After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195 Lines Drawn

Selena’s expression Ackered, the shift so quick most people might have missed it, but the tightness in he smile gave her away. She was holding it together by force, swallowing down whatever frustration was risin

underneath.

Keith and Grace exchanged an uneasy glance. The situation was awkward, and they knew it. Julian was no longer family, not legally, not anymore, and staying in his place indefinitely was no longer something they could justify.

Ethan broke the silence with a quiet, measured tone. “Julian, we appreciate everything you’ve done for us these past six months. We’ll start looking for a place and move out soon.”

Grace didn’t respond right away. Instead, she turned toward Selera, her eyes lighting up with expectation that wasn’t even subtle.

Selena felt it instantly, the pressure closing in from all sides. She had spent years crafting the image of a devoted daughter, and there was no backing out now, not without tearing that image apart. She forced a smile, though it looked more strained by the second. “Mom, Dad… you and Ethan can stay with me.”

上

Relief flooded Grace’s face as she stepped forward and pulled Selena into a tight hug. “That’s my girl. I knew I could cou

Off to the

Selena

to lo

er head slightly, her gaze drifting over the two of them before settling briefly on tance, the barely concealed disgust in her eyes, it was all there if you knew where at this, not even a little.

something in Iris’s chest. It wasn’t satisfaction exactly, but it steadied her.

om and Dad to you,” Iris said evenly, her tone calm, almost casual.

pulled herself out of Grace’s embrace, her jaw tight enough to betray how hard she was er teeth, yet her voice stayed bright and composed. “Of course. I’ll take care of them.”

hed into her bag and pulled out a couple hundred dollars in cash, holding it out to Grace. Get mething decent to eat, something healthy.”

ce didn’t even try to hide her disappointment. She glanced at the money, then own. “That’s it? What is this supposed to do?”

The air shifted.

back

at Iris with a

Iris’s expression cooled instantly, something sharp settling behind her eyes, but before she could respond, Julian stepped in. He reached out, took the cash from her hand, and spoke in an easy, almost offhand tone that carried more weight than it seemed.

“Selena pulls in seven figures a year between films and endorsements. This won’t even register,” he said. shipping the money back into Iris’s bag without looking at Grace. “Keep it. Use it for your own expenses,

Grace and Keith ti something far

* at once, their expressions changing, interest sharpening into