Chapter 105 The Proper Way to Show Off
Chapter 105 The Proper Way to Show Off
Cora was seconds away from blowing her top at Matt’s endless self-important rambling when Julian’s text arrived—like divine intervention.
Julian: Need me to step in?
Cora: Yes. Immediately. The quality of tonight’s dinner depends on your performance.
The corners of Julian’s mouth lifted. For the first time that day, he actually looked amused.
Meanwhile, Cora slipped her phone away and turned to Matt with the sweetest fake smile she could muster.
“You don’t need to worry about me. My husband’s on his way. He insisted on picking me up himself, though I told him not to bother—he’s so busy. Honestly, if I weren’t pregnant, I’d already be driving my Aston Martin instead of waiting for him like this. But he says it’s not safe for me to drive while expecting.”
Matt blinked, then let out a long, pitying sigh.
“Cora, this is what I always admired about you. No matter how bad things get, you still lie so confidently.”
Oh, for the love of—
Forget a knife. Give me a grenade.
In the Rolls-Royce behind them, Austin’s knuckles were white from holding in laughter. God, this is painful.
Cora nearly laughed herself—because if she didn’t, she’d scream.
The influencer in the passenger seat leaned toward Matt, pouting.
“Why are you being so nice to her? Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on your ex.”
Matt turned and cupped the woman’s face. “You’re overthinking it, baby. Look at her—does she have your body?”
Cora stood there, expression flat, loose shirt hiding her small bump, radiating more grace than either of them could comprehend.
And then—
A low, elegant purr of an engine.
A Rolls-Royce ghosted to a stop right behind Matt’s flashy little sports car.
Cora’s lips twitched upward.
Matt saw it too and smirked, thinking she was reacting to him. “Oh? Missing me already?” he drawled.
Then the back door of the Rolls opened.
Austin stepped out first, opening the door with a practiced motion.
And then—Julian emerged.
Long legs, tailored suit, posture like sin in human form. The air itself seemed to shift.
Every passerby turned. Even the influencer’s jaw dropped.
Matt’s words died mid-sentence.
Julian’s expression was calm, but his gaze locked on Cora with a warmth that could melt glass. He walked toward her—unhurried, confident, deliberate.
When he reached her, his arm slid around her waist, pulling her gently into his side.
“Cora,” he said softly, eyes gleaming with affection. “Sorry I kept you waiting.”
Cora froze. He’s enjoying this way too much.
Julian’s grip tightened just slightly, his tone tender to the point of absurdity. “Don’t be mad, hmm? The meeting ran long. I’ll make it up to you tonight—whatever you want. A villa? Another car? Or…” His smile turned wicked. “Just me?”
The influencer’s brain short-circuited.
Matt looked like he’d been hit by a train.
Julian didn’t spare either of them a glance. To everyone else, the scene was perfection—Cora tucked against him, her cheeks flushed, his expression full of unshakable devotion.
And then—he kissed her.
Not a quick, polite kiss. A slow, deliberate one that made time stop.
Cora’s eyes went wide. Julian! We’re acting! ACTING! Not—
Too late.
The warmth of his lips melted every coherent thought.
When he finally drew back, her mind was still blank.
Julian brushed his finger along her nose, smiling faintly. “Silly girl. Haven’t I told you? You’re supposed to close your eyes when I kiss you.”
Cora’s face went crimson. She wanted the earth to swallow her whole.
Julian chuckled softly, enjoying her embarrassment far too much. “So, am I forgiven? Or do I need to compensate you again?”
“I—I forgive you!” she blurted, voice cracking.
The assistants outside were dying. Please, stop. We’re going to combust from secondhand PDA.
Matt, pale as paper, scrambled to start the engine and flee.
Julian wasn’t done. “Oh, Mr. Zhao, you’re still here?” he said, tone polite but razor-sharp. “I never got to thank you for not marrying Cora back then. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the honor of making her my wife. If you’ve already spent the money I gave you, feel free to visit the Watson Group again.”
Matt’s hands trembled on the steering wheel. His girlfriend gawked at Julian like she was watching a god descend.
And then—Julian noticed.
The thin chain around Cora’s neck. The glint of two rings resting against her collarbone.
His gaze darkened, flames flickering behind it. Whatever playful act he’d been putting on… was gone.
He looked at her now the way a man looks at something that belongs to him.
Cora turned, ready to thank him, but froze under that stare.
There was nothing performative about it.
Just quiet, consuming heat.
For the first time, she couldn’t tell if they were still pretending.
Julian lifted a hand, his touch brushing her cheek, then sliding to the chain at her throat. His fingertips grazed the rings, tracing their outline.
“Little mole,” he murmured so softly only she could hear. “Good girl.”
The gentle whisper sent a shiver racing down her spine.
Every nerve lit up, electric and breathless.
Julian Watson—this man was dangerous.
And he knew it.