Julien Baker Partner Novels & Stories

"Have you seen this?" A link appears below the text. I tap it and a video loads. Some kind of news segment. The image shows Julian sitting in a formal setting beside Richard and two people I don't recognize. The banner at the bottom reads "Hayes Industries Announces Partnership with Haver Corporation." Julian sits very close to a blonde girl. She's beautiful and polished, wearing an expensive dress. Her hand rests on Julian's arm. She leans into him like they're together. Like they belong together.

Seeing Julien, Nate sprang to his feet excitedly, his voice cracking even as he spoke, "M-Mr. Rothschild! I'm Nate Ellis, founder of Ares LLP. It's an honor to be graced by your presence!" Julien nodded quietly, pointing at the men behind him, "This is Paul and Charlie—my subordinates here in Aurous Hill." Having been a competitor against Smith Group Corporate Law for years, Nate recognized Paul right away and was left wondering how Paul had become Julien's subordinate. Could Smith Group Corporate Law have beaten them to a partnership with Julien? Despite his confusion, he greeted everyone politely anyway, saying, "Pleased to meet you, gentlemen." That was when Charlie smiled at him. "Why, I

He's really serious about you, Millie. Millie smiled but said nothing. It seemed like Tobias didn't know why Pierce had married her. The two of them were just putting on a show to get what they needed from each other. … Millie didn't have anything to do in the afternoon, so she went to the studio and signed the contract with Julian. He was a venture partner that held 40 percent of shares in the company. "Julian, did someone from Flair Fashion reach out to you?" "How did you know? They gave me a good offer, but I turned them down."

"I look like a mother who just took your partner off the board, Beatrice. Julian is in a maximum-security cell. You’re standing here alone." Beatrice let out a soft, dry chuckle. She looked down at Leo, her expression shifting into a fake, grandmotherly softness. "I was never partners with Julian, dear. He was an asset that became unstable. And as for being alone—I have the top three family law attorneys in the state sitting inside that room."

And every muscle in my jaw locked into place. “Is that—?” Julian began, turning subtly in his seat. “Yeah,” I said flatly. “That’s him.” Carmeron squinted. “That’s the architect guy, right? Your project partner?” “Selena’s project partner,” I corrected. “But yeah. That’s Joey.”

The next morning, Sebastian left for a three-game road trip. Julian stayed behind. His knee was getting worse. The doctors had told him to rest, but he could not. He had to keep digging. He spent the days at his computer, sifting through files, making calls, following leads. He talked to former business partners of Richard’s, people who he had wronged and had pushed aside, people who had been cheated. Most of them were scared. They did not want to talk. They did not want to get involved. But some of them were angry. Angry enough to help.

“Julian—” “No,” Julian cut in, voice steel. “I’ve worked my entire life for this company. Built it with blood and sweat. But I won’t apologize for loving him. Not here. Not ever.” The room vibrated with silence. Afterward, the partners filed out, whispering. HR muttered about “next steps.” Marlene looked like she’d swallowed a lemon. Only Julian and Jamie remained. Jamie slumped back in his chair, trembling with adrenaline. “You just—torpedoed your career.”

“A few years before the fire.” His answers were short. Direct. Controlled. It irritated me more than it should have. “What did he do?” I pressed. Julian didn’t answer immediately this time. His fingers tapped once against the desk before going still again. “He wasn’t just an employee.” My chest tightened. “Then what was he?” “A partner.” The word landed harder than I expected. I blinked, trying to process it. “That doesn’t make sense.” “It doesn’t have to make sense to you,” he replied calmly. “It’s still true.”

“I wanted to be sure. And I wanted it to be mine.” Charlotte tilted her head. “Yours?” He nodded. “You fight with power. Eleanor fights with presence. Sophie fights with narrative.” “And you?” Julian poured another inch of wine into his glass. “I fight with exposure.” Charlotte leaned back, processing. Then: “You leaked it?” “I gave it to someone who will.” She exhaled through her nose. “You’re learning.” “No,” Julian said. “I’m remembering.” By morning, two brands had already paused partnerships with Aurashift.

I was busy with my camera and laptop when the door opened, revealing Alicia and…shit. My eyes widened when I saw Julian walking inside in a gray tailored suit. His hair is brushed up in an elegant manner, making everyone see his handsome face without his hair as a hindrance. His eyes scanned the room until he met mine. I was stoned on my spot as I saw him and Alicia walking closer to me. “Darren, this is Mr. Julian Greene. He’s the featured restauranteur for today,” Alicia beamed. “He has several restaurant chains under his belt and his story is definitely an inspiring one.”