Chapter 245

Evelyn had anticipated Julian's integrity—he would never conceal the truth.

She lowered her lashes, her lips twitching slightly as she feigned hesitation.

"Julian, bring her back immediately!" Sophia slammed her hands on the table, rising to her feet. "I must teach that shameless girl a lesson!"

Julian swiftly steadied his mother by the shoulders.

His gaze swept over the photos scattered across the coffee table, his brow furrowing.

"Mother, calm down."

He picked up a photo and examined it closely. "This man is Sebastian Valdemar. The villa is indeed where I found them."

"But my men confirmed the entire property bears only Sebastian's presence. Evelyn's belongings were confined to a single small room—clearly a temporary arrangement."

As he spoke, the image flashed in his mind—Sebastian, bloodied yet unyielding, guarding Evelyn's secret with his life.

That man had truly protected his sister at all costs.

"Sebastian Valdemar?!"

Isabella's voice sharpened, her nails digging into her palms.

She hastily lowered her head, but not before Julian caught the flicker of venom in her eyes.

"Isabella." His tone darkened. "Spreading baseless rumors can ruin a woman's reputation."

Isabella bit her lip hard, suppressing the jealousy churning within her.

"You're right, brother... I was just worried about Evelyn..."

The tension in the room gradually eased.

Julian let the matter drop, his thoughts drifting to the brilliant, courageous young woman in that villa.

Calm under pressure. Unshakably loyal.

Such an exceptional girl—his long-lost sister!

Yet the danger posed by the Divine Elixir made his frown return.

"If this was all a misunderstanding," Edward stood, his expression relaxed, "let's fetch her at once."

Sophia nodded vigorously. "You brat! Did you frighten Evelyn? And confiscate her phone?"

Julian rubbed his nose, sheepish.

"Mother, I didn't bully her."

He turned to order his adjutant to prepare the car. "Would you prefer to retrieve her yourselves?"

Half an hour later, outside Sebastian's villa.

At Julian's command, the armed soldiers withdrew swiftly.

Evelyn descended the stairs slowly, taking in the sight of her parents and brother standing together—and understood everything.