Chapter 63

The taste of betrayal was acrid and sour, and Julian detested it. His face was set in a hard line as he sat at the dinner table later that night, waiting for his “family" to arrive. Leslie had been quietly observing him all evening since he came back.

"Julian, you know you can talk to me, right?" she asked, placing her hand on his. "What's wrong?"

Julian looked at her, his eyes softening briefly. She was in a flowy, soft green dress that matched her eyes, which were filled with worry. He brought her fingers to his lips.

"Don't worry, it's nothing I can't fix, Les. Don't worry."

As soon as he finished his words, they heard the butler welcoming Eleanor and Alexander. Of course, Vanessa Alexander doesn't seem to go anywhere without her, Leslie noticed.

"Good evening, everyone," Vanessa beamed.

Julian didn’t respond, and Leslie awkwardly smiled in return.

"Good evening, Vanessa. Welcome, mother-in-law," Leslie acknowledged and was only met with a nod from Eleanor. They all took a seat.