Julius remained perfectly quiet, pressed against the stone wall outside the storage corridor. The conversation was still going on, on the other side of the slightly cracked door, and he felt each word slicing his heart into pieces. “This isn’t why you were paid, right?” The voice over the phone was cold and rude. “I have no use for incompetent people who bring me half -baked news and information. Get out of my sight, right now! You'll get half of the amount that was promised and not a penny more, low class people like you only understand things when your money is taken away.”"No, please! This is not fair!" The maid’s voice shook a little with dear, but panic had turned her voice completely shrill. “I.. I did what I was paid for! The baby is gone—”Something slammed hard on the other end, cutting her off. “All that’s left for you to scream about is that? You idiot!” The other voice was wild with rage. “You better shut the fuck up and not tell a single soul… Or else I’ll do muc

Laura Colton’s fingers were shaking as she crushed the wine goblet in her hand. She had been pulled aside from the wine-tasting event she was hosting for the influential elites, hoping to get some relaxation for her son before Quella gave birth. But now, it seemed like Julius wasn't going to let them live in peace anymore. Her assistant had informed her about a vague article that had been published by a mid-tier news site known for political leaks.It hinted, without direct accusation, that a high-society heir’s spouse was allegedly preparing to press charges for medical tampering connected to her recent collapse. Although Julius had purposefully kept the wording as vague as possible and even leaked the article on purpose, Laura had no idea. In fact, she thought that she had gotten access to this top-secret news thanks to her sources, and Miley Colton was definitely pressing charges against her for medical tampering.“She wouldn’t…” Laura muttered aloud, pacing the length of the r

The car ride back to the villa was quiet, but it wasn't the heavy kind of silence that used to sit between them before… when Miley was drowning in grief and Julius didn’t know how to pull her out. It felt different, like the world had finally taken its foot off their necks.Outside the window, the clouds slowly parted, and ans they drove out of the city, Julius exhaled for what felt like the first time in days.No matter what, at least Miley was still holding his hand, and that was all that mattered. He looked over at her, whose lashes were cast low as if she were thinking hard. Her other hand was curled in her lap, thumb brushing over a bandage, and he didn't mention anything. Rather, he just tightened his grip slightly.“We’re leaving.”He said with a note of finality.Miley turned her head. “What?”“Pack whatever you want…”Julius said, without taking his eyes off the road. “Or nothing at all, I’ll buy you everything you need. Clothes, shoes, six different brands of sunscreen, w

The sound of waves lapping against the sand was peaceful, interrupted only occasionally by the clink of ice in a glass, or the voices of people talking in low volumes, or influencers recording the scenario. Miley was sitting under the shade of a white-draped cabana, her feet curled up on the lounge, trying her best to act like it was a normal morning. Like she hadn't been swept clean off her feet by Julius, when he had casually dismantled the resort’s management structure for her sake. She sipped her coconut smoothie slowly, eyes darting toward him over the rim of her glass. He sat beside her, his broad shoulders in full display for her entertainment while he was reading a newspaper– and yes, an actual physical copy. His linen shirt was neatly ironed, the only touch that hinted to the vacation’s casual vibe were his sunglasses, perched on his nose and reflecting the sea. Hs leg brushed against hers, and all Miley could think was that he was insane… Handsome, yes, but absolutely in

Julius adjusted the cuff of his sleeve and turned to the crowd, voice carrying with effortless command. “Thank you, everyone! Drinks are on me for all day today.” He announced, nodding toward the bar. Cheers erupted, followed by clapping, laughter, and glasses raised in celebration. People clinked their cocktails, already turning away from the drama and excited to try free top-shelf mojitos and imported champagne. Cassie, Natalie, and Morgan stood frozen in place, red-faced, humiliated, and now trapped in a corner. The remaining crowd had tightened like a velvet rope around them, murmuring and gawking at their audacity. The girls couldn’t move without bumping into someone’s phone camera or whispered judgment. Cassie glanced around, trying to find an escape route, but no route existed for her, without drawing more attention. Julius, cool as ice, looked to the hotel manager. “Empty out their rooms…” He said simply. “Leave them and their luggage at the front gate.” The manager