Chapter 384

Evelyn cleared her throat uncomfortably. "I tried calling Christopher before leaving this morning, but some woman answered instead."

Her fingers twisted nervously in her lap. "Apparently my call caused their breakup, so I didn't dare disturb him again."

Julian's jaw tightened. Rage simmered beneath his calm exterior. That irresponsible playboy cousin of theirs needed to be taught a lesson.

"Julian, there's something else." Evelyn's voice turned solemn. "I can't keep using my current identity. I need to disappear completely in Nord City."

She couldn't risk Nathaniel finding her. Not when she carried his child.

Julian gave a curt nod. "I'll handle it. You look exhausted - you should rest when we get home."

"No!" The refusal burst from her lips before she could stop it. Panic flashed in her eyes. "I can't go back there, Julian. I need time alone to think. Tell Aunt Margaret I'll be staying at the university dorms for a few days."

Going home meant walking straight into Nathaniel's trap. She wouldn't make it that easy for him.

Julian exhaled sharply. "I have an apartment near the hospital. Use it whenever my shifts run late. You can stay there."

"Thank you." The tension drained from Evelyn's shoulders as she finally relaxed against the seat, exhaustion pulling her into sleep.

When they arrived, Julian hesitated before the sleeping figure. Moonlight revealed the bandages peeking from beneath her sleeves - painful reminders of her ordeal.

Leaving her undisturbed, Julian stepped out and dialed with violent precision.

Christopher answered with sleep-thickened voice. "Julian? What's—"

"Didn't you swear to personally escort Evelyn every damn day?" Julian's whisper was lethal. "Where were you when she got attacked, you useless bastard?"

Silence. Then frantic rustling. "What happened? I was hungover, I just woke up—"

"Some woman answered your phone while Evelyn needed you!" Julian's control snapped. "Is getting laid more important than protecting family?"

He'd spent years searching for his sister. Now this idiot nearly got her killed.

Christopher's voice turned ashen. "Where is she? I'm coming now."

"Apartment by General Hospital. And Christopher?" Julian's smile was vicious. "If Alexander finds out you failed her, you'll never see Evelyn again."

The line went dead.

Inside the penthouse, Christopher shoved away the clinging woman. "Did you answer my calls?"

She blinked innocently. "I don't remember, baby—"

"Get out." Ice dripped from his words.

As the door slammed, regret choked him. If Evelyn forgave him this time, he'd change. No more parties. No more women.

Meanwhile, Julian carried Evelyn inside, her phone buzzing incessantly.

The screen flashed with a single damning word:

Bastard.