Julia’s POV“Oh, but of course,” Celeste sneered. “Some women will do anything to climb their way up. Isn’t that right, a whore…”I landed her a hot slap.The slap came before she could finish the sentence. A sharp sound filled across the room as my palm connected with her cheek. “One more word from you, I’ll let you see reasons why you should never interfere in my matter.” Celeste staggered backward, losing her balance and collapsing onto the floor immediately my hand landed on her face. She wasn’t expecting it. A shrill scream tore from her throat as she clutched her burning cheek.“Alex! Alex!” she wailed. I stood, waiting to see what would happen next.Alex moved fast, his expression darkening as he stepped toward me, his arm grabbing my wrist and just as he was about to hit me, his hand was caught mid air.“You dare lay a hand on her? I’ll rip you off.Lucas’s grip was firm, and his cold voice sliced through the tension.Alex turned to glare at him, but I saw fear in his eyes.
Julia’s POVThat night, I asked Lucas to drop me off at the company.“I still have some things to take care of before going home.” I said and he nodded without hesitation. He dropped me off and after some hours, I was done, about to head out. The moment I stepped out of the company doors, the sight of a sleek, black car parked near the entrance gate made me wonder if Alex was here. It was his car and his car plate number convinced me more that it was truly him. Why was he here?At the sight of it, my feet slowed instinctively, my fingers tightening around the strap of my purse as my eyes were darting around to catch a glimpse of him. Shortly, the driver’s side door opened, and Alex stepped out. His expression was a mixture of anger and something else, something possessive. He strode toward me, his towering body casting a shadow over me as I tried to walk pass him.“Julia,” he said, his voice sharp and commanding. “You really didn’t waste any time, did you?”I halted with a frown, my
Julia’s POVI resisted with all my strength and continued to threaten him with those words.“Let go of me, Alex!” My voice was sharp, echoing in the car. I thrashed against his grip, twisting my wrists, nails digging into his skin as I tried to pry myself free. My heart pounded furiously but his grip remained firm, his fingers tightening like shackles around my wrists.“Stop fighting me,” he murmured, his voice low, almost amused.I jerked my knee up, aiming for his back, but he anticipated it, he pinned my legs back down with his legs. His strength overpowered mine easily as I clawed at his arm, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I tried to push him away.“Get off me, Alex!” I spat.Instead of listening, he caught my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze before crashing his lips against mine forcefully. I turned my head, but he held me in place, his kisses were rough and passionate. I writhed in protest, but his body crowded mine, pressing me into the seat. One of his hands slid down, f
Julia’s POVAt the company’s high-level meeting, tension of their failed company was high. Everyone was in a panic. The conference room had devolved into chaos as everyone was airing their thoughts. Shareholders sat around the long glass table, their voices rising in agitation as heated debates filled the room. Some pounded their fists against the table, while others whispered among themselves, shaking their heads in doubt.At the head of the table, my stepmother, Scarlett, stood with a sneer, her arms pointing at me as she leveled an accusing gaze at me.“This is all because of Julia!” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with faux indignation. “She’s the one who ruined our company relationship with Alex! If she hadn’t been so reckless in breaking off the engagement, Julison Technology wouldn’t have divested from Alex’s company. And now look at the mess we’re in!”Several shareholders nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves.“She single-handedly caused our largest investor to walk
Alex’s POV I was puzzled as to why Julia wasn’t panicking at all. The entire company was at the verge of crashing, scrambling to find solutions after my withdrawal of investment, yet she remained unmoved. Not a single attempt to meet me, no desperate pleas, no anxious calls, nothing. Something didn’t sit right. I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping against the surface of my desk, and turned to my secretary, Cornel. “Find out what Julia has been up to these days. I want a detailed report.” Cornel bowed slightly before leaving my office. I expected to hear something my instinct had been telling me, perhaps she was meeting with new investors, or busy having fun with Lynwood. When Cornel returned, I was prepared for anything, perhaps hearing how she had been running for help from one company to another. “She has been shopping, sir,” the secretary stated. “She dined alone a few times,” I frowned. “That’s all? Nothing else?” Cornel hesitated for a second before shaking her hea
Julia’s POVI was sitting in my room, scrolling through the latest updates on the security system with my laptop, I wasn’t surprised or shocked. In my previous life, it happened and I knew it would happen just as it’s happening now. Shortly, my phone rang. Emily’s voice came through the line, clipped with urgency.“Scarlett and the shareholders are holding a general meeting right now,” she said. “They’re planning to vote you out as CEO.”I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly as I closed the browser tab on my screen. So, it was finally happening. I had always known Scarlett was scheming behind my back but what surprised me was how quickly she’d decided to throw me out behind my back.“Are you on your way?” Emily pressed.A slow smile curved my lips. “Let them play their little game, I’ll be there soon.”The moment I stepped into Julison Technology Enterprise, the air was filled with tension. Employees shot me nervous glances as I strode past, but I ignored them. If there was one
