Julian strolled out of the Main Hall, his hands shoved casually into his pockets. "What's the rush? Did a pack of wolves chase you all the way here?"
Heath patted his chest, still breathing heavily. "Not wolves. It was Miss Lexton. Julian, I was terrified she might see what I'm holding and get the wrong idea, so..."
Julian froze for a second, rubbing the back of his ear as a flicker of embarrassment crossed his face.
After returning from Northwing Court last night, he had specifically tasked Heath with procuring some 'study materials.' He hadn't expected such a close call.
Julian cleared his throat, suddenly looking a bit stiff. "What exactly did you get? Let me see."
Heath stepped forward, holding out a stack of magazines with an air of absolute secrecy. "Don't worry, I did my research. This is the top-tier stuff right now. Word on the street is, money can't even buy these."
"Is that so?" Julian eyed the stack with skepticism and casually picked one off the top.
*Cartoon Mashup Mayhem*. Julian's brow twitched.
Heath scrambled to explain. "It's just a decoy cover! The contrast makes it better! The real treasure is inside."
Julian flipped the cover open, and his eyes immediately widened in horror.
Heath leaned in, vibrating with anticipation. "What do you think? I told you, it's the absolute best of the—"
Before he could finish his sentence, the magazine smacked right into his face. It fluttered to the ground, landing open on a page so explicit it belonged in the darkest corners of the internet.
Julian grabbed Heath by the collar of his shirt, his jaw ticking dangerously. "Heath. Tell me right now. Who sent you here to sabotage me? Confess, and I might just let you live."
The color drained from Heath's face. He raised his hands in surrender. "Julian, I swear my loyalty to you is absolute! I spent hours tracking these down. I practically had to beg for them!"
Seeing the murderous glint in Julian's eyes, Heath suddenly realized his mistake. "Is it not your type? Just tell me what you're into! I'll have them shoot a custom video just for you, I promise—"
"Shut up!" Julian shoved Heath away. "Drop the whole thing. I don't need your help anymore."
One minute later, Julian's phone rang.
He was currently sprawled on the couch, blasting classical music to cleanse his mind. He initially wanted to ignore the call, but seeing his grandmother's name flashing on the screen, he quickly muted the speakers and picked it up.
"Grandma."
"Julian, dear, it's been so long since you visited. Why don't you come over and have dinner with me tonight?"
Julian's gaze flickered. He walked over to the balcony and looked down. In the front yard, Heath was currently squatting on the grass, frantically gathering up the trash he had dropped.
He thought for a second, then nodded. "Alright. I'll head over later."
...

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