Chapter 3

Julian gave Jeffrey a slight nod.

Jeffrey smiled faintly and left, giving the couple, who were on different wavelengths, some space.

After Jeffrey left, Julian glanced at Willow and frowned. "Why are you dressed like that? Go change. We're having dinner at the Ziegler residence later."

Willow understood perfectly. When Julian mentioned "dinner", it was code for showing off their fake affection for Dominic's stake in the company.

At times, Willow couldn't help but feel that Julian was a contradiction. He presented himself as polished and serene, but beneath the surface, he was more driven by ambition and wealth than anyone. He was perfectly suited for the world of power and status.

Willow was willing to go along with it. Before they separated their assets, she would prioritize their interests.

She returned to her office to change into a suit and met Julian in the private elevator.

The elevator was empty except for the two of them.

Julian glanced at his watch and said casually, "I think you've probably dropped the idea of divorce after talking to Jeffrey. You’re still in your fertile window. Get ready when we get home. If you're not into it, I'll make it quick."

Willow gave a self-deprecating smile. Julian was as indifferent as ever when it came to discussing having children. And she had endured such a marriage for four years.

She was even colder. "Same as before. I'll take half the assets and let you go free."

Julian didn't like that response. He was about to snap when the elevator suddenly stopped.

The doors slid open.

Standing outside was a young lady in a white dress. She looked pure and innocent.

It was Catherine.

She stepped into the elevator and looked at Willow with a cautious plea. "The employee elevator's broken. Can I borrow this one, Ms. Harper?"

There were three people in the elevator, yet it felt crowded.

Willow held the open button, saying nothing, but her message was clear.

Catherine was mortified. Her beautiful face flushed red. Biting her lip, she looked at Julian, silently asking him to step in and support her.

Julian, however, spoke gently. "Do as Ms. Harper says."

Catherine reluctantly stepped out of the elevator.

The whole scene disgusted Willow.

She didn't say a word even until she got into the car in the parking lot. Julian, however, casually spoke as he fastened his seatbelt, "There's nothing between us. Don't overthink it."

Willow turned and quietly watched him. "Feeling sorry for her? Julian, maybe you should go get checked at a hospital."

Julian misunderstood. He thought she was talking about their fertility. He answered naturally, "I can have children."

Willow sneered. "I meant… You should get checked for STDs."

That set him off.

He unbuckled his seatbelt, yanked her over, and pulled her onto his lap. Luckily, the Bentley's front seat was spacious enough for him to move freely.

Willow's body hit the steering wheel with a painful thud.

She pushed him away with all her strength. "Are you out of your mind, Julian?"

Julian, who seemed so refined, now had his head buried between her legs, doing all sorts of unmentionable things. In her frustration, Willow grabbed his hair and yanked so hard she almost pulled it out.

Finally, Julian stopped. He looked up at her.

His face was bathed in the dim light of the underground parking lot. His long lashes cast shadows over his sharp features. At that moment, his expression was almost tender and filled with pity.

Willow was taken aback.

But before she could react, Julian grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her violently. He bit down hard on her tongue, drawing blood.

Her blood mixed with their saliva.

Willow froze, staring at him in disbelief. Her disdain in her eyes was so obvious. Julian, still holding her lips, whispered, "Am I clean, Mrs. Ziegler?" His voice sounded breathless, showing great restraint.

Willow shoved him away.

She sat back in the passenger seat, trembling as she straightened her suit. Yet her chest still heaved from Julian's intense passion. This unfamiliar surge of emotions scared her, but she tried to appear calm. "Don't worry. I'll have Annie arrange a checkup."

Julian was aroused, but his desire waned when he saw her indifferent expression.

He buckled his seatbelt and stepped on the gas.

During the drive, Julian's phone rang several times. Willow guessed it was Catherine calling, but she had already decided on the divorce and didn't bother asking.

Julian glanced at Willow, his gaze lingering for a moment.

…

Half an hour later, the black Bentley pulled up to a grand mansion.

The car stopped. Julian glanced at his phone and said casually, "Work stuff."

Willow didn't respond.

Annoyed, Julian was about to say something when the Ziegler residence's maid opened the car door with a warm smile. "Everyone's waiting for you, Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler. Please come in and join us."

Julian nodded graciously. He even took Willow's hand, playing up the loving husband act.

Willow found it all so fake.

They entered the dining room and joined the family for dinner.

Dominic had two sons, the eldest Tyler Ziegler, and the second Liam Ziegler. Julian was Liam's son.

A large round table was filled with people, and it was clear Dominic had heard about Catherine. He gave Julian a few sharp words and then tried to talk to Willow about compromise and letting things slide.

It was all code for wanting a grandson.

Julian glanced at Willow and smiled. "I'll work hard with Willow tonight."

Dominic's face grew stern. "Didn't you do anything for the past four years?"

Julian deflected the comment with a few words.

Willow, meanwhile, kept eating, her expression blank. No one knew she could hardly have children anymore.

It was all because of Julian.

Just then, Julian's phone rang. He glanced at it and walked out to the front yard to answer. It was clearly a private call.

A serving of fish was placed in Willow's bowl.

Dominic spoke with a meaningful tone, "Men are like cats. Sometimes they stray, but eventually, they come home."

Willow responded in her usual tone, "I guess that day will be when he's under the ground."

The maids stifled a giggle.

Willow, in a bad mood, left early and went to the backyard to clear her head.

By the swimming pool, the moonlight was cold.

A tall figure stepped into the light, someone who resembled Julian in many ways. It was Julian's cousin, Dexter Ziegler.

Dexter hated Willow. He blamed her for Julian's rise, and with Julian now having an affair, Dexter was ready to make things worse.

He handed Willow a stack of photos, all showing Julian and Catherine in compromising positions.

Dexter smirked as he asked, "Do you know who this woman is? Her father is Charlie Burke, a famous artist with influence in the industry.

"Her mother, Nancy Rogers, is Julian's mother's best friend. What chance do you have to compete with her? Be careful, or Julian will leave you with nothing. It's not too late to work with me now."

Willow glanced at the photos and tossed them in the trash.

She looked up at Dexter, meeting the gaze of this ruthless figure she had clashed with countless times. With a calm demeanor, she said, "Thank you for your advice, but unfortunately, I won't be needing it."

Dexter sneered. "I'll be waiting for the day Julian dumps you."

Willow smiled faintly.

She didn't care because she had no intention of holding onto Julian anymore.

Her dance with him was all just a waiting game. Once she got the money and the shares, Julian would be a thing of the past—just another fleeting memory of love and hate.

Willow turned to head back inside.

But as she lifted her gaze, she saw Julian.

He stood quietly in the hallway, a picture of elegance. The lighting highlighted his refined features, making him even more striking. It was this perfect appearance that had once captivated Willow.

His gaze was dark, even deeper than the night.

He had seen her talking to Dexter, and that same discomfort rose inside him again, much like the feeling he had when he saw Jeffrey staring at Willow in the café.