Julia’s POVAt the company’s high-level meeting, tension of their failed company was high. Everyone was in a panic. The conference room had devolved into chaos as everyone was airing their thoughts. Shareholders sat around the long glass table, their voices rising in agitation as heated debates filled the room. Some pounded their fists against the table, while others whispered among themselves, shaking their heads in doubt.At the head of the table, my stepmother, Scarlett, stood with a sneer, her arms pointing at me as she leveled an accusing gaze at me.“This is all because of Julia!” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with faux indignation. “She’s the one who ruined our company relationship with Alex! If she hadn’t been so reckless in breaking off the engagement, Julison Technology wouldn’t have divested from Alex’s company. And now look at the mess we’re in!”Several shareholders nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves.“She single-handedly caused our largest investor to walk
Alex’s POV I was puzzled as to why Julia wasn’t panicking at all. The entire company was at the verge of crashing, scrambling to find solutions after my withdrawal of investment, yet she remained unmoved. Not a single attempt to meet me, no desperate pleas, no anxious calls, nothing. Something didn’t sit right. I leaned back in my chair, fingers tapping against the surface of my desk, and turned to my secretary, Cornel. “Find out what Julia has been up to these days. I want a detailed report.” Cornel bowed slightly before leaving my office. I expected to hear something my instinct had been telling me, perhaps she was meeting with new investors, or busy having fun with Lynwood. When Cornel returned, I was prepared for anything, perhaps hearing how she had been running for help from one company to another. “She has been shopping, sir,” the secretary stated. “She dined alone a few times,” I frowned. “That’s all? Nothing else?” Cornel hesitated for a second before shaking her hea
Julia’s POVI was sitting in my room, scrolling through the latest updates on the security system with my laptop, I wasn’t surprised or shocked. In my previous life, it happened and I knew it would happen just as it’s happening now. Shortly, my phone rang. Emily’s voice came through the line, clipped with urgency.“Scarlett and the shareholders are holding a general meeting right now,” she said. “They’re planning to vote you out as CEO.”I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly as I closed the browser tab on my screen. So, it was finally happening. I had always known Scarlett was scheming behind my back but what surprised me was how quickly she’d decided to throw me out behind my back.“Are you on your way?” Emily pressed.A slow smile curved my lips. “Let them play their little game, I’ll be there soon.”The moment I stepped into Julison Technology Enterprise, the air was filled with tension. Employees shot me nervous glances as I strode past, but I ignored them. If there was one
Julia’s POVThe moment she finished, it was as if no one believed what just happened.I slowly stood up, adjusting my sleeves. “Now, if I recall correctly, Scarlett, you just said my leadership has brought instability? $900 million doesn’t sound very unstable to me.”A few board members turned to each other, whispering. One of them frowned. “This… Is this real?”“Of course, it is.” I gave them a cool smile. “Lynwood doesn’t play games. But you know who does?” I turned my gaze to Scarlett. “People who try to stage coups without thinking ahead.”Her face paled slightly.“You’re lying,” she hissed. “This was planned. There’s no 900 million dollars.” Scarlett declared.Scarlett’s power crumbling before her eyes. No one was willing to move forward with the vote anymore, not when I had secured the biggest investment in the company’s history.Everyone was surprised. I then asked, “Is there anyone else who still wants to drive me away?”No one said a word, and they all turned to look at Scar
Julia’s POVI turned to see Celeste standing, her lips curved into a smile that looked just sweet enough to be sickening. What does she want now?I didn’t have the patience for this today. I ignored her presence and turned on my heel, walking right past her without sparing a second glance. But just as I took a step forward, she spoke again.“You should apologize to Alex,” she said and took a step closer. I froze mid-step, irritation flaring inside me. I turned to face her, my eyebrow arched in disbelief. “What?”Celeste crossed her hands together, her expression contorting into something that could almost pass for concern. “You know, the security project. Alex is really upset because of it, Julia. He hasn’t been eating properly. He’s barely sleeping. I’m so worried about his health,” she continued, her brows furrowing with that same fake distress. I stared at her, unable to comprehend how she could stand there with a straight face, spouting this nonsense. Was she serious? Was I real
Julia’s POVLucas’s hand was still gripping Alex’s, his fingers tightening with a quiet warning. His expression remained unreadable. Then, with an easy confidence, Lucas took a step closer, his voice cutting through the silence.“I remember telling you not to lay a hand on a lady.” He said nonchalantly.His words carried weight like a threat. Alex’s jaw clenched, his pride refusing to let him, but there was hesitation in his eyes, whether to back off or not.Alex scoffed and took a step away. Then, just as I expected, he turned into accusations.“Of course, Lucas is here for you,” he sneered. “That’s why he always rushes to your side. You two must have something going on. That’s the real reason he’s so eager to help, isn’t it?”I exhaled sharply, disgusted but not surprised. Alex was grasping at straws, desperate to paint me in the wrong.Lucas, however, smiled and took a few steps forward. He didn’t so much as blink at Alex’s accusation, merely adjusting the cufflinks on his pristine
