Chapter 49 The Mother of Two Thornes

The silence after the mother’s challenge was absolute and suffocating. Every eye was fixed on Julian, waiting for his move. I held my breath, my heart hammering against my ribs. Then, he moved. In one fluid, decisive motion, Julian took a full step forward, placing his body squarely between his mother and me, shielding me completely from her glacial glare.

“She is not my assistant,” he stated, his voice low but carrying perfectly in the hushed room. It wasn’t loud, but it was absolute.

“And she is not just my friend.” He paused, letting the words hang in the air before delivering the final blow.

“Evelyn is my woman. You will speak to her with respect.”

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• He is.... Not Him   Chapter 49 The Mother of Two Thornes

  The silence after the mother’s challenge was absolute and suffocating. Every eye was fixed on Julian, waiting for his move. I held my breath, my heart hammering against my ribs. Then, he moved. In one fluid, decisive motion, Julian took a full step forward, placing his body squarely between his mother and me, shielding me completely from her glacial glare. “She is not my assistant,” he stated, his voice low but carrying perfectly in the hushed room. It wasn’t loud, but it was absolute. “And she is not just my friend.” He paused, letting the words hang in the air before delivering the final blow. “Evelyn is my woman. You will speak to her with respect.”

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