CHAPTER EIGHT: Watch Me Burn

Adele burst into Julian's office – eyes stinging with tears.

Her shirt sleeve snagged on the doorknob and she yanked it away, ripping it right off her arm. Her eyes searched the dark room.

He wasn't there. His rich leather throne sat unoccupied.

She whirled around and ran down the hallway, bare feet slapping against the cold marble.

“Julian!!” Her throat felt raw.

“Show your face, you heartless son of a–”

She collided with a wall of muscle, stumbling back. Something spilled down her front. Cold. Acrid. Whiskey.

Julian caught her waist before she fell but she shoved him away, standing toe to toe with him.

“Where is he? What did you do with him??” She screamed into his face.

He just stood there, wineglass in hand. Silent and brooding.

“Answer me! WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR SON?” her fists pounded against his chest.

Julian's face broke into a mirthless smile.

“You're right, Miss Rivers. He's my son. What I do with him is none of your business.”

Adele's eyes widened and she took a step back.

“You sent him away.” It wasn't a question.

She knew.

She overheard his phone call some weeks ago.

Leo was gone.

Locked away in whatever private boarding school of Julian's choosing.

She clamped a hand over her mouth.

She had seen it coming.

It was obvious in the awkward silence between Julian and Leo.

The way Julian always found an excuse to be out of the house, leaving her all alone with his son.

Her mind raced. Why did Julian do this? And in the dead of night? How wicked!

“Julian…you just got him back–”

“I know. You think it didn't kill me to send him away?” Julian's voice shook with rage and he clutched his wineglass tighter.

“But why? Why did you do that? He wasn't even in your way!” Fire burned behind her eyes and she clenched her fists at her sides.

“You won't understand, Adele. Just drop it. He's my son. I am keeping him safe. It was the only way” he muttered, almost like he was trying to convince himself.

He turned around and walked into his bedroom. Adele followed hot at his heels.

“The hell you are! You just got rid of him because God forbid you actually take responsibility for another human being!”

“Stop.”

“Did you even stop to think for even a second how he feels? Did you ask him what he wanted?”

“I'm warning you, Adele. Stop” his jaw clenched. His grip tightened around the glass, like he was holding in more than just anger.

“No you stop! Stop thinking about yourself for once! The boy needed you! Do you know what it means to be abandoned by both parents?”

He scoffed and filled his glass with more whiskey.

“It's not enough that you hide him from the world, now you lock him away in God knows where! You're evil, Julian. The blogs were right about you, you sadistic fuck!”

For a second, something flickered in Julian's eyes. Guilt? No–something darker. Something she couldn't name.

Then—

The sound of breaking glass made Adele recoil and cover her ears. She opened her eyes.

Julian towered over her. Alcohol dripped from the walls where he launched the wineglass.

When he spoke, his voice was cold and calm. For the first time since meeting him, Adele felt a flicker of fear.

“You want to know why I'm hiding him away? Let me break it down for you. When you are a Hawthorne, you don't get to have a childhood.”

He paused and took a deep breath.

“Hawthornes can't make mistakes. Every moment of our lives we are responsible for our actions. I don't want that for him. I want him to make his own decisions. Be his own person without the burden of a family name. I don't want him to turn out like I did.”

Adele shook her head slowly.

“You're lying to yourself. You sent him away because you cannot bear to look at him after all these years. You don't know how to be a father anymore. You don't even want to try. Your ‘family name’ theory is bullshit.”

Julian scoffed and stepped back. He started to unbutton his shirt.

“Of course I wouldn't expect you to understand. You don't know what it's like.”

His words struck Adele like bullets, tearing through her chest and leaving behind a gaping wound.

“I don't know what it's like to not have a father? Yeah…You're an asshole “ her voice cracked like glass.

“And you are giving me a headache. See yourself out. We're done here.”

She was at the door when he called over his shoulder

“Tomorrow my driver will take you to your new fashion designer. Get yourself something nice. We're going to a ball”

“The hell I am”

The door slammed.