Julia’s POVMy heart lurched at the sheer panic in Isabella’s voice. Before I could say anything, the call cut off abruptly. I stared at my phone, my pulse racing. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. With shaking hands, I redialed the number, but the call didn’t go through. I tried again and again and again but the same result.“The number you are trying to reach is currently switched off.”The automated message sent a shiver down my spine in fear. Why was her phone suddenly off? What had just happened to her? Did they hurt her? Is she fine? A lot of questions ran through my mind that I could not get the answers to.I was reluctant to let Isabella get into danger because of me, so I made my way out and quickly rushed to the bar. I knew where they were. The Midnight Club, Alex went there every time he drank.Worried if they had done anything to her already. I arrived there as soon as I could and the moment I stepped inside, the overpowering stench of alcohol hit me and it was nauseat
Julia’s POVThe moment I opened my eyes, I found myself in a room. A dull throbbing pounded at the back of my head as I blinked to steady my view. My body felt sluggish and uncooperative the moment I tried to move my head. Immediately, I remember what happened. How I went to defend Isabella and ended up being forced to drink for Alex and on my way out, I had slumped while going to get Bella’s coat. I tried to sit up, but a heavy dizziness crashed over me, making the room spin and immediately, I held onto my head. Nothing was making sense to me. Where was I and how did I get here? I forced myself upright, heart hammering as I scanned the room. It looked like a luxury hotel room. Both the windows and doors were locked. I looked around but couldn’t find my phone.Suddenly, the door creaked open.Someone stepped inside. I was shocked to see it was Jude. His presence made my skin crawl in anger. His eyes raked over me, a slow smirk pulling at his lips.“You’re awake,” he mused, shutting
Julia’s POVI could see the surprise in Mr. Samuel’s gaze as it shifted between I and then to Lucas who had just walked in with a smile as he embraced Mr. Samuel into a hug. “I was really shocked when you received an investment from Lynwood. But I never could have imagined that you knew Lucas. Come on, tell me quickly, how did you two get to know each other?”I barely had a second to react before Lucas opened his mouth, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.“Oh, yeah we met at a club…”“At the summit,” I cut in swiftly as I shot Lucas a glance who understood I didn’t want him to tell Mr. Samuel exactly how he met me.Lucas nodded firmly. Yes, she’s right.” But I caught sight of a subtle curve on his mouth.“At the submit, huh?” He questioned, staring at Lucas and I nodded.Mr. Samuel smiled and then nodded, “that’s good.” He placed an arm on Lucas’s shoulders as he spoke again. “Good to have you here, my child.” “Thank you.” Lucas and Mr. Samuel walked towards the couch and he o
Julia’s POVI took out the box, a black little box in a square shape. and held it out to Mr. Samuel as I took a few steps forward. “I don’t want your gift,” he said gruffly, waving a dismissive hand. His voice held the same coldness he had kept between us for a while now.“Please,” I pleaded, gripping the box tightly.The silence stretched for what felt like some seconds and finally, he stepped closer, standing right in front of me.He went ahead to take the box and then he opened the box. The moment his gaze landed on the object inside, it was a watch, his mood changed into something sad. The watch had a polished gold case with a deep blue surface face, written in Roman numerals, and gold hands. Its leather strap was smooth, still looking like a new watch. His eyes turned sober. I could see the recognition in his eyes and sadness in his eyes. He touched it, caressing the surface as if trying to remember his past moments. “This…” His voice was barely above a whisper. His fingers tr
Julia’s POVI looked up to see who it was. “Lucas.” I called out, giving a welcoming face.“Julia.” He called out and with a smile, he continued. “It’s nice to see you again even though you almost knocked me off a few minutes ago.” He teased. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I was only trying to put in my phone inside my purse and I didn’t notice you coming. I’m really sorry.” I apologized with a smile. “Nice to meet you too.” I added. But then, his mood changed and was replaced with concern as his brows furrowed in a rare display of worry. His eyes scanned me before breaking the silence.“How are you feeling now? I see you’ve come for some checkup.” He said and I smiled. Lucas thought I had come to the hospital for some check up. “How is your wound? Are they getting better? Did you see the doctor already? Are there any new complications?” His questions came after one another as if he was really worried about me and I wondered as to why he was being too concerned. It was as if resisting the urg
