In the final days of the year, Julian and Willow both stayed at the Ziegler residence.

With Willow managing everything, the household ran smoothly. Every detail and social interaction was handled wlessly.

The entire upper echelon in Brindley was abuzz with admiration for Julian’s capable wife.

Mnie wasn’t pleased.

Liam, on the other hand, was quite at ease and in a good mood. He even had Victoria deliver a check for five million dors to Willow.

Willow was surprised at the generous gesture.

Victoria smiled warmly. “Mr. Ziegler insisted you ept it. He said it’s a small token from him.”

Willow immediately understood his intention.

Liam must’ve grown tired of the Burkes. Given the circumstances, he’d rather support her instead.

Willow epted the check but in returnb, /bshe discreetly handed Victoria a check of 100 thousand dors.

Victoria was surprised but epted it after a moment’s hesitation.

As Victoria was leaving, she said, “Mr. Ziegler mentioned I resembled Mrs. Chapman a little.”

Willow froze for a second.

Before she could process it further, Julian entered the room and asked, “What are you thinking about? I saw Victoria leaving just now. What was she doing here?”

Willow smiled faintly. “She brought me a check. Dad gave me five million dors.”

Julian’s heart skipped a beat.

Willow had called him “dad“. Did this mean she had changed her mind?

Just as Julian was feeling hopeful, a housekeeper’s voice came from outside the door.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler, dinner is ready. Mr. Ziegler Senior has asked you two to join him downstairs.”

Julian turned his head. b“/bUnderstood.”

Once the housekeeper had left, he looked at Willow gently. “I have a gift for you too. I’ll give it to youter tonight.”

For the past few days, he had been sleeping in the guest room. But tonight, on New Year’s Eve, there was no way he wasn’t going to sleep in their bedroom.

Willow ignored him and walked into the closet. She changed into a beige dress and even put on some jewelry.

As she stepped out, Julian was still standing there, looking at her with deep eyes.

“You look beautiful, but it doesn’t feel very festiveb./b”

Willow responded indifferently, “I didn’t dress up for you.”

Julian was speechless.

They went downstairs together. bTheir /bgood looks make them a perfect match.

Dominic was pleased to see them and gestured for Willow to sit beside him. It was an obvious disy of favoritism.

bThe /bdining room was lively, filled withughter and conversation. In reality, most of them were focused on getting the shares that Dominic

held.

Dominic was well aware of their intentions, but he said nothing. He just gave everyone a check.

However, he didn’t mention anything about thepany’s shares.

Everyone assumed that the 10% would bgo /bto Julian’s future firstborn son.

That was the reason why Julian was so desperate to have a child.

+25 Bonus

Throughout the dinner, Julian yed the role of the perfect, devoted husband. At the same table, Dexter scoffed as he bit into a piece of pork.

“Julian, are you turning over a new leaf?”

Julian put down his utensils and replied, “Not as much as you, Dexter. You’re already past your prime, yet still willing to sacrifice yourself for a political marriage.”

Dexter scoffed.

Dominic was displeased. He snapped, “It’s New Year’s Eve. Can’t we just have a meal in peace? If you two can’t control your mouths, the belt in my study is itching to be put to use.”

The entire room fell silent.

Dominic was even more displeased. His face flushed as he said, “What, do you think I’ll really beat you all?”

Mnie muttered, “Dad, we won’t be surprised if you did that.”

Dominic was speechless.

Late into the night, the house finally quieted down.

Willow was wearing a thin bathrobe as she stood on the balcony, gazing at the barren trees in the distance. The bare branches made the

darkness feel heavier.

Julian entered the room and saw her standing there, lost in thought. He walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his

chin on her shoulder.

In a husky voice, he asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Willow tried to pull away. “Let go of me. We’re not that close.”

Julian didn’t budge. “Are you thinking about Jeffrey?”

“You’re insane!”

She shoved him away and turned to grab a nket from the roomb, /bintending to sleep in one of the guest rooms.

However, Julian grabbed her wrist and said helplessly, “All the guest rooms have been locked.”

In other words, they had to sleep together tonight.

Willow guessed that it was Dominic’s idea, but she didn’t say anything. She just looked at Julian coldly.

Julian pulled out a little envelope from his coat and ced it in her palm with a serious look on his bface/b.

“Willow, Happy New Year.”

She didn’t want it.

Julian tore open the envelope, revealing a smallb, /bexquisite emerald pendant.