Carter's scrutiny shifted to Jared, an unspoken challenge exchanged between the two men. His gaze lingered, attempting to discern the identity of the man who had seemingly materialized out of thin air.As the intensity between Carter and Jared lingered, Julia deftly deflected Carter's scrutiny. Her words dripped with disdain as she dismissed his accusations. "Believe what you want, Carter. If you must know, my husband is standing right here."Carter's skepticism remained unshaken, his doubts manifesting in his cynical laughter. "Do you really expect me to believe this charade? Is he a hired model or some random farmer you've conjured up to provoke me?"Julia's eyes rolled in exasperation, her patience wearing thin. "Congratulations, Carter. Your narcissism knows no bounds. Just so you're aware, I'm very much married to him."As she leaned into Jared, she brought her lips close to his, bestowing a light kiss. The audacious act was a calculated move, aimed at further stoking Carter's je
Julia's eyes blinked open, a gasp escaping her lips as she found herself trapped within Jared's proximity. Bewilderment painted her features, her thoughts echoing in the aftermath of her shock. Why was he so close, invading her personal space with an intent that mirrored a lover's desire?Yet, her musings held a rational thread. The idea of Jared harboring romantic inclinations towards women seemed far-fetched, a notion defying his station and appearance. Surely, if his heart inclined towards the fairer sex, he would have forged relationships, perhaps even fathered children.Jared's countenance bore a shadow, a cloud of melancholy darkening his features. Had it not been for Joseph's intervention, he would have triumphed, tasting the sweetness of her lips. "What's the matter?" Julia inquired, her voice laced with curiosity, unaware of the tumultuous thoughts swirling within Jared's mind.Joseph, too, grappled with an unsettling mixture of emotions. Nervously, he stammered, "Mr. Scott o
Unknowingly, she rose from her seat, her eyes wide with anticipation, as if her very gaze could make her desires cling to Jared's form.Julia's perceptive eyes captured every nuance of Naomi's reactions, revealing a quiet satisfaction. There was no longer a need for her to assert herself; Naomi's remorse was palpable, like a bruised ache in her very core."Are you Jared? How could you possibly be Jared? Isn't Jared an unsightly, balding man?" Naomi's astonishment left her words stumbling and incoherent."Naomi!" Neil's stern reprimand cut through the air, a signal for propriety to reclaim its place. His gaze shifted to Jared as he continued, "My daughter can be impulsive with her words. Please overlook it, Mr. Jared."Jared's aloof gaze grazed past Naomi in a fleeting manner, the disengagement happening within the span of a few heartbeats."Congratulations," Jared directed his attention toward Joseph."Yes, boss." Joseph presented a carefully prepared gift to Jared.Approaching Anthon
Passion ignited within Julia as her pupils expanded like blossoming flowers, and a surging electric thrill cascaded through her entire being.He embraced her with a kiss, a learning curve of intimacy unfolding in their union.She hadn't merely brushed his lips; she had skimmed across them, her touch leaving a delicate impression.Now, he held her closely, their connection lingering like a sweet ache.Was it possible for a single kiss to set hearts ablaze and paint cheeks with a rosy hue?His arms enfolded her, almost as if fate had molded them into one entity, and in this juxtaposition, a sense of profound longing took root.A sense of loss, unfathomable, swept over her in this newfound connection."You—you…" Naomi stammered, her emotions oscillating between anxiety and indignation, her face flushed with a mix of red and purple hues.Julia tenderly nudged his shoulder, signaling an impending end to their charade.Reluctantly, Jared released his hold on her slender waist, his grip reli
Karla's voice reverberated, a tempest unleashed as she confronted Conrad with burning intensity.Her origins were humble, hailing from the rustic countryside with a family of meager means. A stroke of fortune led her to college, where she crossed paths with Conrad.Conrad, the embodiment of affluence and charm, a beacon of opulence. Karla pursued him relentlessly, orchestrating strategic "chance" encounters, delving into his passions, and allowing affection to bloom. Their intimacy grew, an illusion of camaraderie blossoming into love's embrace.Yet fate dealt a cruel hand, thrusting Conrad into a fiery ordeal, forever altering his visage in a single night. From a campus heartthrob, he emerged a disfigured figure, his past allure diminished.But for Conrad's Watson lineage and his gentle demeanor, Karla might have abandoned him in his altered state long ago.In this charged moment, Julia entered the scene."No need for decisions, don't underestimate my brother's intelligence. When he
Conrad's reflection in the mirror stirred a symphony of astonishment within his eyes. Pupils widened and trembled like ripples on a tranquil pond, as his voice caught in his throat."Well, how could—"How could such rapid improvement transpire before his very eyes? He had braced for the worst, orchestrated plans for arduous recovery, only to be confronted with the unexpected speed of transformation.While not fully restored to its previous state, his countenance bore semblance to normality, an appearance passable without the lens of scrutiny."In a fortnight's time, your visage shall mirror its former glory," Julia assured, an air of amusement dancing in her eyes as she beheld her brother's disbelief.Conrad turned his gaze upon Julia, his gratitude a tumultuous river begging release through words."Brother, in uttering gratitude, you distance me as a bystander," Julia admonished gently.Stunned momentarily, Conrad then offered a wry smile, punctuated by a playful pinch of Julia's che
