Chapter 401

Sophia Laurent and Mrs. Watson stood on the second-floor hallway, their gazes fixed on the striking couple below.

"Look at those two. Perfect match!" Sophia beamed, unable to contain her delight.

Mrs. Watson nodded eagerly. "When has Master Julian ever been this attentive to a woman?"

"Evelyn has both beauty and grace. That boy finally came to his senses." Sophia rubbed her chin in satisfaction.

"Master Julian has always had sharp instincts. Never falters when it matters."

"If only I could hold a grandchild soon, my life would be complete."

"Hmm? Why does Master Julian look a bit off?"

Sophia narrowed her eyes. "Why is Evelyn so stiff?"

Despite being close, there was an inexplicable tension between them.

Downstairs, Julian Roscente lowered his voice. "Don't move. My mother is watching."

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. "Since when has your mother been here?"

"Since you took that phone call."

Evelyn immediately felt like needles were pricking her back.

Sophia's murmur carried clearly. "Why are they just hugging? No affection?"

Evelyn took a deep breath and met Julian's gaze. "Kiss me."

Julian's pupils dilated.

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up!"

His Adam's apple bobbed, dark intensity swirling in his eyes.

The next second, he gripped her waist and crushed his lips against hers.

Evelyn shuddered.

Their breaths grew scorching as their mouths tangled.

"Oh! They're kissing! Let's go, let's go. Don't disturb the young ones." Sophia quickly pulled Mrs. Watson away.

Slap!

A sharp sound echoed.

Julian held his cheek. "You hit me?"

Evelyn's legs trembled. "Who told you to take it seriously?"

"You asked for it."

"I told you to fake it!"

"My mother is sharp. It had to look convincing." Julian crossed his arms. "Besides, I'm the one at a disadvantage here. Do you know how many women—"

Evelyn scoffed. "Funny. The line of men chasing me stretches all the way to France."

Julian was rendered speechless.

After a pause, he murmured, "Are they better than me?"

"You're just average." Evelyn deliberately provoked him.

Julian's expression darkened instantly.

"Evelyn—" Sophia's voice floated from upstairs. "The esthetician is waiting."

"Coming!"

Evelyn turned to leave but remembered her phone on the couch.

As she reached for it, Julian snatched it first.

"Give it back."

"Playing with your phone during a spa session?" Julian said sternly. "Focus on entertaining my mother. Don't blow our cover."

Evelyn eyed him suspiciously before heading upstairs.

Julian stared at the phone in his hand, his knuckles turning white.

...

At dawn, Evelyn Langley stepped out of her home with a backpack.