Altar 50_leaving you bereft

Julian leaned back in his leather chair in the CEO’s office of Neb Group. He was having a serious moment of introspection.

 Everything he did was for his marriage and to have a legitimate heir. He didn’t hate Willow. In fact, he somewhat liked her. They had been getting along well in that aspect, at least. Men like him were animals with needs. If they were satisfied in bed, they would generally be much more generous.

 He was willing to treat her well, let her experience the benefits of a marriage, and show her what love felt like if that was what Willow wanted. That had nothing to do with actually loving her, though. He still didn’t love her.

 While Julian was lost in thought, Esther knocked on the door before stepping in. “You have a call from Grandsburg, Mr. Ziegler.”

 Julian took the phone and lowered his chin. “You can leave.” 

 Esther returned to the secretary’s office while thinking, “Mr. Ziegler gets a call from Grandsburg once a week, and he flies there at least once a month… I’m sure it’s someone important!”

 Just as she was pondering, Julian came in and lightly knocked on her desk. “You’reing to Yarrowmere with me tomorrow. There’s an update on Project Aurelia.” 

 Esther was delighted. “Did Mr. Chapman agree?” 

 Julian let out an affirmative hum. “They’re willing topromise, so there’s a lot of room for negotiation. Pack your things. Tell Mr. Xander from the finance department and Ms. Sutton from the public rtions department to get ready, too. We’ll fly to Yarrowmere tomorrow morning.”

 Esther couldn’t help but reply, “Mrs. Ziegler can be very convincing when Mrs. Chapman is involved.”

 Julian shed her a subtle grin.

 Even though he was going on a business trip, he still had to attend the dinner party as nned. It was a charity dinner, so Willow didn’t wear anything too shy. She was dressed in a ck suit, and her only essory was her diamond wedding ring. Her cold demeanor made her even more attractive.

 When Julian nced over at her, he froze for a moment before hooking his arm around Willow’s waist and introducing her to the host of the party.

 Willow had been involved in business for many years, so she was adept at handling things and navigating social situations. The way she carried herself would affect her husband’s reputation, after all.

 While she was socializing, Julian couldn’t help but be drawn to her, too. She waspletely different from how she was at home. Her presence was overwhelming.

 Someone called out, “Here you are, Julian! Come on! Mr. Wilson from Helios has always wanted to get to know you. He came here just to see you. Go chat with him.”

 Julian nodded in a reserved manner. “Sure.‘

 “1

 He was always the center of attention when it came to business. He held a ss of red wine in a dignified manner, charming countless women in attendance.

 That included Melody, who had dinner with him the night before. She just couldn’t forget how romantic the night had been.

 She was so eager to get with Julian that a single meal with him was enough to fuel hexfantasies. When she heard that he would be attending the dinner party, she got herself an invitation and showed up to stage a chance encounter.

 That night, Melody was </bpletely dolled up. She was wearing a light purple dress that showed off her delicate figure, and she had even rented jewelry worth millions of dors, determined not to let Willow outshine her.

 She ramped up her feminine charm to the maximum as she said to Julian, “There are so many things we didn’t get to talk aboutst night, Julian. What a pity.” 

 Julian had no intention of getting involved with her. A waiter happened to pass by, so he set his wine ss down and tumed back to Melody with an icy look on his face. “Like I said, Ms. Simpson, we’re not that close.” 

 That left Melody embarrassed. She wanted to continue attempting to seduce him, but Julian was already walking off in the other direction.

 P

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Altar 50