Julian nodded slightly. Then,
n, he unbuttoned his suit as he walked toward the brightly lit foyer
The manor was the same as ever, but he couldn’t help but find it cold and empty.
He probably felt that way because Willow wasn’t here.
Blair took his suit jacket from him and asked in an attempt to gain his favor, “Would you like some supper, Mr. Ziegler? I’ve learned Mrs. Ziegler’s spaghetti bolognese recipe.”
pallan paused briefly before inquiring. “Has my wife returned to the manor these past two month?
Blair shook her head..
Julian was disappointed to hear that and didn’t bother asking anything else. Instead, he went straight to the second floor’s study.
Nothing had changed, except there was a court summons on his desk. The hearing was scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
The floor–to–ceiling windows in his study were immaculate and spotless. It was so clean that it reflected the lights and the despondent look on his face.
He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit and had styled his hair carefully. He looked flawless, but the emptiness in his heart made him think that he might
hras
well look like a beggar.
Julian picked up a cigarette case from his desk, drew a cigarette out, and lit it up.
The smoke drifted in the air as he wallowed in his thoughts.
His eyes were aldin to the dark depths of the abyss.
He finally came to a decision after smoking nearly half of his cigarette away. He tomed slightly to snuff it out, picked up his phone, and dialed a long–unused number, Jeffrey, let’s meet up.”
Brindley Hidden Springs Restaurant bossted sleek Ivalian decor and black crystals. It had a full wall of floor–to–ceiling windows, offering a panoramic view of the airy lights.
Julian had spent go thousand dollars just to book the entire venun
Julian didn’t turn around when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. “Jeffrey, do you remember back when we were at Wallington Street? We made over four
million dollars together. We celebrated like kings that night, drank on the power of money and all it had to offer for the first time in our lives.”
Julian sounded more solemn than the dark night as he continued, “Jeffrey, we could be considered childhood friends. We’ve never come to blows in business or even when we were networking. You could have anything you want, but I’ll never give Willow up. Not even to you.
“Jeffrey, I’m aware I owe you a great deal, but I’m afraid I’ll never be able to repay you.”
Frankly, not a single scion in Brindley had ever won against Julian when it came to scheming and plotting. Julian was a natural–bommanipulator. He knew how to use everything and everyone around him to his advantage.
Their meeting right now was a good example of this. He sounded gentlemanly and nostalgic even though he was laying his cards on the table.

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