Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 125

Her expression shifted for a fraction of a second, but she quickly suppressed it. Evelyn's eyes widened, and a look of sudden realization washed over her face as her lips began to tremble.

"Julian, are you saying... Audrey set me up?"

Her voice was filled with a mix of disbelief and sheer terror, acting as if she had just connected the dots. "How could Audrey be so cruel? Does this mean I really misunderstood Hazel?"

Julian frowned, taking a step closer. He reached out and wiped away the tear lingering at the corner of her eye. "Evelyn, tell me the truth. Do you really have absolutely nothing to do with this?"

Evelyn's eyes immediately reddened. "Julian, I know why you're doubting me. It's perfectly reasonable."

Her voice cracked with a sob, though she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall. "But I'm the victim here! Why would I intentionally ruin my own reputation?"

Julian's hand paused. Evelyn was right. She was the primary victim in the video. Who would intentionally orchestrate their own downfall?

He fell silent for a few seconds. Finally, he stepped forward, pulling Evelyn into his arms with a heavy sigh. His palm gently patted her back, offering comfort. "Alright, Evelyn. I understand."

Evelyn leaned against his chest, her sobs gradually quieting down.

Julian lifted his head, his gaze piercing through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the distance. The coldness in his eyes began to solidify.

"Don't worry. I won't let Audrey get away with this."

That evening.

When Marcus returned home from work and pushed open the front door, a delicious aroma instantly hit him.

He swapped his shoes at the entryway, followed the scent to the kitchen, and found Hazel standing by the stove.

Her leg was still heavily bandaged, and her posture was slightly awkward as she rested all her weight on her uninjured leg. She held a spatula, expertly plating the food from the pan.

Marcus leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. "Are you trying to slow down your recovery on purpose?"

Hazel turned around at the sound of his voice, a bright smile blooming on her face. Holding the plate, she turned to face him, her tone carrying a mix of caution and genuine gratitude. "Mr. Thornton, you're back."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, staying silent.

Hazel carried the dish to the dining table, where several other plates were already beautifully arranged.

Marcus walked over and took a seat. His gaze swept over the spread, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. It looked far better than he had anticipated.

Hazel brought out the final dish and sat across from him.

Marcus glanced at her leg. "Is it fully healed?"

"Not yet." Hazel looked down at her calf, the thick gauze still firmly wrapped around it. "But it doesn't hurt as much as before. A few more days and I should be fine. I can't keep crashing at your place; it's way too much of an imposition."

Marcus picked up his silverware, not even batting an eyelash. "Your self-awareness is remarkably accurate."

Hazel didn't argue. She was used to Marcus's sharp tongue by now. He had a brutal way with words, but he had genuinely saved her when she needed it most. She pushed the plate of honey-glazed salmon toward him.

"Mr. Thornton, try this. See if it suits your taste."

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