Chapter 7 - The Cold Mask
Julian offered his stepmother a polite, practiced smile—the same mask of obedience he had worn for three years while she controlled Vance Enterprises.
"My apologies, Victoria," Julian said smoothly, stepping out into the corridor with Leo. "Leo dropped one of his toy cars near the baseboards. We were just retrieving it."
Victoria narrowed her eyes, scanning the room suspiciously before her gaze fell on the housemaid, who was quickly gathering her cleaning supplies with bowed head.
"Make sure this room is locked immediately after," Victoria ordered the maid coldly. "I don't want anyone wandering around in here. It distracts from tonight's celebration."
She turned to Julian, her expression shifting into a forced, motherly affection that made Julian's stomach turn. "Julian, dear, Chloe has been waiting downstairs for twenty minutes. The press is outside. Tonight, we announce your union and the full merger of our corporate shares."
"Of course," Julian replied, his voice chillingly calm. "Tonight is indeed a big night for the family estate."
Chloe stepped forward, attempting to slide her arm through Julian's. "I'm so excited, Julian. We can finally renovate this old house and get rid of all these dreary vintage rooms."
Julian subtly stepped aside, adjusting his cufflink, completely ignoring Chloe's arm. "This house holds many hidden history, Chloe. Some things cannot be renovated so easily."
May you like
Victoria frowned, sensing a strange shift in Julian's demeanor, but her arrogance quickly brushed it aside. "Downstairs, Julian. Now."
👉 What explosive surprise has Julian arranged downstairs in front of the entire city's elite?
