Chapter 67 Risk Takers
President Frederick became more interested, his body hunching forward on his seat to pay better attention to his words. “You know you can always talk about anything to me, Jules. Go on.”
Julian didn’t waste time. “I’ve recently been responsible for the relocation of a few children- some of whom are at risk due to past threats. I require enhanced security measures.”
The president raised a brow, looking intrigued. “You want federal resources for the children?”
Julian nodded once. “Yes. And there’s one child in particular,” he continued, voice lowering, “he will be homeschooled for safety. He needs an entirely protected identity—new records, relocation, and everything that will shield him from being known. His well-being depends on absolute secrecy.” He was talking about Phoenix here. His son.
President Frederick leaned back, studying him. “I wonder why you need that. That’s an unusual request coming from you.”
Julian smirked faintly. “The unusual is often necessary.”
A silence passed. Then the president’s eyes softened, recalling the man who had always been more than a political ally. “Jules, anything you ask, you’ll get,” he said finally. “If not for you, I wouldn’t be here today. You saved more than campaigns—you saved my life when enemies attacked. For that, you’ll always have my back.”
Julian inclined his head in acknowledgement, lips tightening in a subtle smile. A maid arrived with drinks that he later shared with the president.
Even as he discussed important things with the powerful man before him, his thoughts were mostly elsewhere. He couldn’t wait for the dinner to come. He couldn’t wait to see Seraphina again. Especially in that red gown he had specially ordered for her- for the night.
“I hope you will bring your wife to greet me sometimes.” President Fredrick said as their conversations went on.
—
Elsewhere, in the city,
Damien Thorne threw a glass cup at the wall and let it shatter, the shattering sound justifying his rage. Tyler, who was seated across his desk, flinched.
His office smelled of expensive whiskey. He had been drinking all day and that hadn’t even numbed his frustrations.
“I can’t believe that bitch played me.” Damien muttered, running fingers through his hair. His jaw clenched. “That kid…had always been Julian’s… and now, they’re married. The entire town’s talking about them. And my father’s empire… it’s crumbling. Fuck!” He hit his fist on the desk.
Tyler watched him, letting his best friend unravel like a mad man before he finally interfered again. “So, what do you plan to do?”
Damien laughed bitterly. “Plan? I don’t fucking…”
His phone rang just then, diverting his attention. Damien snatched it up, irritated as he saw that the number was unknown. “If this is business, I don’t have time.” He said roughly to the phone.
A calm, unfamiliar voice answered, “What if the business entails taking down your twin brother who you hate so much?”
Damien went silent immediately, his pulse tightening. His attention was completely on the call now.
Thirty minutes later, Damien pulled up in the docks area. It was in the evening and the surroundings were quiet, mist curling low over the water. Damien parked a few meters from the designated meeting point, muscles tensed. He waited, scanning shadows.
The call with the stranger earlier had led to him showing up here.
It wasn’t long before a man stepped forward, hat on his head, hair down, cigarette tucked between his fingers. He looked to be in his early forties. Damien accessed him with one look, taking in his chilled smile.
“You came,” the man said without preamble.
“Yes,” Damien replied, fists clenched. “And I hope you’re serious about what we discussed on the phone call.”
The man chuckled darkly, the sound laced with power. “Seriousness is required when dealing with Julian Thorne. That boy thrived in chaos.”
He said, then faced Damien fully as he stopped in front of him just a few steps away. “I've observed you. Watched your interviews. Tracked your movements a few times. I know you’re against him, just as I am.”
Damien’s jaw tightened. “So what are you proposing?”
The man’s gaze sharpened. “I love that you are direct. I need information. You’re his twin, so I’m sure you know some things I don’t. I want the location where he keeps the children he saved from trafficking.”
Damien blinked as he processed that. “Children he’s… saved? Do you mean…Julian save kids?”
The man eyed Damien closely then his jaw clenched. “I don’t want to believe I’ve wasted my time calling you here.”
Damien’s mind raced. “I know nothing about Julian saving kids.” Damien emphasized. “Tell me more about it.”
The man shook his head. “There’s nothing further to discuss with you. You seem to be useless afterall.” The man turned then, ready to leave Damien there.
“What if I know something you probably don’t?” Damien’s voice stopped him.
The man turned around. “Like what?”
Damien’s lips curved then he started taking steps closer to him. He stopped, eyes leveling with him. “Like the fact that Julian has a kid the world doesn’t know about.”
The man stilled, curiosity flickering across his features. “Tell me more.” He commanded.
“You tell me your name first. Then we can have this talk.” Damien said, weighing powers.
The man’s lips curved. “I’m Keith Arthur. And Julian had betrayed me when I needed him the most. He’s my enemy.”
Damien’s eyes glinted. A thin, calculated smile spread across his lips.