It was a captivating evening in Brindley, with a multitude of celebrities gathering at the banquet hall in Evergreen Grand Hotel.

    Julian, dressed in his finest, was holding a ss of champagne as e socialized with the other guests in a rxed manner. His eyes would often wander to the entrance of the banquet hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Willow. However, the banquet was well underway, and Willow was still nowhere to be seen.

    It was then he heard a familiar voice calling out to him, asking, “What are you looking at, Julian?”

    Julian turned and noticed that it was Braxton Young, the CEO of Aegis Groupb, /btalking to himb, /bso he smiled slightly as he greeted, “Good evening, Mr. Young.”

    Braxton patted his shoulder and said with a teasing smile, “I noticed that you had been looking a little out of it for a while now. What’s the matter? Who are you expecting?”

    Julian replied with a polite smile, “I’m not waiting for anyone.”

    Braxton, observing Julian’s striking and polished demeanor, remarked with a sigh, “It seems like Liam has raised you well, Julian. You’re sopetent at such a young age–unlike my good–for–nothing son, who’s nothing but trouble.”

    Braxton’s son was Caleb Young, notoriously known for being the scion of the Young family and a local troublemaker in Brindley.

    Julian, though only acquainted with Caleb by reputation, said politely, “I’m sure Mr. Caleb is a person of remarkable talent. I’m certain that he’ll achieve great things with proper guidance and the passage of time.”

    Braxton’s eyes immediately lit up as he asked, “You really think Caleb has potential, Julian? Why not let him study under you, then? He could learn valuable business practices and acquire your polished demeanor as well. He stands at an imposing six feet and the inches, and yet, he’s always ying with guns and knives. How unsightly!”

    Julian couldn’t help but picture a reckless, burly man. Given Braxton’s sturdy physique, Julian’s assumption of Caleb being a rough, brawny man was understandable.

    Though he inwardly considered Braxton’s proposition maniptive, Julian still responded with a cordial smile, saying, “I would be delighted to have Mr. Caleb learn from me, but I have a more suitable arrangement. You see, my missus operates a rather sessful business in Brindley and would be well–equipped to take him under her wing. How does that sound?”

    Julian intended to assign Caleb as Willow’s chauffeur and bodyguard. His towering height made him an ideal candidate for the job.

    Braxton was momentarily stunned before agreeing without hesitationb, /bsaying, “I’ve long heard of Ms. Harper’s reputation. I have no doubt Caleb will be in good hands under her guidance.”

    Julian raised his ss of champagne with a smile and said, “You can rest assured that Mr. Caleb will be in capable hands.”

    Braxton clinked his ss with Julian’s with a faint smile.

    They both harbored ulterior motives, each scheming in their own way.

    In the hotel’s underground parking lot, Julian remained seated in his car, scrolling through his phone. Though the banquet had already ended, he didn’t manage to catch a glimpse of Willow, which prompted him to assume that Willow was deliberately avoiding him.

    It was then that his phone suddenly rang–it was Alicia calling from Grandsburg.

    He hesitated for a moment before finally answering the call. He then heard Alicia’s frail voiceing from the other end of the Jine, saying, “I want to go back to Brindley, Julian.”

    Julian furrowed his brow and asked, “Is Grandsburg not to your liking? I’ll make arrangements for the blood bank and kidney transnt.”

    Alicia sobbed softly, asking, “You don’t want me to go back to Brinley, do you? Is it because you’re worried about upsetting her? You’re well aware that Catherine has passed away, and my parents are getting old, Julian. How can you leave me all alone here to spend my final days without my family by my side, knowing it will leave my parents with regret?”

    “You’re overthinking it, Alicia,” Julian said tly before hanging up.

    “J–Julian…” Alicia stammered before her phone slid from her gras. She was lost in thought for a moment before a faint smile graced her face, realizing that Julian no longer had any feelings for her. It turned out that he had fallen for Willow, the pawn he had personally handpicked.

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