The Agent's Blood

Chapter 10

Evander followed Julian's car, his heart heavy with worry and barely contained anger. Julian was already this aggressive, Evander couldn't imagine what the arrogant man would be like if he actually married Elena.

He took a deep breath, trying to think calmly and rationally, reassuring himself that everything would be alright and hoping for the best.

The boutique Julian headed to was, of course, a famous one. Evander hurried out as soon as their cars stopped, eager to make sure Elena was okay.

And for the second time, Evander had to suppress his rage when he saw Julian yank Elena out of the car. The girl stumbled over her own feet as she tried to walk.

"Miss!" Evander quickly approached, intending to help. His eyes narrowed, glaring at Julian.

"I'm fine, Captain! Don't worry!" Elena said, smiling and glancing at Evander.

Julian merely smirked. Seeing Evander's reaction made him want to toy with the man's feelings. He chuckled and pulled Elena closer by the waist, escorting her into the boutique.

Evander could only stand beside his car, watching from a distance.

Through the boutique's clear glass window, which seemed deliberately designed as a display case, one could see the interior and all its activities. Several beautiful wedding gowns were displayed in the front window.

Evander watched Julian enter with Elena and felt a slight sense of relief that Julian no longer seemed to be dragging her. They both smiled, greeted directly by the boutique owner. Elena didn't seem to realize Evander was watching her from outside, she looked around nervously, offering an awkward smile while talking to the owner.

Elena and Julian were invited to sit while the staff prepared some of their best wedding dress selections. As superior clients, they were also served tea and small refreshments.

Evander smiled wryly when Elena seemed to deliberately spill tea towards Julian, making the man purse his lips in annoyance. The girl apologized, but it was clear her apology was half-hearted.

When her eyes accidentally drifted outside the display window, she realized she was being watched. Evander shook his head at her behavior, causing the girl to look down, stifling a laugh.

After that, Elena seemed more cheerful. Though she still appeared reluctant when asked to choose a wedding gown, seeing Evander frown, Elena sighed lazily and finally agreed to pick one of the three available dresses, albeit haphazardly. She went to try it on in the changing room, while Julian watched casually from the sofa.

Elena emerged in the first gown, a strapless model with a low neckline and an open back. Julian's eyes widened, but Elena shook her head in disapproval.

Especially when she saw Evander subtly shaking his head outside the window, a sign that he disliked the overly revealing cut of the dress.

Next was the second gown, also strapless, but with a more modest height, adorned with Swarovski crystals and pearls. Elena admired herself in the mirror, with Julian also assessing from his seat.

However, just as Julian was about to speak in approval, Elena shook her head again, because Evander was still shaking his head from outside.

"Bring everything out!" Julian ordered impatiently.

The boutique owner nervously instructed her staff to bring out all their designed gowns. If Elena continued to refuse and none of them suited her taste, rumors would spread, which would affect the boutique's reputation.

While Julian and the owner grew increasingly frustrated, Elena was quite the opposite. The girl seemed excited. There was a particular joy in trying on these gowns in front of Evander, even if her beloved was only watching from afar.

"This one is highly sought after and anticipated by our customers, sir," the boutique owner said with a tired smile, resigned to this last option. "It's just not quite finished yet," she added, a little hesitant.

Julian exhaled in annoyance and simply nodded, wanting to get their business over with. Elena, meanwhile, relaxed and enjoyed the tea and refreshments.

Evander couldn't help but smile, amused by his sweetheart's antics. It seemed she was deliberately annoying Julian with her various demands.

"This one is adorned with scattered tiny diamonds and high-quality Swarovski crystals," the boutique owner explained, presenting a wedding gown with soft tulle accents on the shoulders and along the sleeves. Its cut was modest and elegant, with silk thread embroidery forming small flowers. The lower part cascaded down, shimmering with diamonds and crystals. A tulle veil and a small diamond crown would further enhance the bride's hair.

Elena tried it on. Julian waited impatiently, as did Evander.

Finally, Elena emerged from the changing room.

The girl looked down shyly, her eyes darting towards Evander, who stood mesmerized, seeing the beautiful figure made even more captivating in the wedding gown.

Evander smiled, nodding subtly, clearly liking this wedding dress. Elena's smile broadened, and with enthusiasm, she requested that gown.

"How much is this one?" Julian asked, grumbling lazily, yet relieved that the exhausting dress-choosing ordeal was finally over.

"Around a million, sir, due to the intricate design and diamond embellishments," the boutique owner replied, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Julian blinked in surprise, hearing the amount. He cursed inwardly at the sum. But seeing Elena so happy looking at the gown, he reluctantly agreed.

While signing the purchase receipt, Julian watched Elena. The girl was constantly fidgeting, her eyes glancing out the window. Julian followed Elena's gaze and, in that instant, he let out an angry growl.

Feeling the wedding dress business was concluded, Julian grabbed Elena's arm roughly. "Are you deliberately messing with me?!" he snarled, barely restraining his anger.

Elena shook her head. "What do you mean, Julian?!" she deflected, wincing in pain from Julian's grip.

"If that's what you want, then I'll teach you a lesson!" Julian retorted, pulling Elena out of the boutique. The owner and her staff watched in silence.

Evander rushed over when he saw Julian again dragging Elena roughly. He even threw the girl into the car. And before Evander could intervene, Julian sped off, leaving the boutique's driveway.

"Bastard!" he cursed in anger.

Not wanting anything to happen to Elena, Evander immediately got into his car and sped off, chasing Julian.

Julian seemed to be driving in a rage, which made Evander even more worried.

"I swear I'll beat him up if he dares to hurt Elena!" Evander muttered, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white.