Chapter 447

Evelyn never imagined she would find the young man she'd been searching for in her family's private garden.

He looked almost the same, except the light in his eyes was gone. A heavy aura clung to him now, dark and unreadable.

"Everyone here has the same goal tonight," Julian murmured, tilting his head slightly toward the grand ballroom.

"Then why aren’t you inside?" Evelyn countered.

"Neither are you," Julian shot back, his gaze locking onto hers.

Though his demeanor was far more somber than before, he still had that sharp tongue.

"You owe me an explanation," Evelyn said, the words finally spilling out after months of frustration. "You promised to finish the commission, then vanished without a word. No calls. No messages. Nothing."

Julian's expression darkened further. He didn’t offer excuses, just a quiet, "I had my reasons. The piece was delivered. No charge. Consider us even."

He stood with his hands tucked into the pockets of his navy-blue coat, the crisp winter air making his breath visible. Against the snow-covered garden, he looked almost ethereal—youthful yet weighed down.

Evelyn shook her head. "Even? You never gave me the raw materials. Where’s my wood?" She held out her palm, demanding.

They had agreed—she would take home a sample of that rare, fragrant wood she adored. She had planned to return for more.

"I don’t have it," Julian said flatly.

Before Evelyn could argue, footsteps crunched in the snow behind them. A deep voice called, "Julian."

At the sound, Julian stiffened, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.

"Julian," the voice repeated, closer now.

A man in his late forties approached—tall, broad-shouldered, with an air of authority that demanded attention. His sharp eyes flicked to Evelyn briefly before dismissing her entirely.

"Why are you out here?" the man demanded.

"Too crowded inside," Julian replied without turning.

"Are you done? Get back in there. They’re waiting for you." The command was absolute, leaving no room for defiance.

Julian hesitated for only a second before obeying, stepping past Evelyn without another word. But as he did, his eyes met hers—just for a moment—and she saw something flicker in them. Resignation. Discomfort.

Evelyn didn’t know why she spoke. Maybe it was that look. Maybe it was the way the older man’s tone grated on her nerves.

"Wait," she called, stopping Julian mid-step. "We’re not finished."

The man—clearly someone important—paused. Slowly, he turned, his piercing gaze finally settling on Evelyn with cold scrutiny.