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Chapter 274
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 275
Willow smiled faintly and allowed Julian to take over the task.Julian seemed to have come to terms with something, showing no outward signs of trouble. He finished putting up the string of lights and then noticed the Louis Vuitton cashmere scarf Willow was wearing. It was probably a gift from Melanie. It seemed like Willow was willing to wear it now.He couldn't help but feel a wave of tenderness washing over him at that thought. He stepped forward, put his arms around Willow's waist, and asked, "What kind of gift would you like for the New Year?"Willow smiled faintly and simply shook her head.Julian's eyes held a deep longing as he looked at her, as if trying to imprint her image in his mind. He didn't know how much lucid time remained, nor did he know when he would forget Willow, after all. He wanted to see her and the children as much as he could while his mind was still clear.He also wanted to write it all down—to record everything about Willow, Landon, Gabriella, and Evel
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 276
Liam and Julian were by themselves in Dominic's study.In the study, the scent of pine from the candles drifted as Julian reverently lit a candle for Dominic.Liam, who was standing nearby, suddenly said, "I need you to swear before your grandfather's portrait that you have nothing to do with Alicia's death. I'll only believe you if you swear this before your grandfather."Julian lowered his gaze before a faint smile flickered across his face as he asked, "When did you begin to sympathize with someone like her, Dad?"Liam's gaze was piercing. He glared at Julian and replied, "You know I've never liked her, Julian. I'm only asking this for your own sake! I need to be certain that you had no part in this!"Julian took a step back and looked up at the portrait of Dominic. He then murmured, "You're overthinking this, Dad. I had nothing to do with Alicia's death. In the past, I had made sure that no one would kill her, but now that I no longer do that, it's no wonder that she's dead. I
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 277
Julian thought that, at the very least, Willow was still by his side. Throughout their years of knowing each other, they had rarely experienced romantic moments. He suddenly felt a tug at his heart and gently took her hand in his, holding her slightly cool hand within his warm one. Willow didn't resist Julian's touch. Her eyes remained on the children as she murmured, "How perfect life would be if all we had to do was watch the children, without having to wake up early and without having to toil away at work?"Julian looked down at Willow before humming softly in acknowledgment. He then smiled knowingly and said, "You're not one to be idle, Willow."Willow smiled in response before gently gathering her shawl around her shoulders. She then said with a gentle smile, "It seems like you understand me quite a bit."Julian's gaze was profound as he said, "I'm certain that it's far more than just a little bit."Having somehow sensed a slightly sensual undertone in Julian's remark, Willo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 278
Nancy's lips trembled slightly as she was overcome with shame and fury, bringing with them the uncomfortable sensation of being utterly exposed.Julian made no move to hand over the check. His countenance was now utterly devoid of emotion as he said, "If life holds no appeal for you, I can offer you several alternative means of death. You are welcome to consider which might provide a slightly more agreeable end." Upon hearing that, Nancy shook like a leaf. Though she put on a strong front, she was nothing but a coward. Alicia was the only genuinely ruthless member of the Burke family.Having witnessed Alicia endure a living nightmare for the past few years, Nancy and Charlie had been too afraid to speak up. She had only threatened to kill herself to extort money from the Ziegler family, but Julian somehow managed to see right through her intentions with ease.Nancy was about to turn to leave when Julian suddenly added, "You and your husband are to leave Brindley—and never come bac
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 279
That evening, Julian, Willow, and the children returned to the villa.It was especially lively and festive in Brindley due to the New Year, with festive lights illuminating the entire route. In the car, Gabriella and Landon chattered animatedly, while Julian and Willow sat on the other side, silently watching the lights outside, each lost in their own thoughts.Julian gently took hold of Willow's hand, and Willow made no move to resist.Upon reaching home, Gabriella, who had been babbling away, was already sound asleep and even had a bit of drool on her face. Landon was also fast asleep, mumbling in his sleep.Julian carried the children upstairs, taking turns with each. Willow thought it was too tiring and suggested getting Benjamin's help, but Julian refused. He looked at Willow, his eyes filled with emotion, and said, "They grow up so quickly, and soon I won't be able to carry them anymore. I want to hold them more while I still have the chance."Willow smiled faintly and offer
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 280
It wasn't long before spring gave way to summer. It was already June, and Willow's belly had started to protrude, its pointed shape suggesting she was expecting a baby girl.It was a summer night, and the sky had deepened to a lacquer blue. The villa's trellis was adorned with wisteria flowers in full bloom, with their delicate purple clusters fluttering in the breeze, looking lovely and full of life.Willow leaned against the lounge chair, sleeping lightly with a blanket draped over her. Her long black hair, reminiscent of the wisteria blossoms, swayed gently in the night breeze, making her appear lovely and gentle. Her face radiated a delicate glow, fair and luminous from the care she received.It was then that a hand suddenly took hold of her slender, delicate fingers. Julian squatted before her and pressed his face against Willow's rounded belly. Her pregnancy, over five months along and distinctly showing, presented a firm, pointed little belly that pressed against his face,
