"Julian, let me toast to your success," Nathaniel Vance said, raising his glass with a fawning smile.Julian Thorne’s lips curled into a polite, dangerous smile. "On the contrary, Uncle Nathaniel, it is I who should toast to you. After all, I owe so much to your—and Sarah’s—care all those years ago."His gaze flickered over Sarah, dark and unreadable, before he drained his glass.Sarah took a cautious sip of her wine, her instincts screaming that something was wrong. Throughout the meal, Nathaniel and his wife, Lydia, relentlessly pressed Julian to drink. Julian, seemingly unable to refuse the "hospitality" of his former guardians, obliged them repeatedly.Finally, Sarah couldn't stomach the display any longer. "Dad, I’m finished. I’m taking Maddy back to the hotel now."As she stood up, Nathaniel turned to Julian. "Julian, where are you staying?""Starlight Heights," Julian replied, his voice slightly raspier than before.Nathaniel beamed. "Perfect! Sarah is staying at the hotel righ
Last Updated : 2026-04-15 Read more