Chapter 492

Julian's hands trembled violently when Samuel's voice cut through the door. He scrambled to gather his scattered clothes from the floor, dressing with frantic haste.

"Samuel! It's Julian! I had too much wine downstairs and needed to lie down. I'm alone here! What do you need?"

'Damn it!' His mind raced. 'Why is Samuel here of all people?'

Julian distinctly remembered Gabrielle mentioning the woman in his room was Samuel's secretary. She'd said the woman came with her boss.

"This is catastrophic!"

If he'd known this would happen, he'd never have dared touch Samuel's people.

"Open this door now!" Samuel's voice held no room for negotiation.

Julian had no choice. Defying Samuel wasn't an option. He finished buttoning his shirt and opened the door with a nervous grin. "Samuel! What brings you here?"

Samuel's icy glare made Julian shrink back. The man strode past him, scanning the empty room with sharp eyes.

Julian blinked in confusion.

'Hadn't the girl been here moments ago? Where'd she vanish? Well... better this way. At least Samuel won't catch me red-handed.'

"Who are you looking for, Samuel? Like I said, I'm resting alone."

Gabrielle pushed past them, searching every corner. Her brows furrowed. "That's impossible! I saw Evelyn enter with Julian!"

Julian shot Gabrielle a venomous look, cursing her interference.

Then - the distinct sound of running water from the bathroom. Gabrielle pointed triumphantly. "She's in there!"

Samuel's gaze darkened as he turned to Julian. "Who's in the bathroom?"

"N-no one!" Julian's voice cracked.

Gabrielle feigned shock. "It must be Evelyn! She's probably... cleaning up after their... encounter."

Realizing Gabrielle had set him up, Julian's rage erupted. "What filthy lies! If I had a woman here, we wouldn't be done yet! I last much longer than that!"

Gabrielle recoiled at his vulgarity, thinking him perfectly matched with that secretary.

Samuel marched to the bathroom door and pounded. "Whoever's in there - come out now!"

Only the water's steady flow answered. No movement. No reply.

"Samuel? Gabrielle? What's happening?" Amelia appeared at the doorway, deliberately accompanied by curious relatives pretending to pass by.

Gabrielle seized the opportunity. "Samuel's looking for his secretary Evelyn, but she's apparently... occupied with Julian here."

Amelia's cheeks flushed. "That can't be! They only just met tonight at the banquet!"