Julia’s POVThe moment she finished, it was as if no one believed what just happened.I slowly stood up, adjusting my sleeves. “Now, if I recall correctly, Scarlett, you just said my leadership has brought instability? $900 million doesn’t sound very unstable to me.”A few board members turned to each other, whispering. One of them frowned. “This… Is this real?”“Of course, it is.” I gave them a cool smile. “Lynwood doesn’t play games. But you know who does?” I turned my gaze to Scarlett. “People who try to stage coups without thinking ahead.”Her face paled slightly.“You’re lying,” she hissed. “This was planned. There’s no 900 million dollars.” Scarlett declared.Scarlett’s power crumbling before her eyes. No one was willing to move forward with the vote anymore, not when I had secured the biggest investment in the company’s history.Everyone was surprised. I then asked, “Is there anyone else who still wants to drive me away?”No one said a word, and they all turned to look at Scar
Julia’s POVI turned to see Celeste standing, her lips curved into a smile that looked just sweet enough to be sickening. What does she want now?I didn’t have the patience for this today. I ignored her presence and turned on my heel, walking right past her without sparing a second glance. But just as I took a step forward, she spoke again.“You should apologize to Alex,” she said and took a step closer. I froze mid-step, irritation flaring inside me. I turned to face her, my eyebrow arched in disbelief. “What?”Celeste crossed her hands together, her expression contorting into something that could almost pass for concern. “You know, the security project. Alex is really upset because of it, Julia. He hasn’t been eating properly. He’s barely sleeping. I’m so worried about his health,” she continued, her brows furrowing with that same fake distress. I stared at her, unable to comprehend how she could stand there with a straight face, spouting this nonsense. Was she serious? Was I real
Julia’s POVIsabella is coming back soon. It's good news for me and also a bad one. I hadn’t told her about my life lately with Alex and if she comes and find out, it would not end well. She had always been against Alex and even if I try to explain reasons to why I accepted Alex back, she wouldn’t buy it. On the other hand, her words about Lucas rang continuously in my head. “Huh? A business partner? That’s all? You must be joking. Isn’t it obvious he likes you already? Are you blind?” Well I didn’t want it to bother me so I decided to take a bath to clear my head.I had just finished taking a shower when my phone rang again.Wrapped in a towel, I reached for the phone. The name on the screen made my heart pause for a beat. It was Mr. Sterling calling.I hesitated for a moment, then picked up. “Hello” I greeted.“Ah, good. You’re not asleep,” he said, his tone welcoming as always. “I won’t take long. How are you doing?”“I’m fine, thank you,” I said, brushing a damp strand of hair fro
Julia’s POVImmediately, I saw the confusion in Alex’s eyes and that of Celeste’s. Her smile faltered just enough for me to catch it before she could hide it again. A second ago, she’d been feeling happy about the broken necklace even though she didn’t make her joy obvious. Now, she’s puzzled.Alex opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came.“It’s not broken at all,” I said again softly, then he stepped forward.“What games are you playing, Julia?”I reached into my handbag and pulled out a small, elegant black velvet box. The moment I flipped the lid open, Celeste’s expression shifted. And this time, she didn’t hide it fast enough. I saw the shock in her eyes. There it was, the real necklace. Glimmering under the lights of the hospital room. “This…” I held it up by the chain, letting it dangle, “is the real necklace.”Alex’s mouth fell open. “Then what…”“I anticipated this,” I said coolly, cutting across whatever excuse or protest was about to fall from Celeste’s l
Julia’s POV“That’s not possible, Alex,” I said firmly, pacing the small living room while Jake watched me from the couch, his glass of water untouched. “I don’t owe Celeste anything. And I’m not giving her that necklace.”On the other end of the line, Alex exhaled sharply, his voice low and tight with frustration. “Julia, this isn’t about owing anyone. This is about basic humanity. She’s lying in a hospital bed, barely responsive.”“And what does that have to do with me?” I snapped. “I’m not responsible for her state, Alex.”“She kept mentioning that necklace. Do you not see how this is connected?” he said, voice rising. “All I’m asking is for her to hold it, not keep it.” He paused and continued. “I’m saying,” he replied slowly, “that you have the power to give someone a little comfort. Even if you don’t like her. Do it not for her, but for your own conscience.”Silence stretched between us. I hated how everything was turning out to be, making me look like a bad person. “…Fine,” I
