Chapter 396

Harrison's lips curved into a gentle smile as his fingers intertwined tighter with Evelyn's.

"I'm intrigued by that as well. But remember, even the cleverest fox can't hide its tail forever."

Meanwhile...

Juliette reclined on a plush beach chair in Pamore, basking in the golden sunlight. A crystal ss of champagne dangled carelessly between her manicured fingers.

"Mr. Sterling, why so serious?" She purred, tilting her head. "Come, join me for a drink."

Nathan's piercing gaze swept over her unfamiliar face, yet something about her sent an odd ripple of recognition through him.

"Name your price." His voice was ice.

Juliette's lips twisted into a smirk as she arched one perfectly sculpted brow.

"How delightfully direct. But tell me, Nathan - why seek me out now? What possible business could you have with me?" She took a slow sip. "As I recall, you and Evelyn divorced ages ago."

Nathan had no patience for games. His sole purpose was to make this woman retract her baseless usations against Evelyn.

"This matter concerns only Evelyn and myself. It's none of your affair."

He produced a nk check, sliding it across the table. "Write any figure you desire."

Juliette's laughter tinkled like broken glass. She pushed the check away without glancing at it.

"My, my. Are you always this generous with your women, Mr. Sterling?" Her eyes gleamed. "Tell me - is your ex-wife truly worth such extravagance? Keep your money. I've no interest in it."

Nathan's jaw tightened. "No interest? Yet you demand a billion from Evelyn. It seems you don't despise money - just mine."

Rising gracefully, Juliette closed the distance between them until Nathan's distinctive cologne enveloped her senses.

After all these years, the man still radiated that irresistible magnetism. No wonder women fell like dominoes before him.

"Money is such a vulgar topic," she murmured, tracing a finger down his lapel. "Let's discuss something more... stimulating."

Nathan jerked back, snatching the check away. "What do you want then?"

Juliette stepped closer, stopping mere inches away. Tilting her head up, she flashed a predatory smile. "I've always been... fascinated by you."

As she leaned in to brush her lips against his cheek, Nathan shoved her away violently, his expression darkening.

"Control yourself, Ms. Blackwood."

Juliette's laughter rang out across the beach. "Who are you saving your virtue for? Evelyn?" Her smile turned venomous. "You made promises once. Promises you broke."

Confusion flickered in Nathan's eyes. Her words made no sense.

But Juliette offered no exination.

"Nothing will stop me from making Evelyn pay - not even you." Her voice dripped with venomous certainty, eyes blazing with decades-old hatred.

For a fleeting moment, Nathan felt an eerie sense of déjà vu. The woman before him moved and spoke like someone from his past.

"Who are you?" He demanded.

Juliette smoothed her dress, her mask of composure sliding back into place.

She smiled enigmatically. "What do you think, Mr. Sterling?"