Chapter 13 I am in control
Behind the Billionaire's mask!
Chapter 13
Julian's POV
As I stood up, I couldn't shake off the mix of emotions swirling inside me. I didn't know what had come over me, but I knew I had to put Victoria in her place. Despite my best efforts to deny it, the truth lingered: I still had feelings for her. But she had hurt me enough, I wasn't going to let her hurt me again.
"Let's go," I said, my voice firm.
Sophie looked up at me, concern etched on her face, but she nodded silently. We were headed to my grandfather's house.
We entered my grandfather's mansion, and his face lit up with warmth as soon as he saw us - especially Sophie.
"Ah, Julian, you've finally brought your better half," he said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with delight.
I just rolled my eyes and took my seat.
"Welcome, my dear Sophie. Please sit down and make yourself at home."
He gallantly offered his hand, helping Sophie into the plush armchair, his mannerisms exuding old-school charm.
"Thank you, sir. It's my pleasure meeting you," Sophie replied, her blush deepening.
Grandfather's eyes sparkled with interest. "I saw the news, and I must say, you're quite the confident and bold lady. Standing up to Victoria like that?"
Sophie's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Just defending my marriage, sir,"
Grandfather chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, I approve. Julian needs someone with spirit. Now, tell me, what did you think of my grandson's—"
My phone beeped, interrupting Grandfather's inquiry. "Excuse me," I said, apologizing to Sophie and Grandfather as I stood up to take the call.
"Jules! Long time no see, buddy!" Caleb's boisterous voice echoed through the line.
I smiled, already anticipating Caleb's jests. "What! Which one is long time no see?"
Caleb laughed. "You're the one who's been MIA! Since you got hitched, you've abandoned your old friends."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "That's not true, we met last week, nah!"
"Last week or two weeks ago?" Caleb teased.
"Na you sabi," I replied, laughing.
"I have been busy with stuff," I added.
"And the stuffs are... your wife, right?" Caleb asked, his tone playful.
"Definitely, no!" I said firmly. "You of all people should know it's work."
Caleb snorted. "Work indeed! Come see me soon, I have something for you."
My curiosity piqued, I asked, "And...what's that?"
"When you come, you will know," Caleb said mysteriously and hung up.
I shook my head, smiling. Caleb is a case!
Returning to the living room, I found Sophie and Grandfather engrossed in conversation.
"...don't blame your foot for stepping on crap, okay?" Grandfather advised, his eyes twinkling.
Sophie smiled warmly. "Thanks, Grandfather."
I raised an eyebrow. When did she start calling him Grandfather?
"Who's stepping on crap?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Grandfather grinned mischievously. "None of your business, Julian."
Sophie's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I heard you managed to talk the investor out of withdrawing," Grandfather said.
"Yes," I replied, smiling. "The business meeting turned out better than I had thought it would. After a lot of negotiation, the investor agreed not to withdraw."
Grandfather nodded approvingly. "Well done, Julian. You've always had a knack for persuasive speech."
"So... How did you do it? i had tried negotiating with them, but it was futile."
"I'm not telling you my secret," I said with a grin. "It's just a bit of Julian's charm that worked."
Grandfather chuckled, puffing out his chest. "See you...who else did you get the charm from if not me?"
I laughed teasingly. "Do you have any charm left over for yourself?"
Grandfather's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I've got plenty left. Your grandmother always said I was the charming one in the family."
Sophie giggled. "I think it's safe to say charm runs in the Blackwood family."
Grandfather winked at her. "You're right, my dear. Julian's just lucky he inherited my genes."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Modesty becomes you, Grandfather."
Grandfather chuckled. "Modesty's overrated when you're as charming as I am."
"You're so stubborn." I said, standing up. "I need to go see my friend."
"Let's go." I said to Sophie.
"No, she's not ready to leave, I'm enjoying her company." Grandfather said.
"Then, I will ask Marcus to drop you when you are done."
"Ok." she said, smiling.
I turned to leave, but not before shooting Grandfather a playful glare. "You're something else, you know that?"
