Chapter 19
Years had passed, and Julian had changed profoundly. His features had sharpened and grown more defined.
He stood tall and upright, dressed in a custom–tailored black suit, a wooden beaded bracelet
circling his wrist. He radiated cold distance and indifference, enough to make others instinctively keep their distance. He carried the weight of someone who had wielded power for years.
He was no longer the man she could chase after, calling him “Jules.”
Their relationship had long since changed.
Though many people surrounded him, Julian showed none of Caleb’s polite warmth. Whether faced with flattery or fawning, he responded with a detached nod, never sparing a
word.
His dark eyes lazily swept in her direction before moving on.
“Syd.” Marcus‘ voice pulled her back as he approached, breaking her tension. “Come on, it’s time for the ceremony.”
“Okay.” Sydney quickly composed herself, pretending not to notice that gaze.
After all, she had done nothing wrong. What was there to fear?
The opening ceremony took place at the research institute’s main entrance. When they
stepped outside, everything was already arranged, and the guests were just settling in.
Sydney and Marcus, representing Alan, took spots near the center.
The cold wind brushed her cheeks, calming her nerves. She accepted the scissors from a
staff member and focused on the host’s introduction.
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Chapter 19
One snip, and she would be free.
“I truly didn’t expect you to find time in your busy schedule,” the research institute’s director said, beaming as he escorted Julian to the center. “If I’d known, I would have picked you up from the airport myself. Please forgive the lack of proper reception.”
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Since Julian took over the Sterling family business, he had made sweeping moves in the medical field. He owned top–tier private hospitals and some of the most advanced research institutes and labs worldwide. Everyone was eager to align themselves with him.
When they sent the invitation, they never imagined he would actually attend.
Sydney heard the voice and instinctively turned her head. His tall, upright figure stood right beside her. Her fingers clenched tightly around the scissors. She did not need to look—she recognized that faint sandalwood scent from childhood.
Julian stepped up beside her, responding flatly to the director. “You’re too kind.”
As he lifted his arm, his elbow lightly brushed hers, but he did not seem to notice. Not even
a glance was spared her way.
Sydney shifted slightly to the side.
Seeing her discomfort, Marcus assumed she was uneasy around unfamiliar men. “Want to switch spots?”
“Yes,” Sydney replied without hesitation.
People moved behind them as Marcus placed a light arm around her shoulders, shielding her while helping her switch sides.
…
After the ceremony, Sydney felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The institute had arranged a luncheon, but she had no interest in staying.
After checking in with Marcus, she excused herself with a claim of feeling unwell and left
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Chapter 19
early.
Outside the institute, she waited a while for a cab.
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At that moment, a long black luxury sedan pulled up beside her. Julian’s assistant stepped out and politely opened the rear door. “Ms. Wilson, it’s cold. Let me take you back to the
hotel.”
She lifted her gaze and saw Julian sitting in the back seat. He wore only a black dress shirt, the top two buttons undone. Unlike his earlier cold, formal demeanor, he now carried a faint
air of lazy nonchalance. But only just.
When she did not move, Julian finally spoke. “Want me to come out and get you?”
Those simple words dissolved the tension she had been holding back and replaced it with
irritation. Her voice remained calm, almost cold. “No need to trouble yourself, Mr.
Sterling.”
“Mr. Sterling.” The title drew a clear, unmistakable line between them.
Julian’s eyes stayed fixed on her. “Then get in.”
“No need,” she said.
His sharp jaw tilted slightly toward the research institute behind them. “Want to wait until everyone comes out and sees that we know each other?”
Sydney frowned, ducked her head, and slid into the car. Her movement was quick, as if she could not bear what he had just implied.
Neither spoke after that. The atmosphere inside the car grew suffocating.
When the vehicle turned right at the intersection, Sydney finally broke the silence. “This
isn’t the way to the hotel.”
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