Chapter 9 Julian rushed Lena to the hospital as fast as possible. He arranged for a full round of tests, then went out to buy her favorite cake. Hours later, he returned with the box in hand. Just as he was about to push open the door, voices drifted out from inside. It was Lena. Her tone carried smugness, as if everything was firmly under her control. "Mom, don't worry. Right now, he only has eyes for me. A few fake tears, one carefully chosen word, and he'll punish Sloane for me. Just give it a little more time, and I'll completely replace Sloane Quinn. I'll be the only woman standing by Julian Shaw's side!" Through the narrow crack in the door, Julian saw the woman sitting opposite Lena, her eyes glinting with greed, her smile calculating. "I heard Julian isn't quite right in the head. You just keep him wrapped around your finger, and the entire fortune will be yours! I always said with your looks, snagging him would be a piece of cake!" Lena seemed to remember something and quickly nudged her mother. "Shh, stop talking. I just called Julian. He should be here any minute. If he hears this, it'll ruin everything." Her words had barely fallen when the door swung open. Julian stood in the doorway, his tall figure framed by the harsh hospital lights, his eyes fixed on the two women. There wasn't the faintest trace of a smile. The moment his gaze met hers, Lena felt a chill crawl down her spine. Her body shivered before she could stop it. An ominous premonition gripped her. Thinking back to everything she and her mother had just said, she tested the waters with a cautious question. "Julian, did you... hear anything?" The silence stretched long, tightening the fear in her chest. But then, at last, his expression loosened. He gave a small shake of his head. "What's the matter?" Seeing his calm face, Lena exhaled in relief. He hadn't heard. No one noticed the shadow that flickered across Julian's eyes. He despised lies and manipulation. Sloane had been forced into his life years ago, chosen by Harold and married into the family through arrangement. To him, that had been a calculation. And these two women... they were no different. Chapter 9 5.92% Julian didn't linger. In his mind, anyone who schemed against him should be ready for his retaliation. The only reason Lena had caught his attention at first was because, when they met, her eyes held panic and clarity, something he hadn't seen before. He had believed she came to him out of genuine feeling. Now the truth was clear. Lena was just like the rest. When Julian returned to the Shaw Estate, he immediately sensed something different. The silence was unusual. He frowned, and against his will, his thoughts drifted toward Sloane. She had always respected his boundaries. His study was sacred ground-off-limits to everyone except, more recently, Lena. For years, no matter what, Sloane had never crossed the line. Except today. Drawn by some instinct, he walked to the study. His gaze swept the room until it landed on an unassuming box sitting on the desk. Nothing like that had ever been here before. He suddenly remembered-Sloane had mentioned leaving something for him. Perhaps this was it. He stepped forward, hand reaching out, but just as his fingers brushed near, a strange unease seized him. A voice in his mind warned him: inside that box was a truth he wasn't ready to face. At the last second, as if burned, he jerked his hand back. Without another glance, he turned and strode quickly out of the room. "Who was responsible for cleaning today? Do it again! And get rid of anything that doesn't belong here!" Back in his bedroom, he tried to shut out the noise, but agitation gnawed at him. It took a long time for him to realize what was wrong. Sloane. Or more precisely, Sloane had been different for some time. Chapter 9 5.92% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!