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 281
Status and power no longer meant anything to Julian. All that he had left was the burden resting on his shoulders.He pulled out a box of cigarettes from the drawer, taking one out and putting it between his lips. His hands trembled as he lit the cigarette, but he didn't mind them. He took a deep drag, and the cigarette smoke seemed to cloud his dark gaze.Someone knocked on the study door before entering, startling Julian. He snapped, "Who's there?"It was Esther. She looked at him and said, "It's me."He relaxed and leaned back, sighing softly. "It's you. Why are you here so late?"She approached him and started tidying his desk. "I just got off work and came to check on things because I was worried. Sure enough, here you are, still busy."Her fingers brushed against his journal, and she almost broke down. She shut it gently, not daring to look at it.After some thought, she said, "Your body can't handle such exertion anymore—Dr. Somner said that you need to get proper rest. Y
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 282
A tear clung to the tip of Dexter's nose, but he didn't wipe it away. "Make yourself clear, Julian. Tell me what you fucking mean!"Julian said, "I'm sick, and I don't have long to live."Dexter snapped, "I don't believe you!"He didn't have a choice, though.Julian took the prescription bottle from him and fiddled with it. He still looked as handsome as ever, and his every action was regal and elegant. He said, "It's an aftereffect of the accident."He sounded calm and unaffected, but Dexter was thoroughly stunned. He stared at Julian and asked, "Why didn't you get surgery for it? Why didn't you take a gamble, you bold, selfish bastard? You're rich, aren't you? You've got so much money you're swimming in it!"Get a doctor—search for the world's best doctor to operate on you! Or are you just a big, fat coward, Julian?"Julian sighed. "I'll tell you what I told Esther—I can't take the risk."He wanted to wait for his child to be born; he wanted to pave the path for Willow. Perha
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 350
Willow, feigning indifference, replied, "I think we should wait until our children are a bit older."Julian gently stroked her cheek, letting the remarriage topic drop for now. He then lowered his head to kiss Evelyn, who was currently nestled in his arms. She was clearly well cared for, with a soft, delicate face and chubby little arms, and holding her felt akin to embracing a cuddly stuffed toy.In the late hours, after the lights were turned off, Willow snuggled close to Julian, resting her head partly on his arm, and said softly, "I want to come back and look after the children, Julian. It feels like the right moment to do it now, since it'll just seem too sudden if I ask you to take over later."There was a prolonged silence before Julian asked gently, "Do you really want to leave the business world behind?"Willow, showing no lingering attachment to the business world, replied, "There are three little ones who need me to look after them at home. I mean, though the elders are
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 349
It was the dead of night, and at Radiance Manor—the most luxurious manor in Brindley—Julian and Willow were in the throes of passionate lovemaking when, jarringly, a phone started ringing from the suit pants that had been cast aside at the foot of the bed.It rang persistently, the insistent sound echoing throughout the bedroom. Julian had intended to ignore it, but Willow couldn't quite get back into the moment. She gently caressed his cheek and murmured, "You should answer it first—we can pick up where we left off later."Julian's gaze held a profound expression. He gave Willow a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth, then reached over and pulled his phone out of his pants. He glanced at the screen and noticed that it was a call from an unknown number. He then answered the call and said, "Julian Ziegler speaking."Having spoken briefly with the caller on the other end of the line, Julian glanced at Willow and said, "Got it. I'll be there shortly."He then hung up the phone and
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 348
Julian hardly ever drank this much. "I'm fine. It's not every day we get a night like this anyway."Willow, rarely this assertive, didn't back down this time. "You just had surgery not long ago. You're also not in your early 20s anymore, Julian."Julian, looking slightly tipsy, fixed her with a heated gaze and murmured, "I'll let you experience firsthand that a man in his early 30s is every bit as good as one in his early 20s."Upon hearing that, Willow's cheeks immediately flushed with embarrassment, murmuring, "Julian…"Julian's eyes were filled with love as he looked at her, taking her hand in his. Having toasted one last drink with one of the members of the project team, he decided not to push his luck with Willow and declared, "That's it for me! If I have another one, Ms. Harper will be displeased, and I might even end up sleeping on the couch tonight!"Those around them instantly hooted and hollered with amusement.Julian chuckled and exclaimed, "You bunch of rascals!"He
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 347
