All the people at the video conference were Julian's most trusted subordinates . In their eyes , their boss had always been a ruthless strategist who was decisive , unapproachable , and completely indifferent to women . The kind of man who didn't have a shred of sentimentality . But just moments ago , they all witnessed something that shook them to their core . Their boss showed a smile that only a lovestruck guy would have . His eyes , usually sharp enough to make someone feel like they were moments away from execution , actually softened into something dangerously close to tenderness . Those guys were stunned , thinking , " Did Mr. Hudson get possessed by some ancient spirit during his visit to Gravellia ? " Then someone broke the silence . " Noel , weren't you secretly dating Mr. Hudson ? What's with the sudden appearance of a woman ? Aren't you jealous ? " Noel shot that person a glare and said , the hell are you talking about ? I never dated him like that . My relationship with Mr. Hudson is 100 % clean ? The rest of the group immediately joined in the speculation . " Who is that woman ? She's good - looking and kinda fits Mr. Hudson's vibe , doesn't she ? " someone said . Another guy chimed in , " She looks like someone from Gravellia . " A man asked , " Does the Marshal know about this ? " Another guy added , " Didn't the Marshal plan to marry Mr. Hudson to one of the generals's daughters ? If Mr.tudson found a woman on his own , wouldn't the Marshal be unhappy ? " Another guy replied , " Maybe Mr. Hudson is just playing with her . I mean , at his age, it wouldn't be weird for him to have some fun . Once the Marshal picks a proper candidate , Mr. Hudson will probably go along with it . " The theory felt convincing . Even though they were shocked to see a woman beside Julian , they were convinced this was just a fling . With Julian's status , there was no way he'd end up marrying some random woman . He was the designated successor to the Marshal , destined to take over command . A political marriage was practically inevitable . But then , Julian slipped his earbud back in , and the shift in his presence was immediate . His tone turned icy , his vibe becoming sharp enough to make the air freeze . He snapped , " Shut your mouths . She's the woman I chose . If I want her , no one will change my mind . But for now , don't breathe a word of this to my father . Keep this quiet . " Julian thought he and Olivia were not officially dating , and he didn't want anyone to cause any trouble now . Everyone hurriedly nodded and gave their assurances before returning to the main discussion . Noel spoke up , " After days of tracking , we've pinpointed the betrayer's likely escape route . They fled southeast toward Silvermoon Island . They're armed , and worse , they took the design blueprints and partial experimental data of TriForce Lab's latest weapons tech . " Julian had already suspected internal betrayal the day he and Olivia were hauled into the police station . He ordered Noel to launch a full investigation . The result showed he was right . The betrayer was / someone Julian had once trusted as much as he trusted Noel . Thus , the moment Noel's investigation began , the betrayer caught wind and fled , and he even took a few loyal defectors with him . They didn't just steal weapons and explosives , but they also took highly classified experimental research . Julian narrowed his eyes , his voice going frigid . " What a coincidence . I just showed up on Silvermoon Island , and they fled here too . Looks like they're coming for me . " Noel's expression turned grim . " My lord , we need to evacuate you Immediately , I'll take a team and escort you out right now . Julian cut him off with a shake of his head . " Declan is more cautious and smarter than you . If I keep running , we'll never catch him , ' Quietly bring in a team and have them blend in as locals . Don't cause a sensation . Let's wait for him to come to me " None of Julian's team agreed with Julian's decision to put himself in danger . His life was far too important to risk over a single betrayer , But once Julian had made up his mind , no one could sway him . He wasn't just trying to catch Declan - he wanted to know who had been behind his betrayal . Declan , like Noel , had fought alongside Julian through blood and fire . They had shared life - and - death moments that forged bonds deeper than those Julian had with his own father or any of his half - brothers . Julian couldn't understand what kind of temptation made Declan turn his back on him . Julian had never treated Declan poorly . The power and money Julian gave Declan were no less than what he gave Noel . After the meeting ended , Julian leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes . He sat there in silence for a good ten minutes and collected himself before finally getting up . He left the study and walked upstairs , but he didn't see Olivia anywhere . He went downstairs to look again , and still , he saw no sign of her . It wasn't until he stepped outside the villa that he found her - sitting on top of the courtyard wall , gazing out at the distant sea . She still wore the dreamy , fairytale - like nightgown he had changed her into earlier . Her golden hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall , lifted now and then by the breeze . At that moment , she looked like a figure from a fairy tale . She was so beautiful that it made him reluctant to disturb the scene . He simply stood at the door , leaning against the frame and watching her in silence . She was watching the sea , taking in the dazzling beauty of the world . And to him , she was the world - no view could ever compare . Clearly in a good mood , Olivia swung her legs back and forth as s she began humming a tune to herself . A seagull flapped down and landed on her shoulder . She reached out to pet it , but the moment it realized she had nothing to feed it , it gave her a disdainful squawk and flew off . Olivia scoffed , " You're ruthless . No bread , no friendship ? Can't we just be pals without a transaction ? What a gold - digging seagull . " Julian chuckled and finally spoke , " You should be glad it didn't leave you a poop . " Olivia turned around and saw Julian leaning lazily against the glass door , his body bathed in the soft orange light of the setting sun . He looked like a divine figure carved from marble - untouchable and otherworldly . " When did you come here ? " she asked . " About half an hour ago , " he replied . " Half an hour ? Then why didn't you say anything ? " " The view was too perfect . I didn't want to interrupt . " As he spoke , he stepped out through the gate , came up to her , and slid his arms under hers to lift her off the wall . Chapter 26 Julian said , " You've been asleep all day without eating anything . Go get changed . F'll take you out for dinner ? Olivia was already starving . She immediately followed him back upstairs . Her suitcase wasn't in the room , but the wardrobe was full of dreamy , exquisite dresses . Olivia turned to Julian and asked , " Where's my luggage ? " Julian shrugged . " No idea . Forget about it for now . Just wear something from the closet . " Olivia asked with a frown , " Whose clothes are these ? " Julian smiled , " I had them prepared just for you . Pick one you like . " Olivia ran her fingers over the fabric and asked , " They are not cheap , are they ? You don't have to go through all this . I brought my own clothes . I can just wear those . " Olivia could feel that Julian's concern for her went beyond that of a normal host . She'd lived among the wealthy long enough to recognize the worth of these clothes . The fabric and craftsmanship were high - end , and they were definitely expensive . Julian gave Olivia a half - smile , his voice teasing . " Don't stress over my wallet . Making money is easy for me . All I have to do is entertain some rich ladies , and learn it all back . " Olivia mentally rolled her eyes , complaining , ' How is he not embarrassed saying that with a straight face ? '