"Stomachache from fighting with him?" he pressed.

That was partially true. But before she could clarify, Julian let out a bitter laugh.

"Alexander Kingsley."

Playing the devoted lover while tormenting her behind closed doors.

He'd make that bastard pay today.

Too bad he arrived too late...

"Julian, the kitchen was—"

"Evelyn!" Julian cut her off sharply. "Must you always defend him? After everything he's done, can't you stand your ground post-breakup?"

Evelyn froze.

This marked Julian's first outburst toward her.

Though his tone remained measured, the reproach cut like a blade.

Her teeth sank into her lower lip.

Julian instantly regretted his words, panic flashing across his face. "Evelyn, I didn't—"

She wordlessly moved to the sofa.

"My apologies..." Julian stood rooted, visibly flustered. He'd give anything to retract those sentences.

"It's fine." Evelyn surprised him by offering comfort. "You're just worried."

He rushed to her side, voice strained. "I overreacted. Seeing the kitchen like that, I—"

He couldn't admit the outburst stemmed from something else entirely.

That impulsive embrace—he never wanted to let go.

Yet she'd pushed him away. Firmly.

"Ethan made the mess," Evelyn explained. "He broke glasses while boiling water and didn't clean properly."

Julian smiled bitterly. "Which makes my tantrum even more inexcusable."

"Occasional anger makes you human." She managed a small smile.

Alexander's insults had left her unfazed, yet Julian's sharp words stung.

This dependency had to stop.

......

"Eleanor, I need to ask you something." Alexander dialed his mother.

Eleanor Kingsley sounded amused. "Oh? Remembering your mother after losing your girl?"

Since when did he call her 'Eleanor'?

"Did Evelyn... ever call you 'Mom'?"

She pondered. "Yes! She asked if she could, but I refused!"

Alexander halted mid-step. "She really did?"

"I treated her like my own. Of course she wanted to." Eleanor sighed. "But since she'd be my daughter-in-law eventually, I told her to wait..."

How she regretted that decision now.

"Why the sudden question?"

Alexander swallowed his next words. "Nothing. Heading into a meeting."

At the conference room entrance, Nathan Carter briefed a secretary.

Ethan Miller rushed over in panic. "Emergency! Julian went to see Evelyn!"

Nathan frowned. "When?"

"They left for Horizon Media together."

Nathan shoved files into Ethan's arms. "Don't bother Lord Alex with trivialities!"

He'd barely convinced him to attend this meeting.

......

Eleanor called Evelyn. "Darling, your invitation to Grandfather's birthday is sent. About you and Alexander..."

"I understand. I won't mention it to the elders."

"Don't worry. I'll keep him away from you that night."

......

"Isabella! We received the Kingsleys' invitation!" Mrs. Winslow gushed. "How are things with Alexander? Will you go public at the party?"