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Chapter 324
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 325
The car door opened. The summer night breeze carried the faint scent of fennel.The CEO's private elevator went straight to the 28th floor, where the product development department was located. With a soft ding, the elevator doors opened.The crisp sound of Willow's high heels echoed through the quiet night. Her back remained straight, as if she would never tire…Behind her, Julian's gaze was deep.Willow swiped her exclusive access card and opened the warehouse for the product development department. Inside, it was pitch black.She raised her hand and turned on the lights. The light turned on, and it was a little dazzling. Willow closed her eyes for two seconds before walking toward something covered with a black cloth.She turned to glance at Julian, then pulled the cloth away. Beneath it was a life-sized robot that looked like Julian, down to every strand of hair.Willow's slender fingers stroked the robot's face gently with a deep sense of longing. Her voice became husky."
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 326
It was a night of unrestrained passion. The night was still as Willow nestled in Julian's arm, still immersed in the lingering waves of pleasure.Julian propped himself up slightly, naturally reaching for the bedside table drawer. He remembered there were two unopened packs of cigarettes inside, but when he pulled one out, he ended up putting it back.Lowering his gaze, he looked at the woman in his arms, and his brows relaxed.The past had been bitter, but what he held now was real. He would spend his whole life repaying what he owed Willow by cherishing her and making her happy as they raised their children together.Of course, because of the bidding project, he didn't want to announce he had regained his memory for the time being. He wanted to strike Michael with a lethal blow.Julian had long outgrown the age of being competitive. This was entirely for the bigger picture. Also, it was to bring a little fun between him and Willow.Willow had no idea, and perhaps that made thin
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 327
Eleanor didn't deny it and nodded. "Yes!"She walked over and pressed the elevator button, but Dexter immediately pinned her body against the wall. The smooth tiles of the wall made her back feel sore. "Dexter, have you lost your mind?""Shouldn't I be losing it? Eleanor, why are you looking for someone else? Did I not satisfy you? Or haven't I spent enough time with Maisie?"I don't even go to any social events after work anymore. My life revolves around you! So, why are you still looking for other men?"Eleanor tilted her head back, forced against the cold wall tiles. She chuckled and said, "You sound reasonable, but Dexter, I'm not your wife. I just want to find someone to settle down with for the rest of my life. What's wrong with that?"Dexter was fuming, his voice hoarse. "Do you need more money or something? Would you die without a man?"Eleanor retorted, "It's none of your business! Also, if you want to see Maisie from now on, you'd better call in advance."Dexter repl
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 328
Willow didn't think much of Michael. His wife had just passed away less than half a year ago, and he was already planning to remarry.Plus, he had a son who was over ten years old. Remarried couples often had their own agendas. Eleanor shouldn't give up her career.Willow thought for a moment before offering her personal opinion. "Eleanor, for Maisie's sake, please reconsider. You've reached your ceiling at Nebula Group, but in a couple of years, I can allocate 1% of the equity to you."Although it can't compare to Michael's billions in assets, there's a saying I believe in—a bird in hand is worth two in the bush." Eleanor was deeply moved. She knew full well that someone in her current position wouldn't normally receive such treatment. This was coming from Willow's personal regard for her.Her voice trembled as she declined. "Thank you, Ms. Harper. I know you've always treated me well, but I'm sorry."Eleanor stood up and lowered her head slightly. She still remembered many yea
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 329
Dexter held her wrist so tightly that it hurt. He stared at her. "I want Maisie. Give me Maisie, and you can chase after your damn wealth and status."Eleanor flung his hand away and glared at him. Tears rolled down her cheeks, leaving marks of the love she once had for him.At 7:00 pm that night, Michael and Eleanor went public with their relationship, attending a banquet hand in hand. Dexter became a trending topic online.Eleanor gained a nickname, "The Tycoon Harvester". The media detailed her relationship with Dexter, the love and resentment between them, as well as their shared child. However, photos of the child were blocked across the Internet.Back at the Ziegler residence, Karen was dumbfounded at the report. "Dexter, what's going on? Did someone make this up? How could Eleanor marry someone else? Weren't you two doing just fine?"Dexter occasionally didn't come home, so he must've been spending it at Eleanor's. How did things fall apart?Everyone in the Ziegler famil
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 330
Julian sat upright on the sofa, his dark eyes as deep as ink. After a moment, he asked gently, "How did you figure it out?"Willow stared at him intently, her lips trembling slightly. "Because the Julian Ziegler who lost his memory would never have gotten a vasectomy. He wouldn't understand the pain of childbirth."Back when she gave birth to Landon and Gabriella, she had complications and heavy bleeding. Julian had gotten down on his knees to beg Dorothy.Later, the accident on the highway happened. And then, he fell ill, and she brought him home from Lake Tolpond.They had been through so much together. But now, it felt like a lifetime ago.Willow didn't say anything more, nor did she mention the past. She simply put down the papers in her hand and gently hugged the man in front of her.She gently stroked his right arm. He was no longer the Julian of the past. Even though he still carried his scars, he was seemingly closer to being a good father and a good husband.That night
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 331
The car slowly drove away…The night sky was as dark as ink. Dexter stood beside a black Range Rover, clad in all black. Born into wealth, everything had always come easy. In his youth, women were nothing more than a pastime.But now, everything had changed. He flicked away the cigarette between his fingers and crushed it with the heel of his leather shoe.When he looked at Eleanor, his gaze darkened. A man like him had never known what it meant to cherish anything, but the moment Maisie appeared in his life, he yearned for a family.He had never begged anyone in his life, but now, he was calmer than ever. He knew this was one of the last chances he had to change her mind.Dexter turned to his side, grabbed a folder from the car, and handed it to Eleanor."This is the signed equity transfer. 10% of Nebula Group, worth tens of billions. This is my personal asset statement. 1.3 billion in cash and over a dozen properties. I'll give them all to you!"This was everything he owned. I
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 332
At 10:00 am, a meeting was scheduled at Nebula Group's conference room. However, due to Willow's illness, it had a chance of being canceled at the last minute.A few senior executives had already made plans to head out for tea and a round of golf.Suddenly, Esther walked in and announced, "Mr. Ziegler has arrived."Mr. Ziegler? Who was it? Dexter?After a while, Julian and Dexter both entered the room.Those with tact invited Dexter to take the seat at the head of the table, but Dexter merely pulled the chair and looked at Julian. "You should lead the meeting."What? That didn't seem appropriate.An executive who was itching to play golf grumbled, "I don't think it's appropriate for an assistant to lead a senior management meeting."Julian sat down, his voice clear and refined. "Mr. Sanchez, in a rush for golf?"Jules Sanchez was taken aback at that tone. Then, it hit him like a brick. Julian had returned!Julian just stared at him in silence, offering no explanation. After a
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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
