Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper) novel Chapter 2490

Julien felt an instant chill run down his spine. Though the bar was loud and chaotic, everything around him suddenly felt silent—as if he had been plunged into a vacuum.

"Mr. Beckett values talent and has great admiration for you," Uri said smoothly. "When he found out that you and I were acquainted, he asked me to pay you a special visit and have a good chat with you."

He gestured to the bartender for another drink. Then, he slowly pushed the glass toward Julien, a gloomy look flickering in his eyes. "Mr. Beckett also has his own research center in Mosgravia.

"His plan, on returning to Solana City, is to establish the largest and most advanced pharmaceutical research center in the country—one that will contribute to the advancement of human medicine.

"He's recruiting talented individuals from all over the world. He truly appreciates your abilities and sincerely hopes you'll join him on this journey.

"If you work with Mr. Beckett, not only will your lab's financial issues be resolved, you'll also—"

A sudden, sharp slosh cut Uri off mid-word. Julien had whipped the drink up and dashed it across Uri's face.

Color instantly leached from Uri's face. He remained frozen for a beat, then his hands clamped into fists on the table as he ground his teeth together, a silent, boiling rage taking hold.

"I know exactly what Mr. Beckett is scheming," Julien said coldly.

His fox-like eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a sharp smirk. "He thinks that just because Jonah and I fell out, he can take advantage of it—drag me into his games, drive a wedge between me and the Taylors, and use me for his own ends?

"He sure has a sense of humor. Looks like Justin isn't just an asshole—he's also completely delusional.

"That drink was on me. Now stop hovering around. Can't you see you're annoying me?"

With that, Julien turned and walked away from the bar with casual elegance, not once looking back.

Uri glared after him, his expression darkening. With a loud crunch, he crushed the glass in his hand. "Julien, I gave you a chance. Don't blame anyone else when you're the one who chose your own downfall!"

Julien strode out of the bar, his mind a whirlwind. The more he replayed Uri's words, the deeper the furrow in his brow became. Whether Uri had been telling the truth or not, one thing was sure—Justin had set his sights on him.

That was not a good sign. He needed to leave Solana City as soon as possible.

Amidst the biting wind, his phone rang out yet again. Julien tucked his head low and drew his phone from his inner coat pocket.

It was Jonah again. The persistent ringing pounded against his heart. It rang and rang—Jonah clearly wasn't giving up.

Julien pressed his lips together, hesitating. Then, with a firm tap on the screen, he answered.

"What is it?" His voice was cold.

"Dr. Lovelace, is it convenient to talk? Am I bothering you?"

Jonah's voice was as gentle as ever, brushing softly past Julien's ear. The only difference was the way he addressed him—"Dr. Lovelace". Distant, yet polite.

"That's all, right? I'm hanging up."

"Wait!" Jonah called out hastily.

Julien didn't respond, simply waiting in silence.

Jonah's voice came through, low and careful. "The wind's howling through the phone. Are you somewhere outdoors?"

"Yeah. So?" Julien replied, his tone still cold.

"The temperature's dropping tonight, and the wind's howling out there. You've always hated the cold. Go home soon, alright? Don't catch a cold."

Realizing he might have said too much, Jonah quickly added, flustered, "Well, if you don't want to go home yet, that's fine. Just make sure to dress warmly, okay?"

Julien ended the call without a word, the weight of Jonah's concern too much to bear. He looked down at the screen, his vision clouding as emotion welled up behind his eyes.

He remembered how Jonah used to hold him close on nights like this, wrapping him securely in his warm embrace. His hands would either be tucked into Jonah's pockets or resting against Jonah's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Sadly… those days are long gone."

A bitter laugh escaped him. Tilting his head upward to hold back his tears, he turned and walked briskly into the night.