As he heard her talk, and he realized who she was, Julian frowned. “Sorry, I’m not interested,” he interrupted, cutting her off. Julian walked off from her trying to avoid any more conversations with her. He let out a sigh. Another one of these people, trying to convince him to take the family legacy? Vera wasn't the first one from the firm who had approached Julian about this, it was almost a dozen other people who had approached him, ever since he turned 18. It was their insistence that had made his butler worried. He was surprised how many people had approached him today talking about his family's empire. Julian sighed. ‘He didn’t want it,’.... well, at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. But the truth was that he had been considering it for a long time now. But with his situation as it was, he wasn’t about to go against his butler’s wishes. As Julian walked away, he barely noticed Vera and the two people with her following him until she caught up. Her voice was calm,
The next morning, Julian rubbed his eyes as he exited the study room. He was still feeling the fog of sleep as he walked down the hall. Just as he turned the corner, he saw Scarlet stepping out of her room. She wore a pair of jeans and a blouse that looked elegant on her. Her cherry red hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, perfectly framing her face. There was no makeup on her face, yet she looked as beautiful as always. Scarlet radiated natural beauty. Scarlett's striking looks could easily captivate most men, but Julian felt nothing as he glanced at her. He didn’t see her as someone to admire or pursue, despite her undeniable beauty. Well, It was hard to, considering how consistently rude she was toward him. For some reason, it seemed she blamed him for everything. His eyes briefly flickered toward her, but it wasn’t with longing or admiration. It was more a neutral observation, a passing glance that lacked the warmth of attraction. Scarlet glanced his way for
There were also other two voices, which Julian was quick to tell that it was Tessa and her boyfriend Damien. He had hoped to avoid running into anyone from work, especially Brandon or Claire, but fate had other plans. Keeping his back to them, he tried to pay quickly and slip out unnoticed. His plan failed; however, he was instantly spotted by Claire. “Well, well, look who we have here,” she said mockingly. With a resigned sigh, Julian turned around. Standing before him was Claire, his ex, with her new boyfriend, Brandon, her arm looped around his. Next to them was Tessa, an old colleague of Julian’s and Claire’s friend, holding hands with a tall, confident-looking man whom Julian recognized as one of Brandon’s former employees. He had recently left the company for a better-paying job. "Didn’t expect to see you here," Claire said, her eyes scanning Julian from head to toe with a smug look. She noticed a shopping bag in his hands, a clear indication he was here to buy clothes
The insult landed hard, and the air was tense between them. Brandon’s face twisted with anger. Who did this loser think he was talking to? “You've got some nerve you pathetic broke loser. Apologize now, or you’ll regret it!” Brandon snapped, his voice rising. “Better yet, I want you to apologize to everyone here.” He stepped closer, his sneer deepening. “Do it, or you’ll pay for your arrogance.” Claire wore a smug expression as she toyed with her hair, her fingers brushing it in a deliberately sensual way. Her other hand rested lightly on Brandon’s shoulder as she spoke, her tone dripping with mock concern. “Do as he says, Julian. You know how wealthy Brandon is. He’ll ruin your life.” Brandon smirked, his confidence growing with Claire’s support. He began to circle Julian like a predator sizing up its prey, his voice growing louder and more menacing with each word. “I’ll make sure you pay dearly for this,” he said. “No company in this city will hire you. Hell, no one will even g
Brandon, clearly shocked, tried to regain his footing, but Julian was already on the offensive. He moved swiftly, landing a flurry of punches and kicks that forced Brandon to go on the defensive. His confidence slipping away with each hit. Claire’s face scowled with disbelief. She thought Brandon was the martial artist here and Julian didn't know how to fight. ‘Is this real?” another comment appeared. “I thought Brandon was supposed to be a fighter?’ Brandon finally tried to throw another punch, but Julian sidestepped and swept his legs out from under him. With a loud thud, Brandon hit the ground, gasping for air. Julian didn't stop, seizing the opportunity that Brandon was down to beat him down. The chat exploded as they witnessed everything. ‘NO WAY! Brandon’s down?!’ ‘Julian is kicking his ass! This is wild!’ ‘Bro, Brandon’s got nothing. Julian’s owning him.’ Claire’s grip on her phone tightened in anger, as she watched Brandon struggle to get back up. The satisfact
Julian didn’t have to wait long. As he sat back in the chair, the soft ding of the elevator doors opening caught his attention. He looked and saw Vera stepping out. She looked very stunning, elegant, yet approachable, a blend of confidence and friendliness that seemed effortless. She wore a blue female blazer that fit her well, over a white blouse, pairing it with blue trousers and sleek black heels. Her hair was neatly styled in a bun, with a few loose strands framing her face. Her eyes landing on Julian, her face lit up with a smile that was as genuine as it was welcoming. She made her way over with an ease, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. "Julian!" she greeted him, her voice was cheerful as she extended her hand. "I’m so glad you could make it. Welcome to Prescott and Lawson." Julian stood up, offering a nod of acknowledgement before shaking her hand,"Thanks, Vera," he replied casuallyl,"I’ve been looking forward to our meeting." "I’m glad to hear that
