She Was Forced to Marry a 90-Year-Old Billionaire at the Altar — But When He Took Off His Mask, the Whole Chapel Froze

That evening, the storm returned with a vengeance, driving heavy waves against the black rocks beneath Hawthorne Manor.

Evelyn sat at the long mahogany dining table in the formal dining room. The room was illuminated by a massive crystal chandelier, and three liveried servers brought out dishes of roasted duck, truffle soup, and fine wine.

Julian sat at the head of the table, ten feet away, scanning documents on an iPad while taking occasional bites of his dinner.

The confrontation with Victoria Sterling had changed the air between them.

Evelyn could feel his silver eyes sliding toward her every few minutes, observing her with a deep, quiet curiosity that made her cheeks burn.

"You handled Victoria well today," Julian spoke suddenly, setting his tablet down on the white tablecloth.

Evelyn wiped her mouth with a linen napkin, looking up at him. "She was trespassing. And she was rude."

"She is dangerous," Julian warned, his voice serious. "Victoria controls two major hedge funds in Manhattan. She has been trying to seize control of Hawthorne Holdings since my father died ten years ago. She will use every dirty trick in the book to invalidate our marriage."

Evelyn set her glass down. "Including digging into my father's debts?"

"She already has her men in Providence," Julian revealed casually. "By tomorrow, she will know about the five million dollars."

Evelyn lowered her head, feeling a cold knot of shame form in her stomach. "I'm sorry. I'm a liability to your reputation."

Julian stood up from his chair, walking slowly down the length of the long table until he stood beside her seat. He reached down, placing his hand over hers on the white tablecloth.

"You are not a liability, Evelyn," he said softly.

She looked up, startled by the unexpected softness in his voice.

"You stood up to a woman who makes Wall Street CEOs sweat," Julian continued, his silver eyes locking onto hers. "You protected this house. You protected me."

"I protected my deal," she corrected, trying to maintain her defensive wall, though her heart was pounding wildly at his proximity. "I want my fifty million dollars in two years."

Julian let out a low, quiet chuckle that vibrated through his chest. It was the first real laugh she had heard from him—a warm, rich sound that made her stomach do flip-flops.

"Of course," Julian murmured, leaning down until his dark hair brushed against her temple. "Always business, little bird."

Suddenly, the lights in the grand dining room flickered twice and went out completely.

The entire mansion was plunged into total, pitch-black darkness.

Outside, a deafening crack of thunder shook the heavy glass windows.

Evelyn gasped, jumping up from her chair in instinctual panic. In the dark, her foot caught the edge of the rug, and she began to fall backward toward the stone floor!

"Evelyn!" Julian’s voice barked in the dark.

Strong, muscular arms wrapped instantly around her waist, catching her mid-air and pulling her flush against his broad, solid chest.

Evelyn gripped his arms tightly, her face pressed into the warm crook of his neck. She could smell the scent of dark cedarwood, warm skin, and expensive rain-drenched cotton. Her chest heaved against his, her heart hammering so hard she was sure he could feel it against his ribs.

"I have you," Julian whispered in the absolute dark, his breath hot against her ear. "I have you, Evelyn."

His hands held her securely, pressing her body tightly against his. In the darkness, stripped of his title, his money, and his cold corporate armor, he was just a man holding her in the dark.

For three long, breathless seconds, neither of them moved.

Evelyn turned her head slightly, her lips inches from his jawline. She felt his body stiffen, his pulse racing against her cheek.

Slowly, the emergency generators clicked on with a quiet hum.

The wall sconces flickered back to life, bathing the dining room in a soft, golden glow.

Evelyn looked up into Julian’s eyes.

His silver gaze was dark, heavy, and intense, burning with a hunger that made her entire body freeze. He didn't let her go. His hand remained wrapped firmly around her waist, his thumb stroking gently against the curve of her hip.

"Julian..." she whispered, her voice trembling.