Chapter 664 Julian's Revenge: He Has Never Been This Ruthless 3
Taylor froze for a moment.
Julian gave a gentle tug, and she stumbled into his arms.
The window in the study was cracked open, letting in the winter chill. His body wasn't particularly warm, but the space where he held her quickly grew warmer, as if the cold had no place between them.
He didn't move to kiss her or say anything at first, only buried his face in the curve of her neck and held her close.
When he finally spoke, his voice was rough, "If it hadn't been for you today, Taylor… I don't know what would have happened. Cressida might have taken Luna away."
Taylor could feel the rare vulnerability in him. A man like Julian almost never let his guard down, which told her just how much Luna meant to him.
She didn't feel jealous. She understood the kind of bond forged in hardship — she had seen it between her uncle and Nicole, and she had shared something similar with Amelia.
She lifted a hand and began stroking his hair, slow and gentle. After a moment, she teased softly, "Does this feel motherly to you?"
The tenderness broke like glass. Julian's lips curved faintly, but he gave her a sharp swat on the hip. "Motherly? Not at all. Mischievous? Plenty."
Taylor laughed quietly.
Julian tilted his head and brushed a kiss against the corner of her mouth. "I should go down for dinner. Stay with Luna."
While Taylor gave Luna a bubble bath, Julian went downstairs.
Kellan and Kennedy were already at the dining table, clearly waiting for him to speak. People like them — scholars, measured and rational — had no real way to deal with someone like Cressida. They looked worried.
Kennedy had made him pasta herself.
As Julian ate, Kellan spoke in a low voice, "If it weren't for Taylor, Luna might be scarred for life. Julian, is there really nothing you can do about Cressida?"
Julian's fork paused midair. He didn't want them to know the darker side of what he planned.
His tone was calm, "People like her… they make enough enemies on their own. One day, someone will deal with her."
Kellan nodded, assuming Julian was simply honoring Efrain's memory by letting her go. He didn't press further, though concern still lingered.
"I won't let her hurt Luna again," Julian said, and returned to his meal.
Kellan believed him. That was enough.
The next day was New Year's Day.
Before noon, Julian and Taylor took Luna to the Windsor family gathering. Before they left, Kennedy checked the trunk twice to make sure the gifts were packed. Only then did she let them go.
A few hundred yards down the road, Julian smiled faintly. "My mother's a scholar. Manners matter to her."
Taylor smirked. "I noticed."
After a night's rest, Luna was her lively self again. "I like Grandma. She's pretty and she can cook."
Julian chuckled. "What about Taylor? Doesn't she cook well?"
Luna answered with brutal honesty. "Her steak is hard."
Taylor flushed.
Julian kept his eyes on the road, but his grin deepened. "Good thing I can cook."
The light banter made the drive feel short. Soon, the polished black van rolled up to the Windsor Mansion. Taylor spotted Jacob's and Elliot's cars parked out front.
Elliot had started a business in the past two years, leaving his basketball dreams behind.
Taylor had heard whispers about a girl named Molly, but the relationship fizzled — she thought he'd mellowed since then, probably because of the breakup.
Jacob came out to greet them, representing Oliver. It was his first formal meeting with Julian, but both men were seasoned in business, and the exchange was smooth.
After the pleasantries, Jacob took the gifts and scooped Luna up. He was strikingly handsome, and Luna studied him closely before declaring, "Mr. Windsor, you're as handsome as my daddy."
Serafina appeared, holding baby Abigail.
Jacob called over to her, grinning. "Did you hear that? She says I'm as handsome as Julian."
He handed Luna over so she could see Abigail.
Abigail was adorable. Luna stared at her with wide-eyed fascination.
Serafina smiled, brushing Luna's hair.
Jacob leaned closer with a small grin. "But you don't have to worry. You're the only one I want."
Serafina shot him a look — they had guests, and he was still flirting.
Julian caught the exchange and smiled faintly. He could tell Jacob and Serafina were one of those rare couples who fell in love even more deeply after marriage, their sweetness undimmed by a child.
Oliver and Sarah soon joined them, and Elliot came down from the second floor. The room filled with warmth and chatter.
Everyone adored Luna. Julian, on the other hand, was already familiar to most, so the attention naturally shifted to the little girl.
Watching the Montague and Windsor families together, Julian felt certain he'd made the right decision bringing Luna here. The only thing missing was more children.
Oliver laughed and clapped his hands. "Then we'll fix that! Jacob, Elliot — have more kids. And Avery's not getting away either. Time for him to settle down."
Just then, the sound of a car came from the courtyard. A servant announced Avery's arrival.
Oliver grinned. "Speak of the devil."
Moments later, footsteps echoed in the hall. Avery walked in, dressed in a black hunting jacket, handsome as ever, carrying two pheasants. He handed them off to the staff with instructions to have them cleaned for lunch.
When he spotted Julian and Taylor, he greeted them warmly. Luna took to him instantly, trailing after him everywhere — even to the washroom, where she stood on tiptoe to pump soap into his hands.
Julian folded his arms. "Looks like Avery's her favorite."
Jacob snorted. "It's the jacket. I don't need flashy outfits to impress."
The table erupted in laughter.
The Windsor chef's lunch was mouthwatering. Luna ate extra potatoes and stayed glued to Avery's side, quiet and well-behaved.
By four, Julian and Taylor left with Luna. Half an hour later, Avery checked his watch and prepared to go. Oliver urged him to visit more often.
"I will," Avery promised.
The winter days were short. By the time Avery stepped outside, the sky was already dimming. He lit a cigarette, the smoke curling in the cold air. Just as he reached for his car door, a red sports car rolled slowly through the gates.
Avery narrowed his eyes.
It was Isadora's car.