جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 100

Julian's grandfather smiled knowingly, the amusement reaching his eyes."So Ariana Sterling was just a smokescreen, wasn't she?" he said leisurely. "The woman you've truly been keeping close to your heart... is that little caregiver you brought home not long ago."As he spoke, the old man lifted his gaze and shot Julian a sharp look.Grandfather and grandson locked eyes.Neither of them spoke.But Julian already understood exactly what he meant. His hand clenched into a tight fist at his side until his knuckles cracked."Impressive," he said coldly. "The Vanderbilt family truly never disappoints."A murderous glint flashed across his deep, dark eyes.His own mother had never even been acknowledged as worthy of marrying into the Vanderbilt family.After giving birth to him, she disappeared without a trace.Not long afterward came news of her death.The Vanderbilt family publicly claimed that Vivian had gone insane after using her

Julian let out a mocking chuckle. Before his grandfather could lose his temper, he ended the call.Only a few minutes had passed. The plane hadn't even taken off when his phone buzzed twice again.This time, the message was from Kieran.[The old master is in a great mood today. He even had someone deliver your medication. You told me before that once it arrived, I should let Miss Blackwood examine it. So... what should I do now?]Julian replied immediately.[Wait until she wakes up. I'm already on the plane. I should be back in Lystra soon. Keep everything under control until I get there.]He switched off his phone, leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes.He had deliberately treated Miss Langford coldly today.He'd even said things harsh enough to hurt her.Yet none of it had sto

Julian studied Rue with a puzzled look."Why are you looking at me like that?""I..." A smile tugged at Rue's lips as she looked straight into his eyes. "How about... climbing over the wall with me?""The wall?"Julian couldn't help laughing.That would certainly be a first.But if it was something Rue wanted to do, he was more than willing to indulge her.Before he could answer, however, she changed her mind."Actually, forget it. It's too risky. Just have your driver—or drive yourself—to the alley on the northwest side and wait for me there. Your health isn't great. If you get hurt climbing over a wall because of me...""I can do it." Julian looked at her seriously.What he really wanted to say was that as long as she asked, he'd do anything.But Rue had already gotten to her feet. She quickly packed up her things before gently pushing him toward the door."You leave through the front e

Kieran gave an awkward smile as he blocked the doorway."My boss gave strict orders. No one is allowed to see Miss Blackwood without his permission. I'm afraid you'll have to wait."Jax wanted to argue, but the words died on his tongue.Before today, their boss had repeatedly warned them not to expose her true identity to outsiders.Suppressing his frustration, he said coldly, "If Rue wakes up, call the factory immediately. Her family contacted us today looking for her. She's only an apprentice at our workshop, but we still need to make sure she's safe.""Understood."After watching Jax leave, Kieran suddenly remembered something.He hurried upstairs and found Julian."Boss, don't you think that factory owner is... a little too concerned about Miss Blackwood?""The factory owner?"Julian lowered his eyes thoughtfully.It really was strange.To the factory, Rue was nothing more than an ordinary appren

Julian hadn't expected that answer.He narrowed his eyes, studying Rue for a long moment before finally speaking."I honestly thought you'd be the type to settle every score."Rue paused.He wasn't wrong.She was someone who never forgot a grudge.But...Ariana simply wasn't important enough.Without Rue lifting a finger, Ariana would eventually destroy herself.Leaning lazily against the tree, Rue scrolled through the news on her phone.The internet was flooded with updates from Larissa and the college student she'd treated.Their latest medical reports had all been released.Judging from the examination results alone, both patients were recovering well.Their conditions had stabilized.There was nothing life-threatening anymore.As she silently continued reading—Julian walked over and stopped beside her. His deep gaze lingered on her face.