All Chapters of Leaving You Bereft: Chapter 271 - Chapter 280

Julian couldn't bear the thought of leaving Willow, though. He couldn't help but feel a profound sorrow settling in his heart at that thought, leaving him feeling utterly lost. His gaze softened as he looked at Willow, and he approached slowly until he was just an arm's length away. He then gently placed his hand on her belly and asked softly, "Has our little one been behaving today?"Willow made no move to evade Julian's touch. She glanced at Julian's hand resting on her belly, then gently covered it with her own, saying, "You know, the baby is still so tiny."Julian's gaze held a profound depth, and a faint smile touched his lips as he said, "I guess you're right about that. It's still so small, so it probably doesn't even recognize its Daddy yet."Julian's remark had struck Willow as slightly silly, but simultaneously, a wave of bittersweet emotion washed over her. She felt that something about Julian had shifted, although she couldn't pinpoint exactly what had shifted.Julian k

It was the following morning, and Julian sat in the CEO's office at Nebula Group, smoking a cigarette held loosely between his fingers. Its smoke drifted upward in the still air as he waited patiently for someone's arrival.Esther opened the door to the CEO's office and ushered someone in—it was Zachary, the lawyer. Zachary was incredibly astute. He noted Julian's serious demeanor and understood that important matters were at hand. However, he maintained his composure, settled onto the couch, and asked with a warm smile, "Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Ziegler?"Julian stubbed out his cigarette and replied with a nod, "I have something important that I'd like you to take care of for me."Zachary's expression immediately became serious.Julian took out a transfer agreement and said softly, "I would like to give 30% of my shares in Nebula Group to Ms. Harper, under non-marital conditions. Henceforth, Ms. Harper will possess 40% of shares in Nebula Group, establishing he

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

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

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,