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Chapter 29
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 30
After Willow left, Julian headed off to another place. He went up to the rooftop of the Manning Building.The black coats that the two men were wearing flapped in the night breeze. Both men gave off the intimidating auras of the nightjars, which usually came out at night to hunt their prey.Facing the wind, Julian lit a cigarette. He put it between his lips and drew on it. His cheeks were a little sunken as he pulled on the cigarette, making his handsome features a lot sharper.When only half of his cigarette was left, Julian directed his gaze to Jeffrey. His voice was steely."I'm calling off all of our collaborative work. Also, I'm putting the divorce lawsuit between me and Willow on hold for now. If I'm going through with it, I'll have someone else take over the case instead…"Jeffrey asked, "Why?"Julian dropped the butt of the cigarette on the floor and put it out by stepping on it with his leather shoe. His voice hardened even more. "Jeffrey Gibson, you're asking me why?"
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 31
Willow was deeply grateful to Heather.Just as she was hesitating, a call came from the Ziegler family. Dominic wanted to see her.Liam was the one who called. The Ziegler family was strict about etiquette. Since Willow was Dominic's guest, even Liam, her father-in-law, spoke to her with formal courtesy.He said, "No matter what's going on between you and Julian, you should still come see my dad. You know he's always been fond of you."Willow agreed.…Early winter had arrived.The courtyard of the Ziegler residence was beautiful all year round.Willow parked her car and stepped out, only to see Liam already waiting for her. The fact that he came in person to escort her to Dominic showed how much this meeting mattered.On the way, he made polite conversation, carefully avoiding any mention of Julian.Willow did the same.When they reached Dominic's study, Victoria appeared and whispered something to Liam. As they spoke, Willow studied her features.When Victoria left, Willo
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 32
Willow struggled briefly. "I haven't decided yet."Julian said, "Then decide now."Her voice turned cold. "Is this a threat or an enticement? Don't take me for a fool, Julian."Before he could respond, Dominic's voice rang out from inside. "If you two are going to flaunt your love, take it somewhere else. Don't rub it in the face of a lonely old man like me."A long silence followed.Julian looked down at Willow, then took her hand and led her toward his car. "I'm taking you to see Mr. Frost."It wasn't until she got in that Willow realized it was that black Maybach—the one they had driven during their first two years of marriage. Back then, they relied on each other and had no one else. There were too many unforgettable memories between them.She let out a soft smile.Julian really would do anything to get what he wanted.After buckling her seatbelt, she said lightly, "Don't think that just because you're helping with Grandma, I'll come running back to you."Julian glanced a
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 33
Willow didn't refuse. She got up from the bench and poured Julian a glass of water. Sitting next to the bed, she handed it to him and said calmly, "You've been asleep for two hours. It's almost 4:00 pm now.""Are you in a hurry? Got a date?"Julian took the glass and set it down on the bedside table. Then, without warning, he pulled Willow into his embrace. Their bodies pressed together through the thin cashmere coat.His body was hard and warm. Willow squirmed uncomfortably, letting out a protest. "Let go of me."But Julian wasn't going to release her.His voice carried a hoarse, seductive quality from the alcohol as he whispered against her ear, "Have you decided about us?"Willow didn't want to talk about it, but Julian was relentless.As he kissed her, his face flushed with a slight tilt of his chin. His entire being exuded a sensual air. He caressed her soft waist, demanding that she give him an answer right then and there.Willow feared he might push things too far.She
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 34
At 8:00 pm, Willow and Julian returned to Grandview Manor.Time had passed, and things felt different.The housekeepers, who had always liked Willow, were already lined up at the entrance to welcome her back. Their faces were full of joy."Welcome back, Mrs. Ziegler.""Congratulations for making up, Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler.""Will you dine together? The kitchen has everything prepared."Willow smiled faintly, but there was a touch of exhaustion in her eyes.Julian gently wrapped his arm around her, playing the role of a considerate husband. He instructed the housekeepers, "She'll rest for a bit. We'll have dinner in an hour."After the housekeepers left, Julian looked down at Willow and spoke gently, "You've had a long day. How about a shower?"Willow nodded, her attitude still distant.Julian usually had a short temper, but tonight, he kept it in check.…Upstairs, in the master bedroom, Willow surveyed the room.Everything she had destroyed before had been fixed, and the we
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 35
It had been ages since Willow had taken the initiative to hold Julian.He lowered his eyes. His long lashes trembled ever so slightly with an unspoken intensity.Half an hour later, Julian's car pulled up in front of a luxurious apartment building.Catherine had finally left that old villa behind and was now living in a 2,800‑square‑foot apartment. Her days were filled with nothing more than clocking in at Nebula Group, followed by endless beauty treatments and shopping sprees. It was a textbook existence for a kept mistress.Esther had been waiting for quite some time.As soon as Julian's car came to a stop, she opened the door for him.Stepping out, Julian frowned slightly. "What's she up to now?"Esther only managed a helpless smile. "You wouldn't return her calls, so she's been refusing to eat or drink, even breaking things. Not even Mr. and Mrs. Burke can handle her anymore."Julian paused in his steps. "The doctors can't do anything? Have they tried a nutritional boost, o