Julian looked at her and then at the leather folder wondering what was inside it. Before he could ask, she already started explaining “These are your accounts,” Vera said, her tone matter of fact. “Everything is set up under your name, including the private accounts and international holdings. You'll find the details inside. Access to a vast network of your assets, not just in liquid funds but in investments, properties, and secured resources.”Julian nodded, opening the folder with a steady hand. As his eyes scanned the documents, his mind immediately began processing the figures. The numbers were staggering, beyond anything he had expected. Billions, even hundreds of billions, in various accounts, investments, and assets. He quickly took note of the amounts listed, though the wealth itself didn’t shock him. He had always known that the business empire his parents run was worth a lot. What struck him, however, was the sheer scale of it, how much power and influence lay at his finge
Julian also stopped and urned to face Vera, wondering why she stopped all of a sudden. Just then, three figures approached them. Julian darted his gaze toward them, immediately recognizing the old man, Mr. Bannerman, who walked ahead with a familiar air of authority.“I have to introduce you to some people.” She said, “I'm sure you recognize Mr. Bannerman,” Vera said casually, her tone light.“I would be offended if he didn’t remember me,” Mr. Bannerman joked with a warm smile.Julian nodded, returning the smile. “Of course, I remember him.”“I’m glad you finally decided to claim the inheritance,” Mr. Bannerman continued. “I know it’s what your whole family wanted. May they rest in peace.”Julian nodded in response.Vera turned to the two women who stood next to Mr. Bannerman, and Julian’s eyes quickly scanned them. Both women were dressed in dark, sleek attire each exuding a quiet confidence that commanded attention.The first woman, with raven-black hair and piercing hazel eyes, e
Julian nodded, a faint hint of frustration showing on his face. Still, he smiled faintly. "Alright, thank you." He turned to leave, prepared to find another hotel, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that the receptionist’s dismissive tone was meant to belittle him. He also noticed the way she rolled her eyes. But he didn't think much of it, it was nothing new. Julian continued on his way out, thinking of hailing a taxi to take him to another hotel or motel. Just then, a couple walked past him, heading toward the desk, their conversation light. When they reached the receptionist, her entire demeanour shifted. Unlike when she was speaking with Julian, she straightened, her smile suddenly genuine. "Good evening, sir, madam," she greeted them cheerfully. "How can I assist you?" Julian, busy trying to book an Uber on his phone, overheard the couple asking for a room. Within moments, the receptionist’s fingers flew over the keyboard as though she were greeting a valued guest. "Of cours
But Julian was faster. His hand shot up, catching the bat in the air. The bat was swang with so much power, so although he could it, it still sent a sharp jolt through his injured hand, pain radiating up his arm, but Julian held on. Acting purely on instinct and self defense, his other hand lashed out in a blur, delivering a hard punch to Landon’s jaw. The impact sent Landon stumbling backward, the bat slipping from his grip and clattering to the floor.Julian flexed his injured hand, wincing slightly as he adjusted his stance. ‘Shit, did I just punch him?’ he thought to himself. In truth he felt that he had acted impulsively and didn't actually want to raise his hand on anyone here, he was simply standing up to them. Still, what was done was done and he wasn't about to start apologizing, especially when Landon deserved it, and it would make him seem weaker.Landon groaned on the ground, raising his hand to his face as blood trickled from his split lip.Clarissa let out a horrified s
The fact that the loser Julian, had the audacity to call him ‘father-in-law’ infuriated Alistair.Did Julian really think he could worm his way into the Lancaster family and everyone was going to be cool with it? After what he’d supposedly done to Scarlett? To them, it was obvious: Julian had planned this. He’d taken advantage of Scarlett, just so he can get into their wealthy family and leech off then. None of his actions showed what his true motives were yet. But how else were they supposed to interpret the situation? His smug confidence only fueled their disdain.Julian wasn't moved by Alistair's attitude towards him. If anything, his faint, sarcastic smile deepened as he crossed his arms, “Well, technically, you are my father-in-law. So, why can't I call you that?” His voice was light, taunting, daring Alistair to lose his composure.“You dare speak to me like that?” Alistair asked, veins throbbing on his forehead.Of course he had to speak back to the Lancaster family. If he did