Julia’s POVThe next day, while preparing for the day when suddenly, a voice called out to me from outside.“Julia!” a familiar voice called through the door, followed by a knock, firm, but not aggressive kind of knock. My breath hitched to realise whose voice it was. I knew that voice. It was Jake’s. Why is he here?I didn’t hesitate. Without a glance back at Alex, I walked past him and opened the door.There he was. He stood with one hand still raised from knocking, his brows furrowed the moment he saw me. He was dressed casually, in a plain grey hoodie and dark jeans, his hair slightly tousled as his eyes immediately scanned my face.“Jake?” I stared at him curiously. “Is everything okay at home? Why are you here?” I asked, surprised. “I came to check on you,” he said simply. His eyes didn’t leave mine. “Are you okay? Did Alex do anything to you?”“I’m fine,” I assured him quickly, glancing back at Alex only to meet his cold stare. “Nothing happened, Jake. Really.”Jake didn’t lo
Julia’s POV“What?” I said sharply, holding the phone tightly to my ear. “You want me to give the necklace… to Celeste?” My voice rose incredulously.I could feel my blood boil. “Are you insane, Alex? That necklace was gifted to me. Why the hell should I hand it over to your little sweetheart just because she batted her fake lashes and pouted her lips at you?” My voice was filled with fury. “You and Celeste can go to hell.”Before I could end the call myself, I heard Celeste’s voice , sounding so sweet and fake.“It’s okay, Alex,” Celeste cooed gently. “Let’s not cause a scene. The necklace is beautiful, but it belongs to Julia now. Really… it’s fine.”I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. My grip on the phone tightened.Lucas, who had been quietly watching me with a lifted brow, leaned in slightly. “May I?” he asked, gesturing to the phone.I hesitated. My jaw clenched, fingers twitching over the phone, but finally, I handed it over. He gave me a nod, pressed the
Julia’s POV“Oh my God…” I gasped, staring at Lucas’s text. Lucas did this for me? A shiver ran down my spine as my throat tightened, overwhelmed by Lucas’s actions. Lucas hadn’t just helped me once. He had done that more than twice. Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars… I could hardly breathe just thinking about it.He did this intentionally, not like I forced him. Quickly, I typed a reply. “Thank you so much, Lucas. I don’t know how to express how grateful I am. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can, I promise.”Just as I was about to send another follow-up message, explaining my plan to set up a payment schedule, another text buzzed through.“Since you’re thanking me, then treat me to the meal we missed last time.”I was still smiling at my screen when a voice called out, “Miss Wilson?”I turned to find a man in a black suit standing nearby. He looked about thirty-five, clean-cut, and professional with sharp eyes and a kind smile.“I’m Ethan,” he introduced himself with a polite
Julia’s POV The crowd gasped. My heart lurched. Three hundred and fifty thousand? Who could? I glanced at Alex, whose smirk had vanished, replaced by a scowl. Celeste’s face was pale, her hands clenched in her lap.That was more than I could ever dream of, more than Alex could reasonably justify. He leaned back in his chair, his paddle lowering, his expression filled with fury and defeat. Celeste grabbed his hand as she whispered something to him.“Any more bidders?” The auctioneer said.Alex’s hand twitched, but he didn’t raise his paddle. The silence stretched. My chest ached for the realization that I'd lost the necklace to a stranger. Whoever was on that phone had outplayed us both.“Going once,” the auctioneer said. “Going twice… Sold! To the anonymous bidder for three hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”The gavel slammed down, and the room erupted in applause and whispers. I sat frozen, my paddle limp in my hand. The necklace was gone. Not to Alex, not to Celeste, but to some
Julia’s POVCeleste’s eyes widened in shock and Alex, his eyes glared at the card and then to me as if words were far from his lips. Suddenly , Celeste’s voice broke the silence. “Oh my God! Did you steal that?” She snapped, taking a few steps closer. “Alex, will you stand there and watch her?” She added. Alex stepped closer, his cold gaze boring into mine. “Where did you get that?” He questioned.“I think you might be disappointed because this wasn't stolen. ”But just as he was about to continue, a loud voice interrupted the moment. “Welcome everyone for coming… we will begin now.” I turned to see the organizer standing at the stage as he organised everyone. The auction hall buzzed as I watched everyone take their seat. “Sorry I have to leave now.” I didn’t wait to hear Alex or Celeste’s response as I walked out on them.I sat in the third row with my bidder number I found on the seat. 214. Beside me, Alex lounged in his seat, one arm draped over the back of Celeste’s chair who
Julia’s POVAlex and Celeste walked into the dining room, fingers intertwined. Celeste smiled slightly, tucking a strand of her perfectly curled hair behind her ear as Alex pulled out her chair and helped her sit down with all the gallantry of a man starring in his own romantic drama. Alex sat beside her too.“Try this,” Alex said softly, lifting a piece of seared scallop from his plate and gently feeding it to her.Celeste opened her mouth with reluctance, cheeks flushing in shyness as if the moment embarrassed her, though she clearly adored every bit of attention from Alex and I knew. “Alex, not in front of your wife,” she whispered with a coy smile, her eyes moving briefly toward me. “It’s not appropriate.” She added.Alex chuckled, dabbing at the corner of her lips with his napkin to clean the stain in my mouth.“Don’t worry about her.” He replied.I smiled and took a sip of my wine, as if their actions were invisible in my eyes. “This food is amazing,” I said, cutting into my sal