Hours later, she still felt the sting of his words clinging to her skin like smoke.

******

“God! I hate him so much. Ow!”

Adele shifted uncomfortably in front of the full length mirror.

“The needle won't stab you if you stop shimmying around” Ronnie murmured, gently pulling the offending needle away from Adele's skin.

Julian had paid for a bougie designer, but Adele took a detour to her best friend's studio.

She needed to rant without being judged.

And if she got to waste Julian's money in the process? Even better.

Giving the driver the day off and ghosting the designer made her feel a tad satisfied.

“He's just so…full of himself. He's hurting his own son and he doesn't even see it.”

Ronnie put another needle in place.

Nathan tutted and looked up from the vogue magazine in his lap.

“You're getting too invested, Adele”

He rose and his cowboy boots clinked as he walked toward Adele.

“Remember why you're there “

Ronnie grunted in support.

“But–”

“Trust me, honey. You don't want to get involved in their family drama. I understand that what is happening is bad, but you need to focus on yourself “ Nathan clasped his hands together and looked pitifully at Adele.

Ronnie nodded without looking up, still focused.

Adele sighed deeply.

“Ads– you can't afford to get on his bad side. No matter what that ring says, you're not his wife. You're only there to get your money and walk home rich”. Nathan rubbed his index and middle finger against his thumb to buttress his point.

“Nathan's right, but he's sugar coating it. I don't trust Julian, Ads. He gives me the heebie-jeebies. That man has some dark secrets. You need to look out for yourself in your marriage.” Ronnie looked up at her with puppy eyes.

Adele stared into the mirror and sucked in another breath.

“Okay. Fine “

“Good. Now let's focus on giving you a hell of a look tonight. Show Julian what he's really up against. Are you ready for that, Mrs Hawthorne?”

Nathan clapped his hands excitedly.

Adele watched herself in the mirror and smiled haughtily.

“Watch out, Mr Hawthorne. I'm coming to take your head.”

******

Adele stayed in bed all day. She ignored the persistent knocking of the butler and the shuffling of feet in the hallway.

She heard Julian bark orders at the caterers and designers.

She watched the sun set from her balcony, cigarette pack in hand.

Some minutes before the ball was in full swing, she heard a knock.

Soft and cautious. It wasn't the butler.

“Ads?”

Julian.

Adele rolled her eyes and flopped down on her bed.

“Are you alright? You've been in your room all day.”

“Go away, Julian! You only care because of your stupid ball!” She hurled a pillow at the door.

“Can you just come out and talk to me? Hiding out in your room all day is not going to make things better.”

“No. You are giving me a headache. Turn around and walk away.”

“Yeah…I deserve that one “ Julian muttered.

Adele's lips twisted in an unwilling smile. She was low-key enjoying this.

“Well, whenever you're done sulking, I'll be downstairs waiting for you. In the ballroom. Don't be late.”

She heard a thud and the sound of receding footsteps. Her curiosity was piqued.

Adele tiptoed to the door and pressed her ear against it. Julian was gone.

“Whenever you're done sulking “ she mimicked.

She opened the door a crack and peeked out. Julian was gone. The hallway was empty. The ball was in full swing.

She didn't need to look down to spot the reason behind the thud.

A bouquet of roses stood towering in front of her.

She gasped and stepped out, observing the flowers closely.

There were over four hundred of them,shimmering and wound tight at the ends.

A black sparkly note was stuck between them. She plucked at it and turned it over, reading the contents.

“I know I'm an asshole. I'm sorry. Forgive me?”

~Julian

Adele shook her head and let the note drop to the ground.

It would take more than four hundred roses and a flimsy note to get her forgiveness.

Julian didn't know her at all. His apology dripped with ego.

Ronnie was right. He’s still an asshole, just with a bigger bank account.

She slammed the door behind her and walked straight to her wardrobe.

“We'll see who's boss tonight, Mr Hawthorne”

******

The ballroom fell into a hush the moment she walked in.

Silk whispered around her legs as she moved—every step deliberate, every inch of crimson fabric hugging her curves like a second skin.

