Chapter 488

"Who is she? What a stunning beauty!" Julian licked his lips as his gaze locked onto Evelyn.

Gabrielle noticed Amelia's smirk and Julian's obvious arousal. She immediately chimed in, "Julian, not only is she breathtaking, but rumor has it she's quite... adventurous with men. Why don't you go introduce yourself? I'm sure you'd get along famously."

Julian's interest peaked. "Adventurous? How so?"

Gabrielle gave a knowing smile. "Let's just say she knows all the games wealthy gentlemen enjoy playing."

Julian adjusted his tie, practically salivating. "Now that's my kind of woman! Amelia, I'll leave you two ladies to chat. I have some... networking to do."

As Julian strutted toward Evelyn, Amelia feigned concern. "Gabrielle, should we really be sending Julian after her like this?"

Gabrielle scoffed. "Why not? That country bumpkin's been throwing herself at Nathaniel and Samuel. A nobody like her should be grateful for attention from someone like Julian! Besides, if they hit it off, she'll stop sniffing around our men."

Amelia pretended to consider this before nodding sweetly. "I suppose you're right. It would be lovely to have her as family. We could all spend time together!"

Gabrielle rolled her eyes at her friend's naivety. The thought of socializing with that gold-digger made her skin crawl.

"Exactly. Marrying into the Blackwoods would be the best thing that ever happened to her."

Their conspiracy complete, both women turned to watch as Julian made his move.

Evelyn had indulged in too many desserts and reached for an orange-colored drink. After verifying it was non-alcoholic, she took a sip of the refreshing fruit blend.

Leaning against the buffet table, she surveyed Silver Moon Estate's lavish decor with mixed emotions.

She'd visited several times before, always experiencing an odd sense of déjà vu. Only now did she understand why - this had once been her childhood home as Vivian Sterling.

What family secrets had driven her mother to flee with her? Why had her mother entrusted her to a long-estranged friend before vanishing? The unanswered questions darkened her mood.

"Drinking alone, beautiful?"

Evelyn turned to see a man in an obnoxious plaid suit eyeing her like a piece of meat.

"It's juice," she replied coldly.

Julian selected an elaborate pastry. "You must try these chestnut cakes. My aunt spares no expense for her parties."

"No thank you." Evelyn's polite refusal carried steel. But his earlier comment intrigued her. "Your aunt hosts this? So you're a Rivers?"

Julian puffed his chest. "Blackwood actually, but yes - we're practically family!"