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Chapter 331
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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
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 333
Dexter was devastated. "Are you talking about…""It's a decoy! Sending you to bid was just a smokescreen. We need to reserve our strength during the first round. All we need is to get through the preliminary selection. But I will handle the last bidding document and meeting on my own."Now, I'm just the assistant of Nebula Group's CEO. There's no shame in showing up. Moreover, I'm confident I will get what we want."Dexter, it's not shameful to have lost the upper hand in your love life. But if you walk around looking like a beaten dog, I will give you the rude awakening that you sorely need. "If I ended up ending Uncle Tyler's bloodline, just remember you brought it on him."Julian was the master in his social circle when it came to plotting and scheming. Dexter was quite impressed. Their gazes met, and they high-fived in perfect unison. Their strong bond would carry them through any hardship life threw their way.…Dexter sent the bidding document over in the afternoon. As
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 334
Melanie's heart fluttered with joy, but her words suggested otherwise. "Why did you ask him over? I'm seeing him every day already. Give me a break."Willow grinned faintly. "We don't always get to gather."Initially, Melanie was in high spirits, but she quietly thought about Grace, and her heart sank. She didn't dare to let it show in front of Willow, though. She was worried that she might bring the latter down. So, she focused on playing with Landon, Gabriella, and Evelyn. From time to time, she brought up Eleanor.Melanie whispered, "The thought of Maisie getting a stepdad is weighing heavily on Karen's mind. She was so worried that she couldn't eat or sleep, but I told her to relax. Julian and you will help her out with it."Julian came inside and just so happened to catch what she said. He exchanged glances with Willow, and an understanding passed silently between them. Melanie was born to a noble family, and she got married to Liam for business reasons. They started out a
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 335
They had been kissing for a long time, but Julian still showed no signs of letting Willow go. His hands were wrapped tightly around her slender waist, and he pressed himself against her tightly.A hug like this was enough to make a lady tremble. For the longest time, Willow couldn't snap out of the trance. It was as if she were ensnared by a hauntingly beautiful dream. When she finally came back to her senses, she held his waist gently and rested her face on his chest. Their warmth blended harmoniously through a thin layer of fabric. It was a unique intimacy that a wife shared with her husband. Willow's tied hair fell, cascading all over him. Julian reached out and clumsily lifted her hair before binding them with an elastic band. Then, he caressed her perky cheeks and spoke fondly."Let's go downstairs."She raised her gaze and stared into his eyes. Their gazes met, and it was brimming with a love that could never have been expressed through words.After this many years, Wil
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 336
After Noah was done making arrangements, he turned around and saw that Julian was smoking. Walking over, he took the cigarette away and said, "You've just recovered. It's better to cut back on smoking and drinking."Julian chuckled dryly. "Why didn't you stop me earlier?"Noah responded gently, "Everyone was in high spirits earlier. I didn't want to be a party pooper."Then, he helped Julian to his feet. Julian turned down his offer and picked up a toy Evelyn left on the floor. He leaned against the handrail and climbed the stairs slowly. Noah watched him from behind, chuckling and shaking his head. The night brought a gentle and alluring vibe. Julian went to the nursery and checked on Landon and Gabriella before opening the door to the master bedroom. The light was dim and yellow. Aside from the sweet scent of baby formula, there was a subtle trace of feminine fragrance. It was probably the scent left by the shampoo Willow used during her shower, faint and pleasant.She
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 337
A week later, PrimePath Group announced the name list. 12 companies were shortlisted, including Nebula Group and Ascent Group. With one more month to go until the bidding, frequent team meetings were common in Nebula Group, and Julian was as busy as a bee. In two weeks' time, he had pushed his teams beyond their limits. But none of them dared complain about it. He was infamous for being ruthlessly demanding, earning himself the title of "The Burnout Baron." At most, the bolder staff would dare to grumble about it only to Willow.It was 4:00 pm by the time Julian was done with the team meeting and returned to the CEO's office. Willow was leaning on her chair and holding an invitation in her hands with a thoughtful look on her face. Julian sat sideways on the work desk and asked, "Did someone complain about me again?"Willow nodded. "For the past two weeks, at least ten people grumbled about you, accusing you of exploiting staff and offending people holding a higher position th
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 338
Eleanor's maid went to the kitchen to prepare the tortellini. Eleanor changed into a pair of indoor slippers and made her way to the nursery. She had just arrived at the door when she heard Maisie's adorable and innocent voice. "Mom says that we're moving to a big place next year. Dad, will you move in with us? My classmates' parents stay in the same place, and so do Gabriella and Landon's parents."Dexter's voice was so soft that Eleanor couldn't make out what he said. She opened the door gently with an affectionate look on her face. "It's 10:00 pm. Why aren't you sleeping, Maisie?"Maisie ran toward her. "I was waiting for you to come home, Mom." She threw herself at Eleanor, her need for her mother clear in her eyes. Dexter stared at Eleanor. She wore a black professional suit with a Hermes scarf, looking businesslike and sophisticated. But her face looked somewhat haggard, clearly a toll from her frequent overtime.They didn't get at each other's throats in front of Mais
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 339
It wasn't until after a brief moment that Dexter found his voice again. "Do you have to go through with the engagement?"Eleanor responded, "I do, and you're welcome to join the engagement party!"Looking at her, he gritted his teeth and said, "With bells on. I'll be there on time."An awkward silence draped over them. The tortellini was left on the table, uneaten and cold. There was a time when things were different. On the late nights they used to work together, Eleanor brought Dexter to a restaurant in an alley behind the company. The owner was originally from Yarrowmere, and he mainly sold tortellini.Being an heir to a wealthy family, Dexter had never eaten in a place like this. He exclusively had his meals in a nightclub. That said, they had just gotten together back then, and he found the novelty to be refreshing. So, they shared a serving of tortellini. On that day, she found out that the precious heir hated garlic.Reminiscing about the tender past brought tears to El
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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