A realization dawned—she was trapped.Struggling desperately, Julia's breath hitched as a low, resonant voice whispered in her ear, "It's me."A stillness overcame Julia as her frantic struggles ebbed away. She raised her gaze to meet the man's eyes, and in that moment, a rush of emotions swelled within her. Her heart, once suspended in fearful anticipation, found solace.Tears welled up, cascading down her cheeks, splattering onto the man's waiting palms. Each drop, a release of pent-up emotions, a testament to the trials she had endured."Don't cry," the man whispered, his touch tenderly brushing her tears aside."What? I... I didn't cry," Julia stammered, momentarily surprised.Her response tugged at the man's heartstrings, a poignant reminder of the facade she was trying to uphold even in the face of overwhelming circumstances."Apologies for my tardiness," Jared's voice, tinged with regret, resonated softly.His arms encircled her gently, drawing her into a protective embrace.El
"What's happening in there?"Julia forcefully pushed Jared against the door inside the room, breathing heavily. She tried to calm her racing heart, to maintain some semblance of sanity amidst the chaos.A fire seemed to consume her from within, threatening to engulf her entirely."Mr. Brooks," she began, trying to gain his attention, "I need to discuss something with you."Jared stood tense, his body taut like a drawn bow."Do you need my assistance?" he asked, trying to read her.Julia exhaled deeply, the heat evident in her breath. "I can't administer this injection to myself in my current state."She wouldn't have made such a request if circumstances had been different."Listen, if you help me now, I assure you, if you ever desire a divorce in the future, I'll grant it without hesitation. We can get the certificate the moment you decide. What do you say?"Hearing this, any fire that was burning within Jared died down instantly.Is this her way of suggesting a divorce?The idea was
Lost in her thoughts, Julia absently muttered to herself while her fingers unconsciously typed a sequence of characters on the keyboard."Still incorrect," Julia grumbled, displaying a slight pout. Lost in her task, she had been hoping that Jared might use her birthday as the password for the safe."What else could it be?" Julia mused, her determination unwavering as she remained convinced that the Little Jade Buddha was hidden within the safe. She understood that the process would involve eliminating possibilities one by one, and she was prepared for the challenge.However, just as Julia was about to make another attempt, her focused concentration was abruptly shattered by a voice echoing from the living room. Instantly, her movements froze, and she listened intently, her expression morphing into one of heightened vigilance."Dah, dah, dah—" The sound of heavy leather shoes ascending the stairs grew nearer and nearer. Could it be Jared returning? The measured gait ruled out the possi
'I'm leaving!' Is it vital to state it so definitively?Julia came to realize that the current situation wouldn't be resolved with ease. With this understanding, she turned her head to gaze at Jared. His visage bore a disdainful expression, lips forming a stern, unyielding line of ice.Though Jared remained silent, Julia could intuit his emotions at that moment.Taking a deep breath, Julia directed her attention back to Yannie. "Are you pushing your own son to the brink? Since his early twenties, he's borne immense burdens alone. He protected you, even contending for the Patriarch position in the Brooks family against his uncles. Have you ever heard him utter a complaint? Does his silence imply ease?"Jared's icy facade softened, his gaze momentarily unfocused as he looked at Julia, an unexplainable shift in his eyes.Frowning, Yannie regarded her son. She was intimately familiar with his resolute and decisive nature. Jared never voiced his suffering to others. He struggled with sever
With what Yannie said, Julia thought, 'Ah, this is the one.'A frown creased Julia's brow. If Yannie was in such a hurry to push for her divorce from Jared, and if her deduction was accurate, there was a high chance that Cameron had meddled in the affair. Julia needed to devise a foolproof plan with her unmet objectives, and the divorce still needed to be in motion.However, before Julia could formulate a solid strategy, Jared's voice echoed in her ears."You can take the money back. I won't divorce her," Jared's firm words resounded, causing Julia to turn her gaze toward him swiftly.Following Shiloh's lead, he added, "Burning bridges behind us, Mom, is this really necessary? Julia did her best to mend my leg. You can't just dismiss her on a whim. She hasn't done anything wrong."Jared further asserted, "Even if she had, it's a matter between us as husband and wife. I should bear any consequences.""Absolutely, what my brother says is right!" Shiloh chimed in, supporting Jared's stan
