From here on, the path for Hunt Enterprises would only get smoother.


    Without the Walton Corporation’s threat, what was there left for Albert to fear?


    His conglomerate would only grow stronger.


    But Albert overlooked one truth–there is always someone more powerful.


    Even without Walton Corporation pressing down on him, Vanguard was still waiting.


    And he had to remember, the people he had offended this time were not only Grace, but also a fiercely protective man.


    Meanwhile, Julian was hiding in a small motel.


    With so many people searching for him, he didn’t dare step outside and show his face.


    He knew all too well that if he was caught, it would mean utter ruin.


    But now, he thought of one ce he could still go–the vi he had once prepared for Lily.


    The vi was in the suburbs, where few people ever went.


    It was quiet and secluded, with only a housekeeper who asionally brought her meals.


    That housekeeper had been in his employ for many years and was someone hepletely trusted.


    On that point, Julian felt confident.


    The problem now was figuring out how <i>to </i>get to the suburbs.


    That was the part giving him a real headache.


    Just as he was struggling with the thought, he noticed a group of people searching their way toward the


    motel


    At first, he didn’t think much of it. Butter, when he overheard them talking, something in their words set off his instincts.


    His gut told him these people were here for him.


    Julian narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to make out who had sent them.


    Later, he realized there wasn’t a single familiar face among them, so they definitely weren’t sent by his father.


    Julian instantly understood–his father had given him up.


    These people were either the police or Grace’s people.


    A wave of destion washed over him. He never imagined he would fall from a carefree heir to such a


    wretched state.


    Tessa, this is all her fault.


    If he ever got the chance to rise again, he would never let her go.


    At the Walton home.


    Tessa paced back and forth in her bedroom.


    She never expected that man wasn’t insane.


    No wonder she had always felt something off in his eyes, something that made her uneasy.


    Now it seemed her instincts had been right all along.


    Indeed, many things left traces if one looked closely enough.


    Her hands were trembling, and she finally clenched them into fists, warning herself she couldn’t go on


    like this.


    On the drive back, Grace had already asked her why her palms were sweating and why she was so


    nervous.


    She had used the same excuse as she had at the Hayes home–she was just too afraid.


    After all, Julian had once hurt her.


    Grace simply watched her quietly before pulling her into her arms tofort her.


    “It’s alright. Mom’s here.”


    Leaning into her mother’s embrace, Tessa couldn’t help but ask softly<b>, </b>“Mom, can we find him?”


    “Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, we will.”


    That was the promise Grace could give her.


    Seeing her so frightened left Grace’s heart aching as well.


    She would do everything in her power to find Julian, if only to give Tessa an answer.


    After all, she had truly suffered greatly.


    Andter, Grace would find a way <b>to </b>make it up to her.


    For now<b>, </b>no one knew where Julian had gone, and the people she had sent out still had no leads.


    The thought alone was enough to leave her feeling frustrated.