Chapter 61: Something’s Off with Cora’s Father

“What are you staring at? If you’re so curious, go see for yourself!”

Ravi finally squeezed the words out, her tone was sharp enough to cut glass. But halfway through, she remembered—Cora wasn’t the timid little girl she used to bully.

“Cora, I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly, softening her voice. “I just—”

But Cora didn’t bother listening anymore. She’d said everything she needed to say.

Whatever came next was no longer her problem.

“Don’t worry, Grandma,” she replied calmly. “I won’t overthink it.” Then, with a polite smile: “I’m not feeling too well. I’ll go rest.”

“Of course, of course—take care of yourself!” Ravi forced out a sweet laugh.

Now wasn’t the time to fall out with her. Not when she still counted on Cora’s unborn child to secure more money from the Watsons.

As soon as Cora stepped out of the room, she spotted Julian waiting down the hall.

The sight of him—tall, steady, unhurried—made something inside her unclench.

He didn’t say a word, just reached out and pulled her into his arms.

“I’m fine,” she murmured, her voice small against his chest.

This time, she didn’t pull away. She was exhausted—emotionally, physically, spiritually—and the warmth of his embrace felt like the only thing holding her together.

Just for a moment, she thought. Let me lean on you, just for a moment.

Julian’s scent was clean, sharp, familiar. His heartbeat against her ear was steady, grounding.

Thank you for letting me borrow this, Julian, she told him silently. Just for now.

Julian looked down at her. The faint tremor in her lashes, the forced strength in her smile—it pulled at something deep inside him.

He’d never looked at her this way before. Never noticed how she carried herself, how quiet her defiance could be.

But lately, she kept surprising him. Again and again, she made him pause.

And now, for the first time in his life, he felt something unfamiliar. Something close to… tenderness.

“When lunch is over, let’s leave,” Cora said softly. “I don’t want to stay here another minute.”

“All right,” Julian said simply.

Just one word—but it was enough to make her throat tighten.

Even an outsider cares more than my own family does.

Why was it that every Dev cared only about taking—never giving, never kindness?

She didn’t even wish for them to love her. Just… not to make her mother’s life harder. Was that so impossible?

“Your father’s coming,” Julian murmured. “Wipe your eyes. Smile. He looks like he wants to talk.”

Cora quickly straightened, brushing away the last trace of tears. When she turned, her father was indeed walking toward them—his face lined, his expression oddly strained.

“Dad,” she greeted, keeping her tone light. “Is something wrong?”

He hesitated. “You… you’re leaving soon, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then… could I get a ride back with you?” His eyes brightened with hope.

Cora smiled. “Of course! And Dad—tell Mom to come too. I’ll take you both shopping later, get you some new things.”

At that, his face lit up. “Ah, that’s great! You’re such a good daughter, Cora!”

Despite everything—the way he’d always looked away when her mother was bullied—he was still the man who’d raised her. Still the one she called Dad.

“Go let Mom know,” she said warmly. “We’ll leave soon.”

“Good, good!” He hurried off, beaming like a child.

Julian’s eyes followed him, thoughtful, the faintest crease in his brow.

If only Cora knew what her father had really been up to…

No. Better not now. Not when she was already so drained.

By three o’clock, the gathering had wrapped up. Austin had the staff pack up the tableware and gifts.

As Cora stepped into the sleek black car beside Julian, the onlookers whispered and stared. The Dev family had never seen such luxury parked in their dusty village.

Ravi practically glowed under the attention. My granddaughter married well, her smug face declared.

When the convoy finally disappeared down the road, Laura exploded.

“It’s all Cora’s fault! If not for her, he would’ve stayed longer!”

Her mother blinked. “Who are you talking about?”

“Who else?” Laura snapped. “Julian! Why does she get everything? What’s so special about her?”

Aunt Gu froze for a second—then, slowly, an idea took root.

Her daughter was staring after her brother-in-law. Scandalous. But then again… Julian was rich. Very rich.

If he were her son-in-law—

A calculating glint flashed in her eyes. “Laura, you’re right. Cora’s pregnant. She won’t be able to… take care of her husband properly for a while.”

“Mom?”

“Don’t just stand there!” Aunt Gu pushed her forward. “Go find Logan from the clan—he’s got a car. Have him take you to the city. Make an impression on Julian while you can. Once he notices you, everything else will follow.”

Laura hesitated for half a second—but she’d seen her mother use this trick before. It had worked then.

Maybe it would work again.

——

Meanwhile, Cora was finally relaxing, chatting with her parents without the weight of the Devs around them.

Her mother’s laugh came easier now; even her shoulders had loosened. But her father… was quiet. Too quiet. He kept glancing at his phone, distracted, almost guilty.

“Dad?” Cora said. “You okay? You’ve been spacing out.”

“Huh? Oh, nothing, nothing!” He waved his hands quickly, forcing a smile.

He looked at his phone again. His thumb tapped the screen, checking the time. Over and over.

Julian glanced over once, silent, unreadable.

“I have some business to take care of,” he told Cora gently. “Take the bodyguards and stay with your parents. Be careful on the way. Mom, I’ll catch up later.”

“Oh, of course,” Cora’s mother said quickly. She knew enough to respect his work. “Go, go. Don’t worry about us.”

After saying their goodbyes, Cora led her parents toward the shopping district, chatting easily for the first time all day.

But as they reached the mall entrance, her father suddenly stopped.

“Cora, I just remembered—your grandmother asked me to check something for her. You two go ahead. I’ll meet you later.”

Cora blinked. “Now? What is it?”

His eyes darted away. “Just… something small. I’ll call you.”

He turned before she could question him further.

Cora frowned, watching him walk off. He’d never acted like this before.

Something wasn’t right.