Julia’s POVI stepped forward, standing a few feet away as I crossed my hands on my chest. “I’ll reach out to the doctor about it.” I added, still staring at her.Celeste looked at me in horror only I could see, her eyes betrayed her. She was nervous. She realized that she couldn’t let Alex know she had been so vicious as to drug me because she always played the naive and innocent girl in front of Alex. So, she could only settle for something harmless, something that wouldn’t stain her hands in his eyes.“I… I guess I didn’t prepare the congee well,” she finally broke the silence. “Maybe I messed up the ingredients. I…. I just wanted to make something for Julia, to help her feel better.”Her fingers clutched the edge of the hospital sleeve, twisting the fabric as she lowered her head in sadness as if feeling guilty. I wasn’t so shocked seeing tears already rolling down her eyes. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was only trying to be nice to her,” she sobbed. “I thought if she h
Julia’s POV“What have you done?” Alex’s voice cut through so loud and aggressively as he approached me, his cold gaze locked into mine.“You did this,” he spat, his eyes burning with fury. “You attacked Celeste. Just as you tried to kill my grandfather a few minutes ago. I saw you!” “Alex…”My words barely had time to settle before he grabbed me. His hand closed around my throat in a vice grip, shoving my back against the cold wall. I gasped, my fingers clawing at his wrist, but he didn’t show any hint of emotions. His grip tightened, his face only inches from mine, seething with unrestrained anger.“If anything happens to Celeste,” he growled, “you will suffer the same fate.”The hatred in his voice sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to let fear consume me. My pulse pounded against his fingers as I fought against his hold.“You don’t even know what happened!” I choked out, my nails digging into his skin to free my neck. “You have no right to accuse me! Mr. Sterling saw ever
Julia’s POVI could feel the tension around Celeste was unbearable.“Huh?” Celeste blinked at me, feigning innocence, but her grip on the bowl tightened. “What did you say?”I smiled harmlessly. “Have a taste of it.”Her face switched. “No, it’s for you! I made it for you with good intentions. You have to believe me! It’s…”“It is specially made for me? Yeah I’ll surely take it but I want you to join me. You need it too.”She hesitated. “Yeah, I made it with so much love. It’s meant to rekindle things between us, and it will help you recover too. Just drink it and you will be fine.I refused, my voice firm. “If it’s harmless, then you should have no problem taking a sip. I took a few steps forward, now standing in front of her. “Congee is for women, you said. You aren’t a man, are you?” I questioned, playfully. “No, Julia. I’ll have a sip, that’s not a problem. I have enough in the kitchen and I’ll have it later.” She took a step forward, stretching out the bowl to hand it over to me
Julia’s POVMr. Sterling is ill and he wants to see me? What now? I didn’t want to go. After everything that had happened, stepping into that house again felt like reopening a wound that had barely begun to scab over. But when I thought about the possibility that Mr. Sterling’s health had been affected by this entire marriage withdrawing debacle, I felt guilty. I had truly pushed things so far that it had taken a toll on an old man’s health and didn’t know if I would really live with myself knowing that I had refused his request to see me.When I arrived at the Sterling estate, I was greeted at the entrance by a servant who led me inside. The moment I stepped inside, his frail appearance struck me like a blow. The moment I saw him, his face was pallid, his eyes sunken. Seeing him like this, I felt a deep sense of self-reproach rise within me. He didn’t look so lively like he used to be. He had grown thin now. “Child, you’ve come,” he said warmly, a weak smile spreading across his l
Julia’s POVAfter the incident at the hotel, I threw myself completely into the company’s affairs, shutting out everything and everyone that didn’t concern Julison Technology Enterprise. It wasn’t just a distraction; it was a necessity. Every ounce of my focus was needed to put things back in order.The company had suffered losses, and after reviewing reports, I found contracts mishandled, deals sabotaged, and suspicious renegotiations, all leading back to Alex. I stared at the official statement from Lynwood Company International Limited, rereading the words that confirmed their $900 million investment into Julison Technology Enterprise. It was not just a staggering amount but one that had the power to not only stabilize the company but propel it forward. More than the money I expected.With this investment, I had the resources to undo the damage, reclaim lost partnerships, and take Julison to heights even my father hadn’t imagined.I wasted no time. The first step was securing key
Alex’s POVAustra Grand Hotel? What’s happening there?After receiving a call from Lucas, I felt extremely puzzled as I wondered why he needed to see me. His voice had been sharp, furious, demanding that I show up at the hotel immediately. I grabbed my phone and dialled my secretary’s number, who's also my assistant. “Cornel, I need some information about the Austra Grand Hotel.” “Alright sir.” “Yes. Find out if something happened at that hotel recently.”Minutes later, he returned with a grim expression. “Sir, Julia Carter was there tonight.”A cold chill ran down my spine. Julia? At that hotel doing what and with who? My entire body tensed.The words slammed into me like a fist. A sharp, ugly jealousy twisted in my gut. Lucas had called and I was certain she was with Lucas. My jaw clenched as images I didn’t want to see flashed in my mind, her in his arms, his hands on her and maybe they even kissed.“Prepare the car,” I ordered, my voice cold. I needed to see for myself.And if