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 36
Julian returned to Grandview Manor late at night. As his car rolled to a stop, he looked up at the second-floor master bedroom.The lights were already out.He stared into the darkness for a moment, then unfastened his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.Blair, who was on night duty, came forward, looking somewhat surprised. "Mr. Ziegler, you're back? Mrs. Ziegler just went to bed. Would you like a late-night snack?"Julian answered indifferently, "A bowl of instant noodles will do."Blair was pleased for Willow that Julian had chosen to return home. Rubbing her hands together, she headed for the kitchen.Julian shrugged off his coat and tossed it over the back of the couch. While waiting for his meal, he picked up his phone to handle a few work emails. But before long, he found himself scrolling through his photo gallery instead.Blair returned with the noodles. She stole a glance at the screen and said with a smile, "Mrs. Ziegler looks even more beautiful than before."Julia
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 37
In the bathroom, Willow splashed cold water on her face, trying to cool her overheated skin.She stared at her reflection in the mirror, momentarily dazed.The woman looking back at her felt almost unfamiliar. Her hair was tousled, her soft skin was nearly glowing, and her lips were slightly swollen from Julian's kisses.Willow reached up and touched her face. Was this really her?…Since then, life at Grandview Manor turned out to be better than she had expected.Julian had kept his promise. Willow received the 500 million dollars in cash, along with a 5% stake in Nebula Group. His decision caused an uproar within the Ziegler family. Even his parents couldn't understand it.But Julian bore the weight of it all.He treated Willow well—too well. He didn't force her to sleep with him, as if giving her time to adjust.He often called to have meals with her, though sometimes he would break his promises.Willow never asked where he went or who he was with. Just as they had agreed
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Leaving You Bereft Chapter 100
Dominic stepped out of the dimly lit detention center, feeling his heart ache with excruciating pain. A figure in deep red stood at the corner outside.It was Eleanor.Dominic had been expecting her.He walked up to her and said in a low, hoarse voice, "I need to thank you for saving the entire Ziegler family. Without your call, Willow would have lost her life, and the Zieglers' reputation would have crumbled."Beside him, Liam handed over a property deed.Dominic weighed the deed in his hand, carefully choosing his words. "Dexter's prison sentence is certain. As for your future, that's up to you. But as Dexter's elder, this is my token of appreciation."Dominic had gifted her a luxury apartment in Brindley—one worth over 100 million dollars.Eleanor refused to accept it. She had tears in her eyes as she said, "I truly love Dexter. I'm willing to wait for him to come out."Dominic felt deeply saddened. After a long silence, he rasped out, "That bastard doesn't deserve this from
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 99
In the early morning at Brindley First Hospital, Willow lay in a clean hospital room, still unconscious. Her face and body were covered in scrapes, and a large bruise had spread across her lower back.Fortunately, there were no severe internal injuries.The doctor called it a miracle.Julian took care of everything and sat by her bedside, waiting for Willow to wake up.Dominic walked in with a cane. When he saw Julian's expression, he sneered. "Acting all affectionate now—too bad no one appreciates it! Come outside with me."Julian glanced at Willow, wiped his face, and followed him out.Outside, Dominic looked at his most accomplished grandson with a stern expression. "Julian, as the CEO of Nebula, you weren't wrong. Canceling the contract would have led to thousands losing their jobs."But Julian, aside from being the CEO of Nebula, you are also Willow's husband. I know you have your own judgment, and you believed Dexter wouldn't do anything reckless. "But there are always u
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 98
Two hours later, Julian hurriedly touched down in Brindley.It had rained at noon, and the explosion site was a complete mess. Over a hundred rescue workers were busy carrying out their tasks, along with ten rescue dogs, but the strong scent in the air was affecting the dogs' sense of smell.As soon as Julian got out of the car, he saw Dexter handcuffed with silver cuffs. He was standing in a daze and was being escorted by someone."Dexter, you bastard!"Julian threw a punch. He hit with full force, and Dexter's mouth and nose immediately gushed blood, but he didn't retaliate. He took a step back, still staring blankly in the direction of the abandoned warehouse.Time was precious, and Julian didn't have the time to settle scores with him.He stepped into the mud, discussing the rescue plan with the head of the rescue team and arranging for an additional 80 rescue personnel and professional life detectors.The rain grew heavier, and Julian, not wearing a raincoat, was covered in
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 97
