Chapter 278
Nancy’s lips trembled slightly as she was overcome with shame and fury, bringing with them the uncomfortable sensation of being utterly exposed.
Julian made no move to hand over the check. His countenance was how utterly devoid of emotion as he said, “If life holds no appeal for you, I can offer you several alternative means of death. You are welcome to consider which might provide a slightly more agreeable end.”
Upon hearing that, Nancy shook like a leaf. Though she put on a strong front, she was nothing but a coward. Alicia was the only genuinely ruthless member of the Burke family.
Having witnessed Alicia endure a living nightmare for the past few years, Nancy and Charlie had been too afraid to speak up. She had only threatened to kill herself to extort money from the Ziegler family, but Julian somehow managed to see right through her intentions with ease.
Nancy was about to turn to leave when Julian suddenly added, “You and your husband are to leave Brindley–and never come back.”
He then took out a legal document from his pocket, which proved that the Burke family still owed him over 60 million dollars. If Nancy were forced to repay the debt, it would have been tantamount to ending her life.
Having left the scene, neither Nancy nor Charlie showed up again. It seemed like they had finally realized that it was only through the neglect of such selfish parents that Alicia turned out the way she did.
Melanie, standing on the second floor, watched Nancy’s retreating figure. She breathed a sigh of relief, turned, and walked into the drawing room, only to be met by the sight of Willow sitting on the couch.
She was momentarily stunned. Then, noticing that they were alone, she humbled herself and pleaded with Willow, “Please don’t blame Julian, Willow. He had no desire to meet with the Burkes either. It was due to a death in the Burke family that they deliberately sought him out to cause trouble. You can rest assured that Julian has already taken care of everything.”
Willow replied calmly, “I only came here to get some tea.”
Melanie, looking a little flustered, tucked her hair behind her ear, her discomfort plain to see.
Julian happened to go upstairs at that moment, easing the awkwardness. Melanie hurriedly excused herself, saying, “You two can have a chat. I’ll go back for a quick nap.”
In the end, Julian and Willow were the only ones left in the drawing room.
Julian looked at Willow and murmured, “I won’t let anyone ever hurt you or the children again.”
It was lunchtime, and Timothy treated Willow and the others with great hospitality, serving steaming hot dishes and wine.
Julian indulged in a couple more drinks than usual, causing a light blush to spread across his handsome features. His eyes held a tender and loving gaze as he looked toward Willow, Landon, and Gabriella.
It was quite lively and bustling, with the sound of the fireworks going off outside.
Then, the chef presented a whole fish dish, accompanied by auspicious greetings for the New Year, which prompted Heather to present him with a significant celebratory money packet.
Julian smiled faintly, thinking that he had relentlessly sought power and status back in his younger days and dismissed the simple joys of life. Yet, at this moment, Julian found himself hoping to hold on to it–even if only for one more year!
In the midst of the merriment, Julian murmured to Willow, “I’ve prepared something for you tonight.”
Upon hearing that, Willow surmised that it was something of importance since she had hardly ever seen Julian this solemn.
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