Julian observed her in silence, his sharp gaze searching for answers. He couldn’t understand why she had said what she said to her family downstairs.“What the hell was that?” Julian asked, wanting an explanation. Why did she tell everyone that she wanted this, when clearly, none of them wanted it? He didn't understand what was going on in her mind. She was acting so strange, almost like a completely different person. Not long ago, she seemed eager to divorce, and now this? Was this some kind of game?Scarlett shifted uncomfortably, her posture stiff as she raised her gaze to meet his. “Don’t believe what I said to them,” she murmured, her voice lowering, almost back to its usual icy tone. “I said what I needed to make them stop. They were never going to stop pushing me toward Nolan.” She hesitated, then added awkwardly, “I… I need you to stay in this marriage a little while longer.”Julian raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. Opening his mouth to respond, Scarlett quickly st
The entire family discussed Scarlett’s broken engagement with Nolan Stormbone, the heir of one of East Silverstone’s wealthiest families. They all agreed on one thing: Scarlett and Julian needed to get divorced quickly before Nolan or his family found out about everything.“But what if they find out?” Amara voiced her doubts, her voice dripping with fake concern. In reality, she couldn't care less about Scarlett's well-being, she loved that her cousin was trapped in this marriage with the loser Julian.She was more irritated that they were considering a divorce, especially when it meant Scarlett might escape from Julian. Julian had nothing, no wealth, no future, no standing, and the thought of her cousin being trapped with someone like him amused her.She, on the other hand, could only dream of being with Nolan. He was wealthy, powerful, and would be a much better match.“What if Nolan finds out that Scarlett slept with someone else?” Amara continued in a tone that was more calculati
Julian stepped into the villa. The conversation in the room ceased abruptly, when Scarlett's family noticed him walk in. The Lancasters were all gathered in the room, their gazes sharp and unwelcoming as they settled on him. Each glance was a sign of coldness and contempt, a silent declaration that he didn’t belong. Julian could feel it the moment he stepped inside, they didn’t want him here. But he wasn’t surprised that they didn't want him here, nor did he feel offended. He didn’t blame them. Honestly, he didn’t want to be here either. If Scarlett hadn’t called him, saying it was important, he would be somewhere else, maybe visiting one of the many companies he had just inherited. He was here for one reason: to sign the divorce papers and leave. His eyes landed on Scarlett, who stood by the staircase in a black blouse and jeans. She looked as stunning as ever, but Julian didn’t care. Her beauty didn’t matter to him. All he wanted was to get this over with. “Hi, I’m Jul
After Julian agreed with them that he should have nyx as his bodyguard, everyone looked a little relieved. They knew the moment the people who had killed his family found out that he was back they would target him.Vera let out a sigh, she clasped her hands together, her gaze fixed on Julian. “Alright, now that we’ve settled that,” she said, her voice businesslike. “Let’s move on.”Without further delay, she motioned for Julian to follow her. Nyx trailed behind them silently, her presence was like a shadow that seemed to blend with the air. Julian didn't even notice her.As they stepped out of the lobby, the sleek, modern building opened up into a large space that led to a big garage. The shiny floor sparkled under the bright lights above, reflecting rows of expensive cars neatly arranged.Julian’s eyes widened a little as he looked around. Inside the garage, there was a line of luxury cars, and not just any cars , every famous brand he could think of was there. Lamborghini, Ferrari,
Julian also stopped and urned to face Vera, wondering why she stopped all of a sudden. Just then, three figures approached them. Julian darted his gaze toward them, immediately recognizing the old man, Mr. Bannerman, who walked ahead with a familiar air of authority.“I have to introduce you to some people.” She said, “I'm sure you recognize Mr. Bannerman,” Vera said casually, her tone light.“I would be offended if he didn’t remember me,” Mr. Bannerman joked with a warm smile.Julian nodded, returning the smile. “Of course, I remember him.”“I’m glad you finally decided to claim the inheritance,” Mr. Bannerman continued. “I know it’s what your whole family wanted. May they rest in peace.”Julian nodded in response.Vera turned to the two women who stood next to Mr. Bannerman, and Julian’s eyes quickly scanned them. Both women were dressed in dark, sleek attire each exuding a quiet confidence that commanded attention.The first woman, with raven-black hair and piercing hazel eyes, e
Julian looked at her and then at the leather folder wondering what was inside it. Before he could ask, she already started explaining “These are your accounts,” Vera said, her tone matter of fact. “Everything is set up under your name, including the private accounts and international holdings. You'll find the details inside. Access to a vast network of your assets, not just in liquid funds but in investments, properties, and secured resources.”Julian nodded, opening the folder with a steady hand. As his eyes scanned the documents, his mind immediately began processing the figures. The numbers were staggering, beyond anything he had expected. Billions, even hundreds of billions, in various accounts, investments, and assets. He quickly took note of the amounts listed, though the wealth itself didn’t shock him. He had always known that the business empire his parents run was worth a lot. What struck him, however, was the sheer scale of it, how much power and influence lay at his finge