Chapter 91
Nora's POV
I froze at the sound of his voice coming from the other side of the tree trunk.
"Angry?" Julian's tone was low, almost testing, like he was checking the temperature of the water.
My heart lurched. I forced my expression into something calm. "No. Just tired."
He stepped around the oak, his eyes studying me with that unnerving focus I'd come to recognize.
"You've been avoiding me all morning," he said.
I looked away, fixing my gaze on the distant shoreline where volunteers were hauling equipment. My pulse pounded in my ears. Of course he'd notice.
"I wasn't avoiding you," I lied. "I was working."
"You walked away when I tried to approach you earlier. You switched vehicles to avoid riding with me. And just now, when I came over to talk to Henry, you practically ran." He tilted his head slightly, his voice dropping lower.
I opened my mouth, then closed it, unsure what to say. What was I supposed to tell him? That I'd spent the entire morning jealous over a woman I didn't even know? That I'd been running because I couldn't stand watching him with someone else?
"I'm not angry," I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. "I just... needed some space."
Julian took another step forward. "Nora."
I forced myself to meet his gaze. The sharpness in his eyes had softened, replaced by something that looked almost like concern.
"If I did something to upset you—"
"You didn't," I cut him off, too quickly. "Really. It's not you."
He didn't look convinced.
Before either of us could say anything else, a cheerful voice called out from the path.
"Julian! Lunch is about to start. Everyone's waiting for you."
I turned to see Annabel approaching, a bottle of water in one hand and a bright smile on her face.
She reached us and extended the water bottle toward Julian. "You've been working hard all morning. Thought you might need this."
Julian accepted it with a polite nod. "Thank you."
Annabel's gaze flicked to me briefly, her smile never faltering, but there was something assessing in the way she looked at me—like she was sizing up competition.
I seized the opportunity. "I should head to the dining hall," I said, already turning away.
I didn't wait for a response. I just walked.
---
The dining hall was a spacious wooden structure overlooking the wetland, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the gray-blue expanse of the river. By the time I arrived, most of the seats were already taken.
I slid into an empty chair beside Vincent.
"There you are," he said, adjusting his camera strap. "I was starting to think you'd gotten lost."
"Just taking some extra shots," I said, pulling out my phone to check the time.
Across the narrow aisle separating the two tables, I could see Julian settling into his seat. Annabel sat beside him, leaning in slightly as she spoke.
I forced my attention back to my own table. Henry was seated directly across from me, chatting with one of the city planners. When he caught my eye, he smiled.
"How's the photography going?" he asked.
"Good. Got some solid material." I picked up my water glass, grateful for something to occupy my hands.
Halfway through the meal, the event coordinator stood and invited Julian to say a few words.
Julian rose smoothly, his presence commanding immediate attention even though he hadn't raised his voice. The room quieted.
"I won't take up too much of your time," he began, his tone measured but firm. "Today isn't about speeches or photo ops. It's about action. The Silver River Wetland Restoration Project represents more than environmental recovery—it represents a commitment to the communities that have been neglected for too long."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"For years, this region has suffered from pollution, economic decline, and institutional indifference. The wetland restoration is a start, but it's only a start. Real change requires sustained effort, accountability, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths."
His words were direct, stripped of the usual bureaucratic padding. No grandstanding, no empty promises—just a clear statement of intent.
When he finished, applause rippled through the room. Annabel was the first to clap, her eyes fixed on him with open admiration.
I looked down at my plate.
---
As lunch wound down, the conversation at our table turned lighter. Vincent leaned back in his chair, grinning at me.
"So, Nora," he said, his tone teasing. "You seeing anyone?"
I nearly choked on my water. "What?"
"Come on, don't be shy. There are at least three guys in our department who've been asking about you."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not interested."
"Why not?" Henry chimed in, his expression curious. "What's your type?"
I hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "I don't know. Someone... easy to get along with, I guess."
"Easy to get along with?" Vincent laughed. "That's the most generic answer I've ever heard."
"Fine," I said, half-joking to deflect. "Someone younger than me. Easier to manage."
The table erupted in laughter. Vincent slapped the table. "Oh my God, Nora wants a younger boyfriend!"
I laughed too, shaking my head. "That's not what I meant."
But even as I laughed, I felt a prickling awareness at the back of my neck. I glanced over.
Julian was staring at me. His hand was clenched around his water glass, knuckles white.
Our eyes met for a split second before he looked away.
My stomach twisted.
---
After lunch, people began filtering out of the dining hall. I was heading toward the exit when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"Excuse me, Mr. Sterling?"
I turned to see Ruby approaching Julian, her husband trailing behind her. She wore a practiced smile.
"I'm Ruby Hill from NPR," she said smoothly. "I was hoping to request an interview for our feature series. You're one of the most influential federal officials in the region, and I think our audience would benefit from hearing your perspective on the Rust Belt reforms."
Julian's expression didn't change. "No."
Ruby blinked, clearly taken aback. "I'm sorry?"
"I said no." His tone was polite but final. "My job is to investigate and implement policy, not to become a media figure. If you want to cover the reforms, interview the caseworkers and community organizers doing the actual work. They're the ones who understand what's happening on the ground."
Ruby opened her mouth to protest, but Julian's sharp gaze made her close it.
She stood there for a moment, visibly flustered.
I felt a flicker of satisfaction.