Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 143

It was a captivating evening in Brindley, with a multitude of celebrities gathering at the banquet hall in Evergreen Grand Hotel.

Julian, dressed in his finest, was holding a glass of champagne as he socialized with the other guests in a relaxed manner. His eyes would often wander to the entrance of the banquet hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Willow. However, the banquet was well underway, and Willow was still nowhere to be seen.

It was then he heard a familiar voice calling out to him, asking, "What are you looking at, Julian?"

Julian turned and noticed that it was Braxton Young, the CEO of Aegis Group, talking to him, so he smiled slightly as he greeted, "Good evening, Mr. Young."

Braxton patted his shoulder and said with a teasing smile, "I noticed that you had been looking a little out of it for a while now. What's the matter? Who are you expecting?"

Julian replied with a polite smile, "I'm not waiting for anyone."

Braxton, observing Julian's striking and polished demeanor, remarked with a sigh, "It seems like Liam has raised you well, Julian. You're so competent at such a young age—unlike my good-for-nothing son, who's nothing but trouble."

Braxton's son was Caleb Young, notoriously known for being the scion of the Young family and a local troublemaker in Brindley.

Julian, though only acquainted with Caleb by reputation, said politely, "I'm sure Mr. Caleb is a person of remarkable talent. I'm certain that he'll achieve great things with proper guidance and the passage of time."

Braxton's eyes immediately lit up as he asked, "You really think Caleb has potential, Julian? Why not let him study under you, then? He could learn valuable business practices and acquire your polished demeanor as well. He stands at an imposing six feet and three inches, and yet, he's always playing with guns and knives. How unsightly!"

Julian couldn't help but picture a reckless, burly man. Given Braxton's sturdy physique, Julian's assumption of Caleb being a rough, brawny man was understandable.

Though he inwardly considered Braxton's proposition manipulative, Julian still responded with a cordial smile, saying, "I would be delighted to have Mr. Caleb learn from me, but I have a more suitable arrangement. You see, my missus operates a rather successful business in Brindley and would be well-equipped to take him under her wing. How does that sound?"

It was then that his phone suddenly rang—it was Alicia calling from Grandsburg.

He hesitated for a moment before finally answering the call. He then heard Alicia's frail voice coming from the other end of the line, saying, "I want to go back to Brindley, Julian."

Julian furrowed his brow and asked, "Is Grandsburg not to your liking? I'll make arrangements for the blood bank and kidney transplant."

Alicia sobbed softly, asking, "You don't want me to go back to Brindley, do you? Is it because you're worried about upsetting her? You're well aware that Catherine has passed away, and my parents are getting old, Julian. How can you leave me all alone here to spend my final days without my family by my side, knowing it will leave my parents with regret?"

"You're overthinking it, Alicia," Julian said flatly before hanging up.

"J-Julian…" Alicia stammered before her phone slid from her grasp. She was lost in thought for a moment before a faint smile graced her face, realizing that Julian no longer had any feelings for her. It turned out that he had fallen for Willow, the pawn he had personally handpicked.