<h4>Chapter 374: Julian’s arrival 2</h4>


    As they arrived at the main hall, Davis guided Jessica to one of the round banquet tables near the side, pulling out a chair for her. Before she could settle, a neatly dressed maid approached with a polite bow.


    "Miss, your room has been cleaned ording to the instructions."


    "Thank you," Davis answered for her, though his eyes never left Jessica’s face. There was a crease in his brow. "Baby, what’s wrong?"


    Without waiting for her answer, he reached for a bottled water on the table, unscrewed the cap, poured it into a disposable cup, and held it out to her.


    Jessica epted the cup gratefully, drinking a few quick gulps before drawing in a long, steadying breath. She closed her eyes, hershes trembling slightly, as if willing her body to behave.


    When she opened them again, her pulse was easing. "Nothing in particr... just that pregnancy is troublesome," she said with a tired smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.


    Davis leaned in slightly, searching her face. "What happened?"


    "My heart only skipped a beat, and the next moment, I was gasping for oxygen. Isn’t that ridiculous?" she murmured, halfint, half confusion.


    Inside, her thoughts were anything but calm.


    How will I lose myposure at a moment like that?


    How had I felt shocked seeing Julian at the scene?


    Shouldn’t that be a natural urrence since possibly I am the only one aware of his ties to the Santiagos’?


    It seems even Grandma isn’t aware of his identity; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so serious and formal as she stood waiting for him.


    She absently tapped her cheek in thought, while beside her, Davis stood silently, brow furrowed with his gaze still on her.


    The series of events left him confused about what exactly was going on.


    No matter how he tried to piece it together, nothing fit, his mind riddled with questions.


    Who was that young man?


    Why does he have such a disastrous effect on her?


    Is there any connection or business dealing that I am not aware of?


    No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t find closure for the matter.


    Ethan stood some distance away, first serving the purpose of a guard and a silent observer while leaving them to privacy.


    He made a mental note to have Ethan investigate this man. The Santiagos might refuse public photos, but they wouldn’t deny a direct inquiry from him


    Jessica suddenly looked up at Davis, as if a thought had just clicked into ce. "Hubby... don’t feel offended. That was the man I told you about."


    Davis’s eyes narrowed slightly as he nced towards the door. "The man you were telling me about?"


    "Your twin brother?" he asked, his tone tinged with skepticism and disbelief.


    Jessica gave a curt nod, rubbing her temples. Frustration bubbled up in her chest.


    Seems I have really messed up a perfect opportunity.


    When will such an opportunitye by? I guess I have to invite Julian over to the house after I have confirmed the test.


    But he shouldn’t have left; maybe if I go out now...it can still be salvaged.


    Without warning, she stood. "Let’s go outside. I think I need to speak to him." She took Davis’s hand, pulling him gently toward the hall’s entrance.


    Davis exhaled quietly but allowed her to lead. At least now her strange reaction made sense.


    He objectively analyzed the possible situation that might instinctively trigger her reactions.


    No conclusive matter on the identity, and now seeing him in a banquet unexpectedly when the various parties involved haven’t been cleared...


    He shrugged subtly.


    Not exactly the ideal setting for a calm conversation but then no harm in seeing who the young man is..


    They reached the doorway just as Lady Matilda stood alone with Donald, speaking in a low, almost private tone.


    "Donald, did you notice a trace of the Santiagos’ bloodline on him?" she asked, her voice contemtive and almost a whisper.


    Donald nodded slowly. "I feel he’s the male version of my niece, Jessica. The resemnce is uncanny."


    Jessica’s steps faltered slightly. Davis caught her instantly, his grip steady though his brow tightened again.


    Quicklyposing herself, Jessica forced a polite smile. "Grandma, what about the guest?"."


    Lady Matilda turned, her gaze softening as she stepped closer. With a gentle motion, she tucked a loose strand of hair from Jessica’s face.


    "Are you feeling better now?" she asked. When she noticed them going back into the hall, she’d sensed something was wrong.


    But with Davis by her side, she had assumed it was nothing serious, perhaps just dizziness from the pregnancy.


    Jessica nodded faintly.


    Lady Matilda exhaled, almost in relief. "That was Julian Anderson."


    Gasps came from those nearby. "He just left," Matilda added. "He said his flight was in an hour because of the summit."


    "So?" Jessica asked, keeping her tone neutral but probing. She needed to know exactly how much Matilda knew and how much Julian had revealed.


    "He’s Julian Anderson," Matilda repeated. "The opening speech at the summit has to be given by him."


    Jessica’s eyes flickered in recognition. So that exined his short visit.


    "He brought a gift for you," Matilda continued, her voice low only meant for Jessica and Davis to hear. "A kind gesture, since he wouldn’t be here to see you. He gave it to me to pass along."


    Jessica’s lips curved faintly, and she exchanged a brief nce with Davis. Relief quietly loosened the tight knot in her chest


    ==========


    Meanwhile, in a car speeding toward the airport, Julian sat in the back seat, hisptop bnced on his knees, fingers moving quickly across the keyboard as he handled urgent tasks.


    He reached for his phone and dialed a secure number.


    "Hello, Boss," a cold male voice answered.


    "I’m heading for the summit. You know how to reach me in an emergency. Phones aren’t usually allowed during the event."


    "Yes, Boss."


    "And make no mistakes," Julian’s tone sharpened. "She is not to be harmed in any way. Otherwise..."


    "I understand," the voice cut in.


    Julian ended the call, exhaling slowly. He closed his eyes for a moment, but the image of thedy beingid back into the hall resurfaced.


    He exhaled slowly as mused over a few questions;


    "Why does she have the same frame as my sister?"


    "But then my sister wouldn’t just turn away when she noticed I am the one.


    "Who was thedy and that gaze from the man?"


    While approaching the hall earlier, he had felt a sharp, assessing gaze on him which is quite odd.


    Most eyes on him had been curious or polite; this one was different. It was Challenging.


    He had tried to find the source, but by the time he turned, the person had looked away and he lost the opportunity of seeing the face.


    He sighed as he recalled the series of questions that will be waiting for him on arrival.


    It’s just for five days.


    I wille back, and possibly by then, she will have made a decision.


    She would have epted the fact; only then will I inform Dad.


    The phone in his hand buzzed. He nced at the caller ID, a faint sigh escaping. "Speak of the devil."


    He answered.


    "Aren’t youing home for the summit?" Josh’s voice came through.


    "On my way," Julian replied curtly.


    "What about your sister? Any improvement?"


    "Give her time," Julian said evenly. "Don’t be too anxious."