Leaving You Bereft (Willow and Julian) novel Chapter 81

That slap left Catherine’s ears ringing.

She covered her face and stared at Dominic in disbelief. She murmured, “How is this possible? Willow can’t have children anymore. She’s lost

her worth.”

The atmosphere was tense, but not as grim as Dominic’s expression.

He let out a chilling laugh. “Who told you that Willow’s worth is defined entirely by her ability to bear children?”

Everyone was shocked.

In the past, Dominic had been the most vocal about wanting grandchildren.

Catherine refused to accept this.

She had come in thin clothes during the New Year, not for this outcome. She thought Dominic didn’t believe her words.

She produced a piece of paper and handed it to Dominic, eagerly explaining, “I found this in Julian’s coat pocket.

“If you don’t believe me, ask Julian. Ask him if it’s true.”

Julian walked forward and snatched the paper from Catherine’s hand. Without hesitation, he tore it apart.

He replied calmly, “It’s not true.”

At that moment, Julian was conflicted.

He tore up the paper not for the shares, but for Willow. He didn’t want his wife to be humiliated in public. Whether or not they had children was a private matter between them.

Catherine screamed, “Julian, why are you defending her?”

His gaze turned ice cold.

He turned around and ordered Sebastian, the butler, in an indifferent tone. “Tie her up and send her back to Charlie and his wife.

“From now on, don’t just let anyone into the residence.”

Sebastian quickly apologized for his negligence.

With a wave of his hand, someone covered Catherine’s mouth and took her away.

Her bare feet scraped against the ground, leaving behind faint streaks of blood. It was an unsettling sight.

julian stood beneath the oak tree, expressionless.

Dominic let out a sigh. “That’s enough. Everyone, go back inside and get some rest.”

Suddenly, a sharp voice sounded in a harsh tone. “That’s it? You’re going to just let go of the fact that Willow hid her infertility for four years? You’re going to let her off so easily?”

Dominic saw it was Melanie speaking.

Melanie never liked Willow, so she seized the opportunity to attack her.

“Mr. Ziegler Senior, in the Ziegler family, women who couldn’t have children would be divorced, no matter how capable she was. What do you say?”

Dominic chuckled. “Do you believe the words of a lunatic?”

Karen interjected, “Whether it’s true or not, we’ll know after a hospital check–up. By then, I hope you two don’t cover up for her.

Willow stepped forward.

She walked toward Julian and whispered, “You don’t have to hide this for me. I don’t need your sympathy.”

Her gaze swept across the Ziegler family members.

She raised her voice and said confidently, “Yes, I, Willow Harper, can’t have children!

“Four years ago, I shielded Julian and was kicked in the stomach, losing my ability to become a mother.

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Chapter 81

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“Did I do anything wrong? No. Do I regret it? No.

Julian’s marriage was in a mess, but Dominic needed to protect his family.

Liam poured his father a cup of tea carefully.

Dominic scoffed and scolded him.

“Your mediocrity is one thing, but how did you marry such an idiot? Not only is she useless normally, but she’s always causing trouble in the family.

“She’s absolutely useless!”

Liam stood before the desk, nodding along his words. He even praised Willow.

Dominic let out a sigh.

“Julian has an eye for picking her as his wife. She has sacrificed too much for him. She may be fierce, but she truly loves him.”

The flickering light of the lamp cast shifting shadows across the room.

Dominic stared at it for a long time, until his eyes were sore.

He said softly, “Liam, we’re a family of honor and tradition. I won’t bother talking to Tyler about this.

“Willow turned out like this because of Julian. I can never make it up to her. I hope both you and Tyler don’t hate me for this.

“Initially, I set my 10% in shares aside for you two. But now, I’ve decided to pass it to Willow.”

Liam was visibly shocked.

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Chapter 81

He wasn’t greedy, but he simply didn’t expect Dominic to make such a decision.

He just stared at Dominic in silence.

Dominic knew his confusion, and sighed. “Julian loves her.”