Chapter 5 Displease

As expected, right after dinner, Julian was summoned to the study. Steeling himself, he knocked, only to be met with a chilly voice from within: "Enter."

He took a deep breath before pushing the door open, finding his father sitting sternly in a mahogany chair, his intimidating brow furrowed in displeasure. Julian remembered that look all too well from his childhood; every time he'd misbehaved, that was the face that greeted him. As a child, he would often run to his grandfather for shelter, but now, with his trusted ally away, Julian had to carefully navigate the situation. "Father, you wanted to see me?"

Nicholas Sterling's face was as cold as ice, his voice even colder. "You have the audacity to ask?"

With a sudden slap on the desk, Julian's heart skipped a beat, sensing trouble. He hurriedly replied, "Dad, please calm down. Let's talk things through. If I've made a mistake, I'll correct it. Isn't that acceptable?"

"Enough of your deceit! Don't think you can keep pulling the wool over my eyes. Do you really believe that, in my age, I'm oblivious to everything?" Nicholas stared at him with an imposing glare, "You're an adult now. You need to measure your actions. Don't always act rashly and aggressively. Just because you want something doesn't mean you should snatch it. Do you think you're some bandit?"

His discerning eyes evaluated his youngest son. Julian had always been rebellious and troublesome. Unfortunately, both his grandfather and mother had indulged him, leading to his arrogant and willful demeanor. He hadn't even been disciplined by joining the military. Thankfully, as an adult, Julian had developed his own way of handling things, displaying both audacity and insight. Still, Nicholas worried that one misstep might bring disaster, especially with so many eyes on their prominent family.

Upon hearing his father, Julian Sterling instantly grasped what he was alluding to. Just a few days ago, two new prime plots of land were auctioned, and one of them was registered under his name. He had ample cash flow and wasn't short of land, so he could have waited. Yet, another real estate company, eager to develop a high-end residential area and make a massive profit, was obstructed by him.

How dare they claim both plots of land as their own before the auction? Their audacity was staggering. In the business world, no one dared to overlook Julian Sterling. He was determined to challenge them, and it seemed someone was now itching for a fight.

What did his father mean by saying it wasn’t meant to be his? Julian smirked inwardly, holding a grudge, but outwardly, he remained calm and composed. "Dad, I understand all of it. I knew beforehand that they intended to purchase the land and hoard it, aiming to inflate housing prices and disrupt the market. Such unfair actions would upset you too, right? Rest assured, I'll handle this situation appropriately, ensuring it doesn't tarnish our family name."

"Good, as long as you understand." Hearing Julian's reassurance, Nicholas Sterling's face softened slightly. After all, Julian was his son, and if he didn't support him, who would? Julian thought he was off the hook and was contemplating his next move when Nicholas continued, "Make sure you visit home more often. And temper your behavior, stop causing scandals out there. It's high time you find a decent girl and get married; your mother is constantly worried about you."

"Dad, I get it," Julian responded quickly, breathing a sigh of relief. He had managed to navigate yet another challenging conversation.

After leaving the study, Julian Sterling approached the staircase landing. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number. With one hand, he idly stroked the lilies on the windowsill and spoke into the phone, "Spread the word for me. That plot of land... I intend to build a theme park on it, one that operates round-the-clock." After saying this, he gave a cold hum. His expression was so dark and menacing that it was clear to anyone watching: those who crossed him would pay the price.

Subsequently, he went back to the living room and snacked on some fruit. But restlessness soon took over. Lucas Hartley and the others had organized a card game at the club that evening. A few hands of cards seemed a much better option than staying home and getting nagged. Standing up, he said with a smile, "Mom, I need to head out. I've arranged to meet someone tonight. I'll come and spend time with you another day."

Knowing her son's temperament, his mother didn't insist he stay. She simply nodded and replied, "Alright, but first, drop Isabella home."

"Don't we have a driver for that?" he began, but a stern glance from his mother silenced him. "Fine, let's get going then. I'm running short on time." He swiftly grabbed his blazer and headed out, not waiting to see if Isabella was following.

Isabella pressed her lips together and had no choice but to follow Julian, her heels clicking lightly against the floor. She quickly climbed into his striking red Porsche.

As soon as they were in the car, Julian cut to the chase, asking Isabella, "Alright, what did you want to discuss with me?"