The thigh-high slit revealed just enough to make men stare and women whisper.

Her shoulders were bare, collarbones dusted with a faint shimmer, and the diamond choker at her throat caught the light like broken glass.

Julian looked up mid-conversation, the glass of champagne still hovering near his lips.

His eyes narrowed.

She didn’t smile.

She didn’t even flinch. Just met his gaze with a lazy tilt of her head, the corners of her mouth curving ever so slightly—not in affection, but in challenge.

She wasn’t the same woman who screamed at him in his bedroom, or cried in his office.

Tonight, she was a weapon.

“Mrs. Hawthorne,” someone murmured in awe.

Cameras flashed frantically.

Adele didn’t break her stride.

She walked past Julian, the slit of her dress parting like a blade with each step, and let the wine-colored train trail behind her like spilled blood.

She felt his eyes follow her, and she moved her waist ever so softly.

Adele stood out amidst all the ball gowns and fur.

Julian was at her side immediately, his voice tight with urgency.

“What do you think you're doing?” He hissed.

“Care to shed more light, Mr Hawthorne?” She reached out and grabbed a glass of fizzy champagne from a passing butler and sipped it delicately, her eyes steady on Julian’s.

“So you ghost my designer, go off the radar for an entire day and show up to my ball in…this?” He gawked. He tugged at his collar and forced a smile at a passing couple.

She twirled the glass in her hand, watching the bubbles rise.

“What? You don't like it?” She pouted.

“No! I mean—yes. It's… it's just not the right fit for this” he waved his hand around the ballroom in frustration.

“Careful, Julian. You don't want the media to catch you harassing yet another woman “

She was enjoying this.

Julian's face turned beet red. His jaw clenched. He opened his mouth and closed it again.

His eyes travelled down her body and rested on her exposed thigh.

Adam's apple bobbed up and down.

“You're going to change this”

“I don't give a shit what you think, Julian.”

“Are you trying to ruin my night? Because it's working “

“Yayy” she chuckled dryly and sipped from her glass.

His eyes darted around the room helplessly.

“You know what? If you want to be over here looking like a hooker, be my guest. Important investors are here tonight. Just don't make a scene.”

Adele rolled her eyes.

“Don't roll your eyes at me.”

She did it again.

He groaned and turned to leave.

“You're leaving? Won't you introduce me to your special guests?”

He stopped in his tracks. When he faced her again, his eyes were dark with fury and…lust?

“No. You'll stay here and smile and be quiet. I have work to do.”

He stalked off.

She spotted some reporters trying to blend in while furtively taking pictures of her. She didn't blame them.

Ronnie had done a killer job with this dress. ‘Her revenge dress’ was what she called it. It dripped with victory.

She thought of Celeste. Julian had said that she was unreachable. Adele wondered if Julian had anything to do with it.

Don't trust him, Ads. There's something off about him.

She felt his eyes on her from across the ballroom. When she looked up, there he was, completely distracted.

His glass was empty and he held it out idly as a butler refilled it. His eyes stayed glued to her dress.

An idea popped into her head and she smiled mischievously at him and left her seat, glancing over her shoulder to make sure he was still watching.

His stormy eyes were glued to her back.

She had him right where she wanted him.

The bar at the end of the hall was empty save for the bartender.

Adele strutted over and leaned against the counter, her lips curved in a flirtatious smile.

“I'd like a scotch on the rocks.”

“Right away, miss,” the bartender nodded and got to work.

She watched his fluid movements, noting the tiny bead of sweat forming on his forehead.

“Busy night?”

“What? Oh..no. You're my first customer, actually”

He poured her drink into a glass and slid it across the counter. She reached out and took it, lightly brushing his fingers.

He flushed and looked into her eyes.

She sipped her drink and bit her lip.

“Thank you, Mr?”

He blinked.

“Carlos. Carlos Rivera”

Adele smiled coyly and extended her hand.

“Adele. Adele Rivers.”

“Ah! Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Rivers.”

