Chapter 45
Olivia could barely breathe. Her heart skipped a beat and then started pounding wildly and out of rhythm.
She thought, ‘What on earth is Julian doing here? That makes no sense. He’s a male escort–there’s no way someone like him could get into a high- society party like this, no matter how hard he tries. Did some rich woman bring him along?”
She was a bundle of nerves, completely flustered. She could sneak around with men, but she had to keep it private. If anyone in their circle found out–if word got back to Morgan–she’d lose everything.
But there wasn’t a woman by Julian’s side. He didn’t look like he was here as someone’s date.
Plus, there were a few other people in the lounge: Dylan’s grandfather, his uncle, and several friends and relatives who held high–ranking positions.
If Julian had been brought in by some sugar mommy, there’s no way he’d be sitting with the hosts. Besides, he was treated with respect and even flattery.
Olivia’s mind was a tangled mess. She was so anxious that she unconsciously gripped Dylan’s arm tightly.
Feeling the pain, Dylan couldn’t help but say, “What are you doing? Don’t start with me in front of all these people. It’ll get ugly.”
Olivia had been flying off the handle a lot lately, always ready to throw hands, so Dylan instinctively assumed she was about to hit him again. He could
only lower his voice and remind her to watch herself.
Snapping back to her senses, Olivia quickly loosened her grip. “I’m not feeling well. I’m going upstairs to rest for a bit.”
She’d been to the Klein residence before. There was a room set aside for Dylan, and she knew exactly where it was–she could find it herself.
But just as she turned to leave, Dylan’s uncle, Spencer Klein, spotted them. “Dylie, Ollie, you’re here. Come on over. Your grandfather was just talking about you two.”
Olivia had no choice but to stop, turn around, and walk over with Dylan to greet everyone. Since the people there were all elders, they had to show proper respect. The last person they were about to greet was Julian.
“Grandpa,” Dylan asked after glancing at Julian, “who’s this? I don’t think I’ve seen him before.”
Herbert chuckled and replied, “Back when I was working at the embassy in Darcoln, I had a lot of dealings with his father. Later, when things got tense over there, it was his father who led the rescue of the embassy staff.
“We bonded over drinks after that and became close friends.
“Back then, I was still in office, so it wasn’t appropriate to reveal the connection. But now that I’m retired, there’s nothing to worry about. You two can call him Mr. Hudson. He’s like a family to us.”
Olivia’s mouth twitched. Just a couple of weeks ago, she’d been in bed with Julian, and now, out of nowhere, he’d become her husband’s family. The whiplash was unreal.
Her lips felt like they were glued shut–she just couldn’t get the words out.
“Babe, why are you spacing out?” Dylan nudged her, snapping her back to reality.
Olivia looked at Julian. He met her gaze. His deep eyes glinted with amusement, and he lounged there with a lazy, teasing air.
A subtle pressure seemed to bear down on her, making her feel completely overwhelmed. Forcing a stiff smile, Olivia finally managed to say, “Mr.
Hudson.”
Julian smirked. “No need to call me that. Just call me what you used to. Actually, considering everything that’s happened, I’d prefer something a little more intimate.”
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Chapter 45
Olivia’s heart skipped a beat, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead.
Everyone turned to look at her.
Herbert asked curiously, “Ollie, you know Jules? How do you two know each other? Why haven’t you ever mentioned it?”
Olivia forced another awkward smile. “I don’t know him. This is actually the first time I’ve met him. Maybe Mr. Hudson mistook me for someone else.
Herbert chuckled. “That’s possible. Jules rarely comes to Gravellia, and with his special background, it’s not likely you two would have met.”
Olivia gave a polite smile.
Julian kept his eyes on her, his tone playful. “Maybe all heartless women just happen to look alike. She reminds me a lot of the woman who once broke my heart and dumped me.”
Olivia lowered her gaze, her back drenched in cold sweat.
Everyone on the couch looked stunned, especially Herbert.
Knowing Julian’s background, Herbert widened his eyes in disbelief and said, “Someone actually dumped you? Forget your family background–just look at you. Who could possibly walk away from you? Who was she?”
Julian raised an eyebrow. “That’s exactly why I called her heartless.”
Herbert quickly tried to comfort him. “Don’t take it to heart, Jules. You’re a great catch–any woman would be lucky to have you. If your dad doesn’t find someone for you, I’ll gladly play matchmaker.”
Julian let out a soft laugh. “Well, thank you in advance. If I happen to fall for someone here today, I will make my move. I hope you won’t be upset or try
to stop me.”
Herbert burst out laughing. “Of course not. It’d be my honor. As long as your father’s fine with it, I’m fine with it too.”
Julian looked over at Dylan, smiling as he asked, “What about you, Dylie? Would you support me?”
Given what his grandfather had just said, Dylan didn’t hesitate. “Of course. As long as you’re happy, I’ll support you. If you need help, just say the word.”
Julian pressed, “So no matter who I’m interested in, it’s all good?”
Dylan nodded. “Absolutely. As long as you like her, that’s what matters most.”
Pleased with the answer, Julian glanced over at Olivia.
Noticing Olivia and Dylan still standing, Herbert scooted over on the couch and patted the empty spot beside him. “Come on, you two, don’t just stand there–have a seat.”
Dylan took Olivia’s hand and led her over to sit. He sat beside Herbert, and Olivia sat next to him. On her right was Julian.
With so many people on the couch, the space was tight. As soon as Olivia sat down, her arm brushed against Julian’s, and she quickly tried to shift closer to Dylan.
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But she’d barely moved when she felt a cold stare from her right. Then Julian whispered, “What, planning to sit on your husband’s lap in front of all these people? Tone it down. Sit properly.”
Suddenly, a big hand grabbed her arm and yanked her over. Thrown off balance, she tumbled sideways and fell straight into his strong, broad chest. Instinctively, her hand reached out for support–and landed on his thigh.
Olivia’s face flushed crimson. She jerked her band back in a panie and scooted away from him.
Julian smirked. “Sorry, I work out a lot, so I’m pretty strong. I didn’t realize you were so delicate and pulled a little too hard.”
Chapter 45
Olivia stared at the floor, her lashes fluttering. She was cursing him out in her head, but still forced herself to say, “Thank you.”
But the torture didn’t stop there. Every so often, Julian’s leg would brush against hers. After it happened a few times, she realized he was doing it on purpose and shot him a sharp glare.
དག པར 1:|: གན བ མ ཙ ན ན ན ན ན ན
But he didn’t back off. He even brazenly put his hand on the side of her thigh and started tracing letters with his finger.
She could fee! what he was writing: [You betrayed my love. Now live with the guilt.]
