Chapter 401

Emily leaned against the elevator wall, her eyes sparkling as she took in the dazzling city lights below.

Vivian couldn't help but chuckle at her cousin's romantic notions. "So if I miss a billionaire badly enough, will an elevator full of gold bars appear?"

"Viv!" Emily pouted. "You're impossible. If you don't believe in fate, how will you ever find your soulmate?"

"Listen, kid," Vivian said, her tone turning serious. "Love won't pay your bills. Money keeps you safe. Love? That just gives people a weapon to hurt you with."

The words were harsh, but necessary. Better Emily learned this truth now than after heartbreak.

Emily shook her head stubbornly. "You're wrong. Real love heals. The only reason you're so cynical is because you got burned before. You act tough, but you're just scared to try again."

Vivian blinked.

Damn. When did teenagers get so perceptive?

The elevator doors slid open, revealing an opulent restaurant bathed in soft candlelight. A violinist played near floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

"Your mystery bidder's waiting," Emily whispered excitedly. "This is your romantic moment—I'm not crashing it!" Before Vivian could protest, the elevator doors closed behind her.

"Our honored guest," a waiter murmured, bowing deeply. "Right this way."

Near the windows stood a tall figure silhouetted against the skyline. The impeccably tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders, the cut screaming expensive. He carried himself like royalty—the kind of man who turned heads without trying.

Vivian's pulse quickened as she approached. "Hello."

The man turned slowly, revealing a face that belonged on a magazine cover. A smirk played on his lips. "Miss me, gorgeous?"

Vivian nearly tripped.

In those few steps, she'd imagined a dozen possibilities—even wondered if it might be Nathaniel—but never him.

"You look disappointed," Julian teased, his voice rich with amusement.

Four years. Four years of digital cat-and-mouse, of firewalls breached and rebuilt. When he'd heard she was back, he'd seized the chance to outbid Nathaniel in that auction—letting his rival waste millions while he claimed the prize.

"Julian," Vivian breathed. "What happened to you?"

The Julian she remembered wore all black, a hacker lurking in shadows. This man? This was a predator in a designer suit.

He stepped closer, his dark eyes burning with intensity. "That's all you have to say after four years?"