Chapter 47: Running into Riley
Riley’s gaze shifted to Cora, a teasing smile forming.
“You’re here too.”
“Mhm.” Cora nodded politely.
“I finally found a free day to come shopping in Linzhou, and who would’ve thought I’d bump into you two?” Riley laughed, tossing her hair. “Then again, this is Watson Group’s territory. Makes sense you’d both be here. What a coincidence—how about a drink?”
Caught off guard but smiling, Cora nodded.
Julian couldn’t very well refuse, so he followed her lead.
The store manager and staff bowed deeply as the trio exited.
“Manager, that woman with Mr. Watson—who is she?” whispered one of the newer clerks.
The manager nearly broke into a sweat. “Don’t. Ask. Anything.”
⸻
They found a quiet café nearby. Riley, glamorous and magnetic, drew stares the moment she sat down. Julian, effortlessly elegant beside her, attracted the rest.
The two of them together were the kind of pair that silenced rooms—yet his attention stayed fixed on the soft-faced woman next to him.
“I’ll have an Americano,” Riley told the server.
Before Cora could speak, Julian’s low voice cut in. “A glass of water for her. She doesn’t drink coffee.”
Riley blinked.
Oh, really. If she still believed they were nothing, she might as well be brain-dead.
Cora flushed, embarrassed to order nothing but water. “Milk’s fine too…”
Julian sighed quietly. “You think they serve the kind you like here?”
She shut up instantly. Riley’s curiosity only deepened. He knows what kind of milk she drinks? The way he said it—possessive, domestic. No way this was a casual fling.
The waitress’s eyes lingered on Julian, starry and envious. Even the smallest act of care from him looked cinematic.
“Make that two waters,” Riley said suddenly. “I’ll skip the coffee.”
“Two waters,” Julian repeated, dismissing the waitress with a glance.
⸻
“So tell me,” Riley said once they were alone again, leaning her chin on one manicured hand. “What exactly is your relationship? Mr. Watson, our deal with your company’s already signed. You can relax. Time to spill the secret, no?”
“Secret?” Julian raised an eyebrow, then turned to Cora. “That depends on whether my wife wants it spilled.”
Riley froze mid-blink. “Wife? You called her wife?”
Cora shot him a glare so sharp it could cut glass. He was the one who insisted they keep the contract marriage quiet—so why the sudden confession?
Julian ignored the warning entirely. “It’ll come out sooner or later. Hard to explain how I suddenly have a son otherwise.”
“…A what?” Riley stared, brain short-circuiting. “Did you just—son?!”
Cora’s mouth fell open. She glared again, harder this time.
“I—I’m sorry,” she stammered to Riley. “We weren’t hiding it on purpose, just didn’t think it needed to be public…”
“Wait, hold up.” Riley fanned herself with one hand. “You said wife. And son?”
“Presumably a son,” Julian said mildly. “We’re not far enough along to know. I’ll love a daughter just as much.”
Riley could only stare, then grabbed her glass and downed the entire thing in one gulp.
Cora didn’t know what to say. The man who’d insisted on secrecy had just blown it up in one casual conversation.
⸻
“So,” Julian asked smoothly, “you came to Linzhou just to shop?”
“Pretty much,” Riley replied, regaining some composure. “After losing that negotiation to you, my boss chewed me out. I figured retail therapy might help.”
“You’re not alone there,” Julian said, the faintest grin tugging at his lips. “Your boss never beats me either.”
That earned him a narrow look from Riley—and a glance from Cora, who was staring into her glass with a faint frown.
Julian caught it, switched the glasses without a word, and lifted hers to his nose. His expression darkened.
Cleaning agent. Not fully rinsed.
“Don’t drink that,” he said immediately. “We’ll go home. It’s late.”
Cora blinked. We just got here.
Riley, watching him, understood at once. Classic Julian—clean freak to the bone.
“Fine, we’ll call it a night then,” Riley said with a shrug. “But since I’m in town, how about shopping together tomorrow?”
“Shopping?” Cora brightened instantly, turning toward Julian. “Can we?”
He’d never seen her look at him quite like that—hopeful, open. His chest softened. “Of course.”
“Then I’ll call you tomorrow,” Cora said, smiling. “Miss—”
“Just Riley,” she interrupted, grinning. “I’ve done business with Mr. Watson for years.”
“Okay. Then call me Cora.”
Julian didn’t bother listening to the rest—he was already ushering her out.
⸻
Watching their backs disappear into the night, Riley chuckled under her breath.
“Julian, Julian… you’ve finally met your match, haven’t you? Guess I should congratulate you.”
A man like him—cold, untouchable—suddenly protective, possessive, human.
Whoever Cora was, Riley thought, she might just be the first woman to shake his world.
⸻
Back home, Julian gave his first order the moment they walked in.
“Warm some milk for her.”
A maid brought slippers and a hot towel; Cora wiped her hands while another appeared with the milk, perfectly heated.
She smiled awkwardly. It felt over-the-top, but refusing would be worse. She took the cup and sipped.
Julian suddenly reached out, took it from her, and drank from the same spot.
Cora blinked up at him, stunned. He just—?
“I was thirsty,” he said evenly, handing it back before walking off.
The butler and maids exchanged discreet looks.
Ever since Mrs. Watson had entered the house, Master Julian’s “episodes” were becoming frequent.
One nervous maid ventured, “Would you like another cup, ma’am?”
Cora glanced at Julian’s retreating back, then shook her head. “No, this one’s fine.”
At that, Julian’s stride seemed to lighten almost imperceptibly.
She finished the milk, went upstairs, and finally exhaled.
Only then did it hit her—she and Julian had fallen asleep in each other’s arms that afternoon.
Would they…do that again tonight?
The memory of his scent, the heat of his body—it all rose back, and her ears flushed crimson.