Julia fixed her gaze upon Jared, her eyes widening as he effortlessly removed his attire. With each layer he discarded, his strong upper body was gradually revealed to her. Although he held the position of a businessman, Jared's bodily strength could easily match that of the most accomplished agents in their alliance. With extensive exposure to high-society circles, his physical form emitted an air of aristocracy that effortlessly garnered the respect and admiration of those in his vicinity. His presence could compel anyone to instinctively show deference, a harmonious combination of polished physique and dignified comportment that irresistibly attracted women, much like moths drawn to a flame.Although Julia's emotional connection to Jared was lacking, she couldn't help but appreciate the "magnificent mountains and rivers" before her. His awareness of her unwavering gaze pleased him, a satisfied smirk playing across his lips."Do you find it appealing?" Jared's question caused Jul
When Julia heard that word escape his mouth, she could feel how the pressure in the room became heavier and how coldness brewed in the air.Seeing his face etched with disregard and coldness, she could not help but recall what happened earlier. When she chased after Alexander rather than staying with Jared, she realized that he must be that angry to act this way now."You must be mad," she uttered between their silence.However, the man didn't speak and just looked away from her, refusing their eyes to meet.Once again, the living room became quiet. From where Shiloh was standing, he could see what was happening. Jared seemed like a king disregarding his servant, who was willingly waiting for a reaction from him.The more the silence provoked, the more Julia thought that it would be better if she let his anger subside first. "Then I'll go first."After that chilly encounter, she turned around and walked towards the door. Julia's head was hurting, thinking of how to coax the man tomor
The drink ran down Julia's throat as she raised her head and faced Alexander with a serious expression. They were still sitting beside each other after the long explanation."Make do? I can't give you that, Alexander. Aside from marriage being such a major event so does settling with someone just for convenience. If I did that with you, I would be irresponsible to you."Upon hearing those words from her, Alexander glanced at Julia with seriousness and bitterness on his face combined."Then boss, why don't you like me?"She sighed and frowned before raising her hand to caress his chin. After seconds, she turned to look directly into his eyes again."Do you want to hear the truth or lies?"Alexander opened his mouth, hesitated briefly, and decided to face reality."Tell me the truth." He had waited for that moment for a long time, and he knew he was mentally prepared already. Staring at Julia's mouth, he waited for her to open it and anticipated her following words."Okay, the truth is
Upon seeing the scene before him, Henry took a sharp breath.Without seeing Jared's face now, he could already foresee the man's terrifying expression because of the cold air radiating from his direction.Looking down at Alexander, Julia's eyes shifted to where Jared was standing. He was at the door, and the moment she set his eyes on the man, she felt her heartbeat becoming faster.Their circumstances made her feel a déjà vu as if she was caught in bed with someone. However, she quickly shook those thoughts off her head. The scenario in her head was not like her at all.Right then and there, Jared's face darkened to an extent, and the atmosphere around him was covered with immense anger."Julia!" He uttered her name as he gritted his teeth.Her eyes widened. Julia did not waste time and quickly explained, "It's not what you think it is! He and I are just friends.""Boss? Who is he? Do you know him?" Alexander stood up and glanced at Jared with gloomy eyes.The main reason for Alexand
Joseph's jaw dropped while his eyes dilated."Boss, this is—"Jared interjected, "You can go and buy it."When he heard it again, no words could get out of Joseph's mouth.Without saying anything, Joseph marched out of the office with his bitter expression painted on his face. He thought, 'How can I apologize to my girlfriend?'As Joseph started to have a headache about how to solve it, he suddenly heard Jared's voice behind his back."After you buy it, you need to arrange it, and you can get off work," Jared clarified.Upon hearing that, Joseph's eyes brightened, and his heart was filled with joy."Thank you so much, boss!" Joseph thanked him while smiling ear to ear. "I hope you can achieve your wishes today too."Jared waved his hand while Joseph went out the door and left sensibly.At the same time, his cell phone vibrated, and he got a reply from Julia.'Male.'At first, Julia thought to reply she was visiting a woman, but she recalled Jared had asked her the same before, but was
"Julia would bring that role to life if she were the one to play it.""You mean Julia as the leading role?!" Yasmin interrogated. Her eyes broadened with a hint of enviousness that could flare into flames."Well, thank you for your compassion," Julia refused to accept it. "It's just that I am not quite interested in this."Some common actors would have made a lot of effort to stand out. It would bring capital to the group itself. However, Julia was a skilled layman who didn't have the capital to back her up to rise to the top. Her forebears' good deeds were why she was asked to play the female lead. Unfortunately, she had to take it down that easy.The director, who was in the industry for twenty years, was stupefied by her knock-back. He had caught a glimpse of many actors quarreling to take the leading role, yet as it was offered to Julia, she rejected it."So you don't want to be famous?" Julia shook her head. "I don't want to. I don't want to lose freedom. It's disturbing."She