Chapter 282

Dylan Lowell tilted his head back, downing his drink before slamming the glass onto the table.

"You know nothing. I always give my all for friends. Don't like it? Get lost."

"Friends?" Julian Roscente sneered. "She's already broken up with Nathan. What kind of friendship is this?"

Nathan Evans' gaze darkened as it settled on Dylan.

Dylan suddenly straightened, his expression turning serious. "Evelyn saved my life once. Her breakup with Nathan is none of my damn business."

"Saved your life?" Julian's eyes narrowed. "How?"

Dylan waved a hand. "Long story..." He abruptly changed the subject. "By the way, Julian, there's something I need to ask—"

"I'm going to the restroom." Julian stood abruptly and strode away.

Dylan blinked. The guy bolted faster than a rabbit. Was he avoiding this on purpose?

Julian didn't head to the restroom.

He walked straight to the terrace, lighting a cigarette. Smoke curled around his furrowed brow as he paced restlessly.

Ash fluttered down, though he barely took two drags.

Finally, he stubbed out the cigarette and dialed a number.

Evelyn Langley had just ended her call with Dylan when she tossed her phone onto the sofa and stepped into the shower.

Emerging with damp hair, she noticed two missed calls.

The area code showed Boston.

After a brief hesitation, she returned the call.

"Hello, who's this?"

A dry chuckle came through. "After all these years, you never saved my number, Evelyn?"

The most infuriating part? She had Dylan's number saved.

Evelyn froze. "Julian?"

What kind of midnight madness was this?

Julian caught himself, inwardly cursing his impulsiveness.

"Ahem. I was with Dylan during your call earlier."

"And?"

"I have the resources to help you directly. Why take the roundabout route through Dylan?" His tone carried clear displeasure.

Evelyn replied coolly, "I didn't have your contact information."

Julian: "..."

"Dylan said he'd ask you for me."

"..."

"Evelyn," he said through gritted teeth, "when asking for favors, efficiency matters. Coming to me directly would've been ten times faster. Understand?"

"Not really."

"..."

"You called just to say this?"

Julian scoffed. "I don't owe favors. You helped me once—consider this repayment."

Evelyn's breath caught.

That incident... she'd nearly forgotten.