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, ir’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.”

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

Julian was about to respond when he noticed his executives watching him. He shed a calm smile. “Willow’s sick. She just called to ask me toe 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 disy, softly instructed ir 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 exnation.

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 exnation from you,

10

Julian took a sip of his coffee and let out a coldugh. “An exnation? 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 hasints about her. Tell her not toe back. Her sry will still be paid, but she’s done here.”

Esther understood immediately that Catherine was officially sidelined.

She then brought up another issue. “Since you ended the contract with Gibson Legal Group, a few projects are currently without legal representation. You’ve never liked using the in–house team…”

Julian barely hesitated. “Reach out bto /bZachary Lawless. He’spetent and knows how to stay in hisne.”

Esther nodded and left to make arrangements.

Outside, Catherine’s angry voice could still be heard, but Julian bdidn’t /bspare bit /bba /bsecond thought.

At 5:00 pm, Julian clocked out early.

On the way home, he stopped bby /bba /bflorist and picked up a bouquet of white rosesb. /b

Back in his car, he ced the delicate blooms on the passenger seat. They looked strikingly beautifulb, /balmost like a woman bwith /ban intoxicating allure.

He stared bat /bthem for a moment before finally starting the engine.

By the time he arrived at the houseb, /bdusk had fallen. The scent of home–cooked food filled the air, making the ce feel inviting.

Julian grabbed the bouquet and stepped inside.

When ir saw him, she was stunned.

In all the years she’d worked hereb, /bshe had never once seen Julian buy flowers for Willow. Was this a sign the world was ending?

Julian didn’t break stride. “How’s Willow doing?”

ir snapped back to reality. “Still feeling weak. She was worried about getting her grandmother sick, bso /bshe didn’t go to the hospital today.”

Julian paused, then instructed, “Bring up a bowl of soupterb, /bwith a couple of light side dishes.”

ir beamed. “Mr. Ziegler, you’re finally learning how to take care of Mrs. Ziegler!”

Julian shot her ba /bnce before heading upstairs. The warm light from the chandelier cast soft shadows over his face, entuating his sharp features.

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