Just as they were about to hang up, Tessa suddenly heard a muffled whimper from Julian’s side, followed by a loud thud, like something hitting the floor.


    She paused. “What was that? What’s going on over there?”


    A secondter, her tone turned cold. “Where are you right now?”


    She couldn’t exin it, but something felt off.


    “Nothing, really! It’s nothing!”


    Julianughed it off. “Baby, you must’ve misheard. I just identally knocked something over, that’s all. There’s nothing else going on.”


    “Aren’t you on your way to thepany? You should hurry. Wouldn’t want to bete and leave a bad impression.


    “And don’t worry<b>, </b>I’ll take care of what you told me. I’ll get back to you soon.”


    Tessa gave a short “Mm.”


    Before she could say anything more, Julian ended the call.


    She stared at the screen, her gaze darkening.


    Call it a woman’s intuition, but something about that noise didn’t sit right with her.


    And Julian’s reaction was off.


    Normally, he’d never talk that much all at once.


    But today, it was like he rushed to say everything in one go, as if he was afraid she’d keep questioning him if he didn’t shut it


    down fast.


    Tessa narrowed her eyes slightly, her thoughts cold and sharp.


    “Julian, you’d better not be hiding anything from me. Because if you are, then we both go down. I won’t spare you.”


    With that, she took a deep breath and drove straight to Walton Corporation.


    Meanwhile, back with Julian, he was holding Lily’s mouth tightly, his expression dark as night.


    “What, were you thinking of running away? Or were you trying to run away?”


    Julian’s grip suddenly tightened, and his tone grew harsher.


    Lily’s eyes flew open in shock.


    She had heard Tessa’s voice over the phone, and Julian calling her “baby” again and again.


    She knew right then that it was her chance. She couldn’t let it slip.


    So, she’d thrown herself against the table, trying to knock things over just to make some noise.


    Seeing how furious Julian looked now, Lily was certain the person on the other end had started to suspect something.


    Otherwise, Julian wouldn’t be this angry.


    With that thought, Lily felt a small sense of relief.


    At least her efforts weren’t wasted.


    But Julian saw that flicker of ease in her eyes, and his rage only intensified.


    He let go of her mouth and wrapped his hand around her throat instead.


    “Say something! What the hell are you looking at me like that for?


    <b>Lily </b>coughed, then forced out each word. “You’re a monster. I don something wrong. I’m not the one at fault.”


    Seeing her so defiant only made Julian more furious.


    +20 BONUS


    want to talk to you. You’re this angry because you’ve done


    “What’s wrong with you? After all this time, why can’t I beat the stubbornness out of you?”


    He released her throat and muttered, “Looks like I still need to teach you a proper lesson.”


    With that, Julian yanked the belt from around his waist.


    Lily’s eyes widened, and her body trembled uncontrobly.