Chapter 20

Julian sat in his dimly lit study, the only light coming from the low-burning fire in the hearth. The room was quiet except for the occasional crackle of the flames, but his mind was far from peaceful. The confrontation with Erica weighed heavily on him. Her words had pierced deeper than any wound he’d ever suffered, but he knew it was only the beginning. Their trust was fragile, and rebuilding it would be no small task.

But for now, his focus had to shift. The moment Erica had been taken to the hospital after the planned accident, Julian’s instincts had kicked in. He had his suspicions, and now, those suspicions had been confirmed. King had crossed a line.

Julian knew exactly what King had done.

The mercenaries he commanded were loyal to him, bound by years of carefully cultivated trust, fear, and respect. But King—King was different. He was brash, reckless even. The others followed orders without question, but King… he liked to think for himself a little too much. Julian had let it