Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 45

nside the conference room, Julian was in the middle of leading a morning meeting when Esther walked in with a phone in hand.

Julian shot her a questioning look before taking the phone.

On the other end, Blair’s voice came through. “Mr. Ziegler, Mrs. Ziegler’s burning up. Her fever’s at 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. I’m really worried she won’t be able to hold up.”

Blair might be exaggerating, but the concern in her words was genuine,

Julian was about to respond when he noticed his executives watching him. He flashed a calm smile. “Willow’s sick. She just called to ask me to come home early.”

The room fell silent.

If they hadn’t seen firsthand how badly things had gone between the couple not long ago, they might’ve actually believed him.

Julian, satisfied with the little display, softly instructed Blair to take good care of Willow. He assured her that he would be home early. Every word carried the attentiveness of a devoted husband.

Once he finished giving his instructions, he ended the call and resumed his meeting.

The first order of the day was removing Catherine from Project Aurelia. Effective immediately, she was no longer allowed to attend meetings or be involved in any

way.

The room was stunned.

Willow was truly something.

Of course, Julian offered no explanation.

When the meeting wrapped up, he returned to his office.

He had just settled into his seat when Esther pushed the door open with a troubled look. “Catherine is making a scene outside, dernanding an explanation from you,

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Julian took a sip of his coffee and let out a cold laugh. “An explanation? Project Aurelia was never meant for her. I only let her in as a temporary fix.”

Esther could see it clearly now–Julian didn’t like Catherine.

But then why…?

Julian leaned back in his chair. After a moment, he said, “Aurelia Group has complaints about her. Tell her not to come back. Her salary will still be paid, but she’s done here.”

Julian barely hesitated. “Reach out to Zachary Lawless. He’s competent and knows how to stay in his lane.”

Outside, Catherine’s angry voice could still be heard, but Julian didn’t spare it a second thought.

On the way home, he stopped by a florist and picked up a bouquet of white roses.

Back in his car, he placed the delicate blooms on the passenger seat. They looked strikingly beautiful, almost like a woman with an intoxicating allure.

He stared at them for a moment before finally starting the engine.

By the time he arrived at the house, dusk had fallen. The scent of home–cooked food filled the air, making the place feel inviting.

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