Chapter 987

Evelyn understood perfectly well that nothing romantic had developed between Natalie and Lucas. Natalie was still torn about whether to accept Julian's affections.

She advised Natalie to take time to reflect before making any decisions.

But she wouldn't dare mention this to Lucas.

Lucas smirked. "That's more like it. Amelia, if you have any favorite celebrities, I can invite them to our engagement party. Consider it my congratulatory gift."

As a powerful figure in the entertainment industry, Lucas held considerable influence. Amelia's eyes lit up with surprise as she blurted out without hesitation. "Really? Julian! I adore Julian Moreau!"

'That rising idol?' Evelyn glanced up instinctively, seeing Amelia's starstruck expression as she clasped her hands together.

"Young Julian is absolutely adorable. I'd love to meet him. Is that possible?"

Lucas flashed a roguish grin, appearing completely nonchalant. "Of course—"

The moment he looked up and caught Alexander's warning glare, he immediately backtracked.

"Of course—not!"

Amelia's sparkling eyes dimmed momentarily. "Is it difficult?"

With Lucas's status, inviting a popular young idol shouldn't be an issue, right?

Lucas gave an awkward chuckle.

"I heard Julian was taken under a famous director's wing for intensive training over the next two months. No time off allowed."

Amelia sighed, her gentle features clouded with disappointment. "What a shame. Could you pass along my support? Tell him to focus on his craft. I'll always cheer him on and wait for him to mature—"

Wait for him to mature?

Lucas and Evelyn exchanged glances. Why did that phrasing sound slightly... concerning? The room's temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

William clearly wanted no part of this conversation. He stood abruptly, rubbing his temples as if preparing to leave. "I've got a headache. I'll go rest upstairs for a while."

The topics these youngsters discussed were beyond him.

Alexander's smile turned dangerous.

"Wait for him to mature? Is he better than me?"

Amelia froze.

"It was just a figure of speech—"

Evelyn and Lucas simultaneously rose, preparing to escape the awkward atmosphere. Before they could retreat far, they heard Alexander begin meticulously slandering Julian with terrifying patience. "That boy climbed the ladder by sleeping with numerous powerful figures—men and women alike. His innocent persona is carefully crafted. Don't be fooled by appearances, understand?"

"Seriously...?"

Evelyn's steps faltered. She couldn't bring herself to look her eldest brother in the eye. His possessiveness had reached alarming levels.

The lies flowed effortlessly from his lips. Was it really appropriate to defame a young man like that?

Lucas muttered under his breath, "How did he know? I thought we kept that under wraps."

Evelyn stared at him in shock. "It's true?"

Lucas shrugged. "Weren't you involved in that scandal with him? You didn't know?"

He'd assumed she was aware.

In reality, Evelyn knew nothing.

She'd even instructed Dominic to allocate more resources to that seemingly kindhearted young man.

Seeing Evelyn's bewildered expression, Lucas smirked.

"That news circulated ages ago. Maybe it never reached you. Or perhaps... someone made sure it wouldn't."

After all, you're one of those 'powerful figures' he supposedly charmed."

Evelyn was speechless. Her worldview had just been shattered.

She needed an entire night to process this sudden revelation about the entertainment industry's dark underbelly.

From now on, she'd think twice before blindly trusting anyone's public image.

Early next morning.

Spring was fading, the weather gradually warming.

Evelyn headed straight to the office from Sterling Manor, buried in work all day.

During a rare moment of respite, she glanced at her silent phone, feeling strangely unsettled.

The realization struck her suddenly.

Preston hadn't contacted her all day.