Chapter 489

He was Amelia Rivers' cousin. No matter how you looked at it, he could still claim some connection to the Rivers family.

The Rivers name carried weight—power, influence, prestige. Even if he wasn’t truly one of them, he’d milk that association for all it was worth.

Evelyn studied Julian Blackwood. He wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, and his ties to the Rivers made him an ideal target. If she played her cards right, she might pry some useful information about the family’s past from him.

Someone as shrewd as Samuel Rivers? No chance. He’d see right through her.

With that in mind, Evelyn flashed Julian a warm smile. "Hello. It’s nice to meet you."

Julian’s eyes lit up, instantly charmed. "The pleasure’s all mine, gorgeous. What’s your name?"

"Evelyn Whitmore."

"Miss Evelyn," he purred. "Call me Julian." He glanced at the jacket draped over her shoulders. "That your boyfriend’s?"

If she was taken, he’d back off—unless the guy was a nobody.

Evelyn shook her head. "No, just my boss. He’s a gentleman—lent it to me when I got cold."

Julian smirked, satisfied. "Ah, I see. My date ditched me for some other guy on the dance floor. Looks like we’re both being used, huh?"

Evelyn chuckled. "Seems that way."

"Is this your first time at Silver Moon Estate? If you’re free, I could show you around."

"Really? I heard guests aren’t allowed to wander beyond the banquet hall."

The fact that she was considering it sent a thrill through Julian.

Evelyn wasn’t blind to his intentions—but she misread them. She assumed he was just another rich playboy looking for a flirty distraction.

What she didn’t realize was the darker hunger lurking beneath his charm.

And she did want to explore the estate. Maybe it would jog some long-buried memories.

But sneaking around alone was too risky. If she got caught, Nathaniel would have questions—questions she couldn’t answer without blowing her cover.

However… if a Rivers escorted her? That changed everything.

Julian puffed out his chest. "Of course I can. This whole place belongs to my family. I go where I want."

Evelyn nodded. "Then lead the way."

Julian’s grin turned wolfish. She was eager. Just like Gabrielle had said—this one knew how to have fun.

Pure on the outside, wild behind closed doors. His favorite kind.

He guided her toward the second floor, pulse racing. Plenty of empty rooms up there.

And very, very large beds.