Chapter 53: Gathering Information

The wheels of the carriage clattered over cobblestones as it rolled through the fog-veiled streets of London. Inside, the cabin was dimly lit by a single lantern swaying from a hook above, casting a golden glow over the two men seated across from one another.

Graham sat awkwardly, still rattled from the near-death encounter, his fingers fidgeting in his lap. Across from him, Julian Hartmoor lounged with composed elegance, his gloved hand resting on the armrest, one leg crossed over the other. He studied Graham with quiet intensity, not speaking immediately.

Graham fidgeted with his cuff, then cleared his throat.

"I still can't believe it's you. Everyone thought you'd died in Spain or… somewhere."

Julian smiled faintly. "Rumors are useful. People leave you alone when they think you're dead."

"That was three years ago," Graham muttered. "What the hell were you doing all this time?"

Julian didn't answer immediately. His eyes flicked to the window, watching the gas lamps blur past like fireflies in the mist.

"I was living. Learning. And making sure I had enough power before returning to England."

Graham gave a weak laugh. "You always did have grand ideas."

"Better than drowning in debt and whiskey," Julian replied smoothly, his voice a low purr. "Though I see not much has changed for you."

Graham cleared his throat nervously.

"Julian, I...I can't thank you enough. Truly. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't shown up when you did."

Julian arched a brow. "Likely screamed louder and lost a limb."

Graham flushed. "It wasn't my fault. I had a bad run, that's all. And I just needed to win once."

Julian's expression didn't shift. "You always were deluded about your luck."

That stung. Graham looked away, gritting his teeth. "You didn't have to save me, you know."

"I didn't do it for you."

Graham looked up sharply, confusion etched on his face. "Then why?"

Julian didn't answer right away. His gaze drifted to the carriage window where mist clung to the glass. He exhaled slowly, then said, "I owed someone something. Perhaps I'm just settling the balance."

Graham frowned. "Someone? Who?"

Julian turned his eyes back to him. "Your sister."

Graham stiffened. "Evelyn? What about her?"

Julian smiled faintly. "Still sharp when you want to be."

"I...wait." Graham narrowed his eyes. "Is that why you're back? After all these years, you show up in London, swoop into a gambling den like some bloody hero, and now you're name-dropping my sister?"

Julian tilted his head slightly, the shadows deepening the contours of his face. "Evelyn was once very important to me. She still is."

Graham's brows furrowed in disbelief. "But she's married now. To a duke. You know that, don't you?"

Julian's expression didn't change, but something behind his eyes shifted. A stillness, like a lake just before a storm.

"Is she… happy?"

Graham shifted uncomfortably. How should he know.

Julian leaned forward slightly.

"Is she being mistreated?"

"No," Graham said quickly, but hesitated. "Not that I know of. The Duke's cold as ice though. Barely talks to anyone. He's rich as sin and terrifying when he wants to be. But… she's not miserable either. I don't know what goes on behind their closed doors but l believe she's…managing. It's a good match. The Duke's powerful, respected. And she lives like a queen."

"Like a queen," Julian echoed, his tone unreadable. "And yet you gamble away her dignity with every name-drop in the city's filthiest corners."

Graham's jaw clenched. "That's not fair."

"Neither is life," Julian replied coolly. Then, after a beat: "But don't worry. I won't ruin her reputation. Not unless she asks me to."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Julian leaned forward slightly, his voice softer now, but no less firm. "It means I'm not here to start a scandal, Graham. But if Evelyn needs me, truly needs me I'll be there. Not for titles. Not for pride. Just for her."

The weight of his words settled thick in the air.

"She used to write to me, you know," he murmured after a beat. "Every week for almost a year after I left. I kept the letters."

Graham didn't looked surprised. He nodded,"You two would've gotten married at some point if.... "

Julian's gaze met his. "I won't give up".

Graham swallowed, suddenly unsure. "You…still care for her?"

Julian smiled again, and this time it wasn't cold. It was dangerous.

"Some things, Graham, don't die. No matter how much time passes."

The carriage rounded a corner. Rain tapped lightly on the glass. Inside, silence bloomed for a long moment, heavy and full of what wasn't said.

Julian finally broke it.

"Tell me more about this Duke. His allies. His enemies. What he's involved in."

"You planning something?" Graham asked, only half-joking.

Julian smiled again, a slow, deliberate curve of his lips.

"Just gathering information. After all… I'm home now. And I never return empty-handed."

Julian leaned back again, a shadow of something unreadable passing over his face.