Chapter 276
Liam and Julian were by themselves in Dominic’s study.
In the study, the scent of pine from the candles drifted as Julian reverently lit a candle for Dominic.
Liam, who was standing nearby, suddenly said, “I need you to swear before your grandfather’s portrait that you have nothing to do with Alicia’s death. I’ll only believe you if you swear this before your grandfather.”
Julian lowered his gaze before a faint smile flickered across his face as he asked, “When did you begin to sympathize with someone like her, Dad?”
Liam’s gaze was piercing. He glared at Julian and replied, “You know I’ve never liked her, Julian. I’m only asking this for your own sake! I need to be certain that you had no part in this!”
Julian took a step back and looked up at the portrait of Dominic. He then murmured, “You’re overthinking this, Dad. I had nothing to do with Alicia’s death. In the past, I had made sure that no one would kill her, but now that I no longer do that, it’s no wonder that she’s dead. In a place full of lunatics like that, accidents happen all the time, after all.”
Liam scrutinized Julian, his look conveying a sense of both conviction and doubt. He then smiled faintly after a brief pause and said, “It’s a shame that someone with so much promise ended up like this.”
Julian stood beside the ornately carved window, where the orange–red light reflected off the glass as though it were alight. That bit of warmth touched his reflection, making his features appear even more refined and distinguished.
Liam, feeling reassured, said in a low, steady voice, “I called you here partly out of concern that you might be concealing something. Though you’re outstanding, and your grandfather has entrusted everything to you, you are first and foremost my son, Julian. Though I might seem useless, I always have your best interests at heart, Julian!
“It fills me with joy knowing that you’re getting along so well with Willow and that you have a son and a daughter, with another child joining our family in the fall. I sometimes even find myself talking to your grandfather, telling him that he had misjudged you and that you’re living a good life now.”
Julian was deeply moved by Liam’s remarks.
He was on the verge of speaking when the study door opened with a soft creak.
Melanie stood in the doorway and said softly, “Hey, Julian.
Julian smiled faintly and said, “Hey, Mom.”
Melanie’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a monetary gift. She then handed it to Julian and said, “Here’s one for this year. I won’t be giving you one from next year onward since you’ll be a father of three then.”
Liam was exasperated, thinking that Melanie was so utterly naïve and simple–minded. Thankfully, Julian wasn’t like her, and Landon and Gabriella hadn’t inherited that trait either; otherwise, it would have been a true misfortune for the Ziegler family.
Yet, despite the rage simmering within him, he reminded himself that she was still his wife and the mother of his child. Thus, he restrained himself and said with a sigh, “It’s probably something of great consequence.”
Upon seeing Liam’s expression, Melanie couldn’t help but feel a creeping sense of unease.
Having left the study, Julian made his way outside.
In the spacious courtyard, the children were playing with sparklers. Those children of the household staff on duty at the residence had also been brought over to play, joining Landon and Gabriella. Their faces were flushed with delight.
Willow stood beneath the oak tree as her gentle countenance bathed in a soft, reddish–orange light. She had a shawl draped around her shoulders with her long black hair hanging loosely at the back. She looked completely tranquil at the moment as she watched the children at play.
Julian walked over to her and stood beside her, watching the children with her. He would turn to Willow from time to time, feeling a poignant sense of sorrow mingled with a deep feeling of contentment.
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