In the end, with the conclusion of the bidder conference, Nebula Group was officially awarded PrimePath Group's project. Michael turned on his heel and stormed out of the conference room.In contrast, the representatives from the other companies, being good sports, all went up to congratulate them. Given that Nebula Group was the biggest player in Brindley, Julian's direct participation in the bidding was a game-changer, giving them all a memorable lesson. It definitely provided them with plenty of fodder for future conversations and boasting.Meanwhile, those back at Nebula Group had already begun their celebration by popping the champagne.Julian and the other returned to the company, where Dexter immediately popped open a bottle of champagne and playfully doused Julian with it. Upon seeing that, those from the project team cheered and clapped enthusiastically. They had, after all, never dared to act this way toward Julian, who had always been perceived as cold and utterly rut
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 346
Upon seeing Julian, Eleanor went completely still, knowing that her defeat in PrimePath Group's bidder conference was inevitable.Michael firmly held her hand, his eyes conveying a deep conviction as he said, "I believe you won't let me down, Eleanor."Upon hearing that, Eleanor felt a wave of cold air wash over her.It was then that Julian and Esther took their seats next to Eleanor. Having exchanged a polite nod with Eleanor, Julian feigned surprise at seeing Michael, saying, "It's been a while, Mr. Hall. You're looking as distinguished as always—unlike the last time, when you looked like a swollen mess."Having heard what Julian said, Michael's lips trembled almost imperceptibly.Julian, looking thoroughly pleased, settled into his seat.Esther leaned in and whispered, "It seems like we're the ninth one to present our bid, placing us directly after Ascent Group."Julian nodded in understanding.It was then that Preston Padilla, the key figure from PrimePath Group, stepped fo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 345
Dexter seethed with a desire to triumph over Michael, after all.In the early hours, Willow began the scheduled meeting, but after five minutes had elapsed, Dexter's seat was still unoccupied.Having noticed that, Willow turned to Julian and instructed, "Please go take a look in the storeroom."Julian nodded his assent, readily following Willow's instruction. He made his way to the storeroom in a couple of minutes and bypassed the fingerprint lock. He then noticed that the space within was silent, though the subtle sound of someone breathing could still be detected.Dexter, likely overcome by exhaustion, had inexplicably fallen asleep in the storeroom, holding "Julian," the AI robot, in a tight embrace. That sight inexplicably sent a chill down Julian's spine.Dexter remained asleep, undisturbed by the slight movements. He was even issuing a command to the robot in his dreams, murmuring, "Did you miss me, Julian?"Julian landed a solid punch on Dexter, exclaiming, "It's already m
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 344
In the aftermath, Michael, wearing a white bathrobe, leaned against the headboard and smoked his cigarette. Khloe snuggled against him, being incredibly affectionate and wheedling, her ultimate aim being for Michael to financially support her on the side.Michael lowered his gaze, and the finger holding his cigarette softly brushed against her cheek. Khloe looked up at him, allowing him to do as he wished.It was common knowledge that men had always preferred the gentle and compliant type.Michael had never kept women around. He was very displeased with Eleanor, though. He could tell that Eleanor still had a thing for Dexter, which, for a self-made man like Michael, felt like a huge slap in the face. Thus, in order to get back at her out of spite— and with Khloe being good in bed and easy on the eyes—he agreed without much hesitation.In their social circle, it wasn't uncommon to keep a woman or two on the side. In addition, his subsequent marriage to Eleanor would only be a marria
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 343
Julian smiled faintly and said, "It must have been someone who was always around, then."Upon hearing that, Liam was completely dumbfounded. It took him a while before he blurted out, "You've actually known all along, huh, Julian?"Julian turned slightly and flicked his cigarette ash, thinking that it would have been impossible not to know about it. Liam's partiality for Willow had been so clear since Willow's reunion with her family. It was only Melanie, in her obliviousness, who had failed to notice it. Those who were aware simply played along, thinking that what happened in the past had no place in the present.Julian quipped, "You should probably be a bit more subtle going forward."Liam's face flushed with embarrassment as he quickly made up a reason to retire to his room.Julian's surroundings had fallen silent once again. His gaze drifted into the dark depths of the night as he slowly took a drag of his cigarette, his thoughts drifting between the past and what lay ahead, o
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 342
In the hush of the night, a black car slowly pulled into the Ziegler residence, where Tyler and Karen had been waiting anxiously at the entrance.Upon seeing Dexter unharmed, Karen gave him a firm smack on his shoulder and exclaimed, "You gave your father and me such a fright! You can't go breaking the law—no matter what!"Having stepped out of the car with Willow, Julian smiled gently and said, "Dexter only acted in such a manner out of deep affection."Tyler sighed softly and said, "I seriously can't thank you enough, Julian. If it weren't for you, Dexter might have gotten himself into real trouble again."Julian, maintaining his smile, exclaimed, "You give me too much credit, Uncle Tyler! I'm certain Dexter knows what he's doing."Tyler had instructed the household staff to prepare some late-night snacks, but Julian, after giving it some thought, expressed his worry about leaving his three children alone and decided to return home with Willow instead.It was only after their c