Julian was making a gamble. He bet that Dexter wouldn't dare to do anything too extreme.The two of them had played countless games of strategy against each other, and Julian had never lost. But this time, he lost to something unexpected.Julian shot a glance at Esther.Esther froze for a moment, then quickly understood. She immediately arranged for a rescue operation for Willow.Julian steadied his tone and spoke calmly to Dexter. "I will not abandon the signing. Dexter, release Willow now, and I won't pursue this matter. But if you insist on this foolishness, let me make one thing clear—I only see Willow as a tool in my power struggle. You know this, Dexter."In the Zieglers, there has never been love. I don't love her, so don't think you can use her to threaten me."On the other end of the call, Dexter let out a cold laugh. "As expected of Julian! Truly ruthless."Julian paused for a moment. He knew Dexter had softened, so he ended the call decisively. He planned to finish th
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 96
At the end of the month, on the eve of the contract signing between Nebula and Aurelia, a grand banquet was held at Skyview Hotel in Yarrowmere, attended by the senior and mid-level executives of both corporations.Julian wore a classic black-and-white suit, standing tall and elegant. He was the object of admiration for many women.However, he wore his wedding ring and maintained a distant demeanor, so no one dared to slip him a room key.Timothy approached him with Heather for a conversation. Upon seeing the admiration in the eyes of many women, Timothy joked, "Julian, next time you should bring Mrs. Ziegler along. These hungry gazes look like they might just devour you."Julian smiled faintly. "Timothy, you're exaggerating."Timothy patted Heather's hand, signaling that he had something private to discuss. She smiled politely and walked away to mingle.Once she left, Timothy spoke solemnly to Julian. "Don't take Jeffrey's actions to heart. It's normal for young people to someti
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 95
Willow bought 20 of the painter's completed works and wrote him a check for 30 instead, which made him very satisfied.Willow smiled faintly.After the artist left, she turned to Annie, who looked puzzled. "I know you're wondering why I paid such a low price. It's because I don't want money to wear away his artistic spirit too soon. Among this generation of young artists, I think he has the most potential—even more than Charlie back in the day."When the time is right, I'll introduce him to the world, and by then, his paintings will be worth a fortune. Even the smallest ones will sell for at least a million dollars."Annie had always trusted Willow's judgment.After finishing their business, they left the club and said their goodbyes in the parking lot.Willow had just opened her car door when a familiar, mocking voice rang out behind her. "Got back together with my cousin?"Willow turned her head to look at Dexter and replied coldly, "What does that have to do with you?"Dexte
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 94
Julian could sense the gaze from behind him. He said softly, "When I was in my 20s, I lived abroad alone for a while. I learned back then."Willow didn't ask any further. Their relationship was ambiguous right now. Just because they had been intimate once didn't mean anything.She had no intention of opening up to him. Besides, she was tired and didn't want to argue with him.The pasta Julian made was quite good, and Willow ate most of it.Then, she asked him to leave.As he left, Julian gazed at her deeply. "I'll come again tomorrow."Willow thought he was joking. Julian ran a corporation with 20 thousand employees—he didn't have that much free time.But the next day, when she returned from the gallery, her apartment was brightly lit, filled with the aroma of Wisteran cuisine and red wine.That bottle of red wine was one of Willow's cherished collectibles, something she couldn't bear to drink. And now, it was sitting there on the dining table.Willow slowly closed the door an
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 93
At 10:00 pm, Willow had just taken a shower. She changed into a silk bathrobe, feeling loose and relaxed.She sat in front of the dressing table, applying her skincare products.Suddenly, a subtle noise came from the door. It was the sound of a key turning in the lock.Willow was about to walk to the living room to check it out when the uninvited guest had already let himself in.It was none other than Julian.Willow sat back on the chair in front of the dressing table and observed him through the mirror.He had some snow on his shoulders and his hair was dark and shiny. It was obvious that he had been standing in the snow for some time.Willow asked softly, "Where did you get the key?"Julian placed the key on the dressing table in front of her, saying matter-of-factly, "I made a copy."Willow sneered, "You're really impolite."Julian stepped behind her and put his hands on the back of the chair. He looked deeply at her through the mirror, as if he was trying to see straight
Leaving You Bereft Chapter 92
That afternoon, Willow's name shot to the top of the trending topics."Nebula Group CEO's wife is infertile!""Julian Ziegler's Stands by His Wife: A Love Stronger Than Gold."Along with the headlines was a blurry photograph, presumably taken last night when Julian was holding Willow.Within moments, the topic surged to the top of the trending list.Nebula Group's PR team acted swiftly, spending money to have it taken down.But in just half an hour, the discussion reached an astonishing 78 million views, with over 40 thousand reposts.Thousands of women online envied Willow's good fortune for having a husband who loved her deeply.Willow found it ironic.She was in a bad mood, so she left the gallery earlier than planned. She drove her white Rolls-Royce Spectre aimlessly around the streets before parking in the plaza outside an amusement park.She sat on the hood of the car and stared at the Ferris wheel that was turning slowly.At 4:00 pm, snowflakes began to fall.The air
