68 Chapter 71
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Chapter 71 Bittersweet Closure and an Invitation’s Promise
“He abused me my entire life,” I continued, my voice trembling with barely contained fury. “My father stole my mother’s inheritance, drove her to depression and death, and then tried to use me as his financial scapegoat. Don’t you dare lecture me about family. loyalty.”
Julian’s face paled even further, if that was possible. He looked away, fingers fidgeting with his hospital blanket.
“I only meant-” he started.
“I know exactly what you meant,” I cut him off. “You’re trying to paint me as the villain in this story. It won’t work anymore.”
A heavy silence stretched between us. The beeping of his heart monitor seemed deafening in the quiet room.
“I could help him,” Julian finally said, his voice soft and hesitant. “Your father. I have connections that could reduce his sentence.”
I stared at him, dumbfounded.
“why would
u do that?”
“For you.” His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I glimpsed the man I once thought I knew. “So you don’t have regrets later.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “That’s rich coming from you. Worried about my regrets
now?”
“Hazel, despite everything, I did love you once.”
The past tense stung more than I expected. Six years of my life, reduced to “once.” I straightened my shoulders.
“Keep your help,” I said firmly. “My father deserves every consequence coming to him. And I deserve to move forward with my life.”
I turned to leave again, this time making it all the way to the door before Julian called
out.
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“He’s not good enough for you either, you know.”
I didn’t need to ask who “he” was.
“That’s not for you to decide anymore,” I replied without turning back.
As I stepped into the hallway, Mrs. Landon was waiting, her arms crossed and her face set in that familiar look of disapproval.
“So you got what you came for,” she said, eyeing my bag where I’d tucked the signed
papers.
“Yes,” I answered simply, too emotionally drained to engage in another battle.
“You know,” she said, stepping closer, “I always told Julian you weren’t the right match for him. Too ambitious. Too independent.”
I almost laughed. “Those are compliments to me, Mrs. Landon.”
“A proper wife knows her place,” she continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Ivy understands that. She knows how to support Julian without overshadowing him.”
“Well, they’re perfectly matched then,” I said, unable to keep the sarcasm from my voice. “I wish them every happiness.”
Mrs. Landon’s eyes narrowed. “You think you’ve won something by catching the eye of Damien Sterling, don’t you? Moving up in the world?”
The mention of Damien’s name on her lips felt invasive somehow.
“My relationship with Damien has nothing to do with status,” I said firmly.
“Please.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Everyone knows what you are, Hazel. A social climber. First the Graysons, now the Sterlings. At least be honest about your ambitions.”
I took a deep breath, refusing to let her see how her words affected me. “Goodbye, Mrs. Landon, I doubt we’ll see each other again.”
As I walked away, her voice followed me. “When he tires of you–and he will–don’t come crawling back to Julian!”
The hospital corridors seemed to stretch endlessly as I made my way to the exit, my heels echoing against the tile. Only when I reached my car did I allow myself to exhale
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fully, clutching the divorce papers to my chest.
It was really happening. Soon, I would be free.
Three days later, I was curled up on my couch with a glass of wine and a new design portfolio when my phone buzzed. Victoria’s name flashed on the screen.
“Tell me you’re not still working” she said when I answered.
“Just reviewing some sketches,” I replied. “What’s up?”
“Did you get the invitation? To the Huada University centenary celebration?”
I frowned, setting down my wine glass. “No. Should I have?”
“I got mine yesterday. It’s a huge deal–they’ve invited all alumni with ‘significant achievements.“” I could hear the pride in her voice. “Your invitation probably got lost in the mail.”
“Maybe, I murmured, though I suspected it was more likely it had been sent to my father’s address, where I was still technically registered as living.
“You have to come, Haze. It’s next month, and everyone who’s
anyone will be there.”
I hesitated. “I don’t know, Vic. I’ve been so busy with the new collection…”
“Damien Sterling will be there,” Victoria singsonged. “Word is the Chancellor personally invited him to give a speech. He’s their most distinguished recent graduate, after all.
My heart did a little flip at the mention of his name. “How do you know that?”
“Please, it’s all over the alumni groups. The Sterling heir returning to campus? That’s major news.”
I bit my lip, contemplating. I hadn’t seen Damien in nearly a week–he’d been away on business, though we’d spoken on the phone almost daily. The thought of seeing him in his element, respected and admired by the academic community, intrigued me.
“I’ll think about it,” I promised Victoria.
Before she could pressure me further, my phone buzzed with another call. Damien’s
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name appeared on the screen.
“Vic, I need to go,” I said quickly. “Talk later?”
“Is it him?” she asked knowingly. “It is! Go get your man!”
Laughing, I switched calls. “Hello?”
“Hazel.” His deep voice washed over me, instantly calming the lingering tension from my hospital encounter days ago. “How are you?”
“Better now,” I admitted. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” he said, the warmth in his tone making me smile. “I’m flying back
tomorrow.”
“Good. The city’s not the same without you.”
He chuckled. “Listen, I wanted to ask you something. Did you receive an invitation to the Huada centenary celebration?”
I sat up straighter. “That’s funny, Victoria just called about it. I haven’t received mine
yet.”
Η
“Would you like to attend? The Chancellor’s office invited me to speak, but I’m only interested in going if you’ll be there too.”
My heart skipped. “Really?”
“Really.” His voice softened. “These events can be tedious without the right company.” “Then yes,” I said, unable to keep the smile from my voice. “I’d love to go.”
“Excellent. I’ll make sure you get a proper invitation.” There was a pause, then his tone shifted slightly. “By the way, how did it go at the hospital the other day? Did Julian sign the papers?”
I was touched that he remembered. “Yes, surprisingly without much resistance.” “That’s good.” Relief colored his words. “I know how much you wanted this closure.”
“Me too. Though the hearing’s been postponed because of his condition.”
“Postponed?” Damien’s voice sharpened. “Until when?”
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The sudden intensity in his question caught me off guard.
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