A Ruinous Night novel Chapter 4

"Yeah," Julian replied firmly. "Listen to me, Stella. You are dating me. As long as I want you, that's all that matters. I don't need anyone else's permission."

Julian's parents had died when he was just a kid. Since his grandparents favored Lucian, Julian was sent away to live with his maternal grandmother. The Lockwoods completely ignored him, only bringing him back for a few days during the holidays.-

The truth was, his life at his grandmother's wasn't much better.

Because of that, Julian always proudly called himself a wild kid. But being a wild kid had its perks—no overbearing elders breathing down his neck.

I stared at the blank document on my monitor and smiled.

"Happy birthday, by the way."

"I booked a nice restaurant for tonight," Julian said, his voice softening. "I invited some old friends. Dress up a little."

I already knew. I had found the receipt for an engagement ring in his coat pocket.

There was a massive chance he was going to propose tonight.

"I will," I promised.

After hanging up, I double-checked my proposal, hit print, and carried the physical documents to my boss's office.

Mr. Landon scanned through my marketing strategy.

"Do you know a Lucian Lockwood from Southglade Hospital?"

My mind completely flatlined.

Why would he ask me that?

Mr. Landon continued, oblivious to my panic. "If we can get him to be the spokesperson for our new toothpaste line, sales will skyrocket."

I let out a shaky breath of relief.

Last year, a video of Lucian kneeling in a subway station to save a passed-out elderly man had gone viral. Because of his striking profile, the internet quickly dug up his identity as the heir to the Lockwood Group, turning him into an overnight sensation.

But he refused all interviews and banned the media from using his image, so the hype eventually died down.

I gathered my thoughts. "Dr. Lockwood has phenomenal public credibility, making him a great candidate. But he's the heir to the Lockwood Group. Our standard endorsement fee would be pocket change to him. Plus, he actively avoids the press and hates the public eye. I honestly don't think he'd take the deal."

My phone suddenly buzzed, shattering the tension.

I hurriedly apologized and stepped out of the office to answer it.

It was Mrs. Lockwood.

"Why did you come back?"

I slipped into the deserted stairwell, keeping my voice perfectly level. "I have a boyfriend now. I have absolutely no desire to involve myself with your family again, so please, leave me alone."

Mrs. Lockwood let out a sharp laugh. "That would be for the best."

She paused, her tone turning sickeningly sweet. "When you go in for your pre-marital checkup, I can pull some strings at the hospital. I can make sure your medical records state you've never had an abortion."

My knuckles turned white as I gripped the phone.

"I don't need your help."

"Don't kid yourself into thinking men don't care about these things," Mrs. Lockwood chided. "If you're going to hide a dirty secret, you need to bury it deep. I'd hate for any nasty rumors to leak and ruin your big day."