Chapter 490

Evelyn followed Julian down the dimly lit corridor on the second floor of Silver Moon Estate. He was leading her toward what he promised would be a more spacious room.

She froze mid-step when her eyes caught a particular painting hanging along the hallway. The brushstrokes bore an uncanny resemblance to her mother's distinctive style.

Noticing her hesitation, Julian turned with a puzzled frown. "Something wrong, Miss Evelyn? Why'd you stop?"

Her gaze remained fixed on the artwork. "Mr. Julian, as a Blackwood, you must know all the family secrets, don't you?"

He flashed a smug grin, eager to impress the woman who'd caught his attention. "Naturally! The Blackwoods have no secrets from me."

Perfect. His vanity would be her advantage. "I heard Mr. William's current wife isn't his first marriage. Is that true?"

Julian's eyes lit up at a question he could actually answer. "Spot on! His first wife vanished years ago. The current Mrs. Rivers gave him two perfect children - his pride and joy!"

"I see." Evelyn pressed further, "Did his first wife... pass away?"

A crude chuckle escaped him. "Ran off with some man, they say. Probably dead by now after all these years. Can you believe it? A woman abandoning a man like William Rivers!"

Seizing the moment, Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Who was this man she supposedly ran away with?"

Julian's confidence faltered. Not wanting to spread unverified rumors about the powerful Rivers family, he abruptly changed tactics. Leaning closer with a leer, he purred, "Enough boring family history, darling. Let's go inside and discuss... more entertaining topics."

Evelyn stood her ground. "One last question."

His patience wearing thin, Julian snapped, "What now?"

"Did the Rivers family have another daughter? Celeste?"

"Yeah, William had an older daughter. Celeste." Julian sneered. "Bastard child, from what I heard. Proof of his first wife's infidelity. Poor man raised another man's kid for years!"

Evelyn's hands clenched. She'd never believe such slander about her mother. "Was there any actual evidence?"

"Enough questions!" Julian grabbed her arm roughly. "Time for you and me to get better acquainted!"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Acquainted how?"

He licked his lips. "What do you think happens when a man and woman are alone? Now be a good girl and take off those clothes. I'll show you exactly what we'll be doing."

Her lip curled in disgust. "Why would I do that?"

"Stop playing hard to get!" Julian snarled. "I know all about your reputation. Now strip and service me properly. Do it well, and I might even pay you!"

Someone had fed him lies about her? Evelyn took a deliberate step back, mind racing. "If we're going to do this... may I freshen up first?"