Grandfather grinned, unruffled. "That's why you love me, Julian."
"I never did." I said and left.
As I walked out, I called Marcus on my phone. "Marcus. I'm heading to Caleb's. Can you swing by Grandfather's and pick up Sophie when she's ready?"
"Will do, sir," Marcus replied.
I arrived at Caleb's house, and he opened the door with a surprised expression.
"You didn't tell me you were coming immediately," Caleb said, stepping aside.
"You know I hate suspense," I replied, entering his house. "So, fill me in."
Caleb disappeared into his room and returned with a thick dossier secured with elegant twine.
"What's this?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
Caleb grinned mischievously. "Check for yourself."
I untied the twine, revealing a stack of luxurious brochures. My eyes widened as I scanned the contents.
"Wedding invitation?" I asked, stunned.
Caleb beamed. "Yes!"
I leapt up, embracing him in a hearty congratulations. "Man, congratulations! I can't believe this!"
Caleb chuckled, patting my back. "Thanks, dude."
I stepped back, still reeling. "So, it's in three weeks? Why the short notice?"
Caleb shrugged, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Jasmine is eager to get married."
I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "Jasmine? You've kept her hidden away. Wait... is it the same Jasmine we worked with?"
Caleb laughed, clearly enjoying my shock.
"The one and only," he confirmed, his eyes twinkling.
"What!" I exclaimed, stunned. "When did you get so close?"
Caleb and Jasmine had always maintained they were just colleagues, never hinting at romance.
"We've been meeting secretly from the start," Caleb revealed, bursting into laughter.
I shook my head, chuckling. "You two were so convincing, denying any feelings for each other."
Caleb grinned mischievously. "We had to keep it under wraps. You know how complicated things can get in the organization."
I nodded, understanding. "And now?"
Caleb's expression turned serious. "We're ready to make it official. No more secrets."
"Congratulations once again, man." I said, and took my seat.
"Bring Sophie along to the wedding," Caleb said, his expression serious.
"I will try," I replied, curtly.
Caleb nodded, then changed the subject. "Enough talking about me. I saw the news, and I heard Victoria is back."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Yes...it's been a long week for me."
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "What's long there...?" He paused, studying me intently. "Don't tell me you're planning to take Victoria back."
I shook my head firmly. "I'm not."
Caleb's expression turned stern. "Don't have any conflicted feelings, dude. You deserve better."
I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my emotions.
Caleb continued, "I haven't met Sophie before, but I love how she handled the reporters. The news is everywhere – her calling Victoria 'Expired'? She deserves an accolade."
I chuckled, recalling Sophie's bold response to the reporters. "Honestly, I didn't expect her reaction. I've known her to be bold from the start, but after she moved in, she became...quieter. Until Evelyn came, that is. I think Evelyn brought her out of her shell."
Caleb's eyebrows shot up. "Evelyn is back?"
I nodded. "Yes."
Caleb whistled softly. "Oh, this just got interesting."
"Don't make fun of me," I said, feeling a twinge of irritation.
"I'm not," Caleb said, still chuckling. "But you are definitely in soup."
"So, how has your relationship been with Sophie?" Caleb asked, his curiosity evident.
I shrugged, attempting nonchalance. "What do you expect to be there? Nothing. She's just my plaything. Nothing more. She's just a distraction, a way to pass the time. I'm in control."
Caleb grinned mischievously. "She should just get pregnant, pam! Game over."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not that stupid."
"I use protection each time," I added.
Just then, Caleb's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and smiled.
"Jasmine's calling. I should take this."
I stood up. "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone."
Caleb chuckled, handing me one of the invitation card.
I nodded and headed out.
As I walked back to my car, I felt a familiar sense of detachment. Caleb's excitement about his engagement only highlighted my own reluctance to embrace anything deeper with Sophie. I reminded myself that she was simply a distraction, a temporary escape from the chaos of my past.
Victoria still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't help but compare my current situation to those simpler times. I had no intention of letting my guard down with Sophie. The idea of developing feelings for her seemed absurd; I was in control, and I intended to keep it that way.