Chapter 87
Sienna's pov
When Julian started talking, I went quiet. I couldn’t bring myself to give him a clear answer about meeting his father, Theodore; it felt wrong to do anything like that before the divorce was final.
“Mr. Vane, you’ve already helped me so much…”
He cut in at once. “All right, I’m offended now, Sienna. You owe me dinner to make it up.”
There wasn’t a trace of accusation in his voice.
I sighed. “You know exactly what I’m thinking.”
I didn’t want to owe Julian too much, but somehow the debt kept piling up, and I was starting to fear I’d never repay it.
“If you really want to thank me,” he said lightly, “buy me a few more meals. I’m free tomorrow. Want to meet?”
I hesitated, then agreed. Right now, I didn’t care whether Harrison liked it or not; I didn’t need his permission to see anyone.
After we hung up, I went through the collaboration invitations I’d received, chose a few I was genuinely interested in, and replied. By the time I finished, it was already ten.
Still awake, I stepped out to the kitchen for a late-night snack—and saw Harrison.
He was still in his suit.
“Not going to bed?” he asked softly as we met at the top of the stairs. “You just got out of the hospital. You should rest.”
“You’re not sleeping either.” I kept my eyes off his face. “Are you going out?”
He nodded and walked toward the front door. “I’m going to Blackwood Villa. I won’t be back tonight.”
My body tightened, then forced itself to loosen. “Oh. Blackwood Villa. I thought you were going to the office.”
“Get some rest.” The words landed like an obligation fulfilled.
Right before he stepped out, I said, a little too loud, “I’m going out tomorrow to meet Julian. Since you might not be back tonight, I’m telling you in advance.”
Harrison paused, hand on the door, then said without turning around, “You don’t need to tell me what you plan to do anymore.”
At least he didn’t slam the door.
I grabbed a bottle of milk from the fridge and went back to my room. The paper under my lamp looked painfully blank. After a few useless lines, I opened Luna Reed’s chat window and typed what I’d been thinking for days: [Luna, it looks like Harrison is slowly stopping his interference in my life.]
He didn’t come back all night. The next morning, as I left, the slippers by the door were untouched.
Outside the gate, a white sedan waited at the curb.
Before I could react, Julian stepped out, came around, and opened the door for me, his smile warm in a way that made me feel briefly lighter.
“You seem in a good mood,” I said, holding the door. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Weren’t you afraid I’d leave first?”
“I got here an hour early to wait,” Julian said as he started the music. “I wouldn’t miss you.”
An hour. Good thing Harrison wasn’t here today.
“You didn’t sleep well?” Julian’s gaze flicked to my face. “You’ve got dark circles.”
I touched the concealer under my eyes. “It’s fine. Once this period is over, I’ll finally be able to sleep.”
He changed the station. “If you’re feeling down, get out more. You can always find me, or Vanya.”
I nodded and watched the city blur past, letting the movement settle me.
Then the host’s bright voice cut through. “Please welcome Elena Whitmore.”
Julian reached to switch it. “Sorry.”
I caught his wrist. “No need. I want to hear it.”
So that was why Harrison hadn’t come home.
“Ms. Whitmore,” the host asked, “who do you want to thank the most?”
“I want to thank my family and friends,” Elena said smoothly. “They supported me when I wanted to give up. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
A pause—carefully measured.
“But the person I want to thank most… there’s only one. If I hadn’t gone abroad to study five years ago, the person by his side now would be me. Even though we missed each other, our love hasn’t changed. He’s willing to protect me and help me, and I’m content. I don’t dare ask for more.”
I stared straight ahead, vision dulling at the edges. She said it publicly, without shame, as if she’d already decided the world would pity her instead of condemning her.
“Sienna, we’re here.” Julian turned off the radio and killed the engine.
I got out quickly, not wanting him to see my face.
“Don’t let certain people ruin your mood on a rare day out.” Julian handed me tissues. “You’ll be more successful than her one day. I believe that.”
“Then I’ll look forward to it.” I wiped my eyes and forced a smile. “I’m treating you today. I can’t have you spending the whole time comforting me.”
Julian lifted a hand, as if to take my arm.
I stepped back and shook my head. “Not right now… It isn’t the right time.”
He withdrew his hand without irritation. “Sorry. I was too eager.”
I checked the reservation on my phone to anchor myself. “Let’s eat first. It’s on the top floor of the mall.”
I walked ahead; Julian followed at a respectful distance. In the past, I’d always been the one trailing behind Harrison, like an accessory that had to keep up.
At the restaurant, I gave my name to the hostess. Julian slowed, gaze catching on something to the side, and didn’t step inside with me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, turning back toward him.