He leaned over and kissed her hand. His lips were wet and Adele struggled not to barf. She looked over her shoulder.

Julian was staring hard. His eyes were unreadable and his drink was untouched.

“So, don't tell me you're here all alone. A pretty lady like you shouldn't be drinking alone”

“Then join me, silly” Adele laughed.

She resisted the urge to wipe her hand.

He poured himself a neat scotch and raised his glass.

“To new acquaintances”

Adele smiled and raised hers.

As she brought her drink to her lips, her spider senses tingled.

The glass was grabbed from her hand and landed on the counter with a thud. Julian stood beside her, bristling with rage.

The bartender straightened immediately. Sweat poured down his forehead.

“Good evening, Mr Hawthorne.”

Adele rolled her eyes.

“Shut up. You're fired. You. Come with me”

He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her from her seat.

Adele stumbled in her heels and cursed.

She struggled against his grip but it was futile.

“Can we get a picture with the couple!” A reporter called out.

Julian faced the hive of cameras.

“Just one. My wife isn't feeling too well”

He wrapped his hand around Adele's waist tightly and eased a smile. Adele smiled with her teeth.

Camera flash. One. Two.

Julian whipped around, taking Adele with him.

“Ow! My feet hurt, you jackass!”

Wordlessly, he scooped her up and threw her over his shoulders, sprinting up the stairs with renewed urgency.

Adele's heart thundered in her chest. This was a dangerous turn–and she felt herself giving in.

At the top of the stairs, he turned right into his room instead of hers.

She tried to struggle, but his strong arms held her in place.

He didn’t say a word as he shoved the door open and pulled her in.

The moment they were inside, he slammed it shut.

The sound was deafening—she couldn’t tell if it was the door or her heartbeat echoing in her ears.

"You think this is a game?" His voice was low. Dangerous.

"Maybe it is," she shot back, lifting her chin with defiance, even as her pulse raced.

He stared at her, breathing hard. Then, without warning, he grabbed her waist and spun her around.

Her hip bumped against the bed frame as he bent her over it, one hand pressing down firmly on her lower back to keep her in place.

"Julian—" she began, startled.

"You want to act like a brat in front of everyone? Flirting like that? Fine. Let’s play."

His hand came down—not cruel, but firm, sharp enough to make her gasp. Her lips parted in shock.

She hated that it turned her on.

In one swift motion, he lifted her dress, exposing her to the cool air and the heat of his gaze.

"You don’t get to stir things up and walk away like it’s nothing."

Another smack. This one slower. Controlled. Her breath hitched, but she bit down on her lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a sound.

"Still not sorry?" he muttered, his palm smoothing over the curve of her ass, the touch lingering now—less punishment, more possession.

"I didn’t do anything wrong," she breathed, even as her voice trembled.

He leaned down, his breath hot against her ear. "Then why are you shaking?"

She was shaking, but not from fear. And he knew it.

Without warning, he pulled her upright, spinning her to face him. Her back hit the wall as his body closed in, heat and control radiating from every inch of him.

"You wanted my attention that badly, Adele?" His voice was lower now, dangerously intimate.

Her chest rose and fell. "Maybe I just wanted you to see me."

Something flickered in his eyes. His jaw clenched. Then his hand came up, cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed her skin—gentler than it had any right to be.

But then he stepped back.

Just like that, the heat was gone. He turned and walked away, leaving her breathless, burning, and furious with herself for wanting more.

The door slammed behind him and Adele heard a click.

No. No!

She raced to the door and rattled the handle but it was no use.

Like everything with Julian –just out of reach.

She pounded her fist against the door, screaming his name until her throat felt raw.

Then she sank down to the floor, her dress pooling around her.

Her behind tingled and her eyes burned with tears of frustration.

What are you doing, Adele? Fraternising with the enemy? Classic waterloo.

The voice in her head taunted.

But Adele wasn't angry with Julian. She was scared because deep down, she had started to fall for this man.

This dark monster who locked her up and made her feel weak and helpless and horny at the same time.