Ditched the Cheater, Pregnant by Mr. Righ novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173 Off Limits

Finished

He carried himself like someone nothing could rattle, steady, polished, completely in control.

From Quinn’s point of view, his face didn’t give away a thing.

Only Julian knew better. The fingers resting on his laptop shifted just slightly, a tiny movement that gave him away.

“If you really want to call me that, I won’t stop you,” Julian said, forcing his eyes away from her lips. “But from now on, ‘Mr. Sterling‘ only applies to me.”

Quinn didn’t see the point.

Maybe this was just one of those rich–people quirks she’d never understand.

She had zero interest in digging into something this pointless.

And honestly, “Mr. Sterling” was just a form of address. It wasn’t like she was filing a trademark. Worst case, she would just avoid saying it altogether.

She nodded. “Alright. Anything else, Mr. Sterling?”

“Let’s go back to what you said earlier,” Julian said. “About not liking me.”

“Mr. Sterling…”

“I’m asking you this,” he said, cutting her off. “If you ignore my background, my family, everything tied to my name, do you still not like me?”

“I can’t ignore those things.”

Julian’s brows pulled together.

Quinn lowered her gaze. “Julian, this isn’t getting us anywhere. Let’s not waste time on it. Can we go back to the clothes? If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out.”

“Designers usually care about what they make, right?” Julian said. “If you don’t like me, does that carry over into your work?”

“No.” Quinn said. “You can trust me to be professional.”

“Then what would it take for you to not dislike me?” Julian’s voice softened, lower now. “Tell me, okay?”

His voice was smooth, almost too easy to listen to.

Calm, patient, disarming.

Quinn felt a faint heat creep up her ears.

The way he was looking at her felt different, like all the distance he usually kept was gone, replaced with something warm and focused.

12:15 pm Ppp.

Chapter 1:3 Off Limits

Finished

What is he doing?

Why does this feel like he’s pulling me in on purpose…

No, that didn’t sound right.

But this version of Julian felt unfamiliar. She had never seen a man like this before.

Men liked beautiful women. Women were no different.

Julian had a face people noticed instantly. Even Lucy had joked he looked perfect from every angle, like there wasn’t a single bad shot of him.

No actor, no model could really compete.

And now that same man was sitting across from her, speaking softly, looking at her like she mattered.

It reminded Quinn of those stories where powerful men lost everything over someone they couldn’t resist.

It wasn’t just women who could turn lives upside down. A man like Julian could do the same.

If he wanted something, he would probably get it. Just like now.

She knew she should say she didn’t like him. But the words wouldn’t come out.

This is bad… I’m losing control of this conversation.

Her throat went dry, her thoughts scattered.

She reached for her coffee and took a long sip. Luckily, it had cooled down.

The bitterness grounded her, pulling her back.

“Julian, don’t do this,” Quinn said, her voice tight. “I’m just a regular person. I’m not in your world, and I’m not playing games with you. If you’re bored, find someone else.”

“I’m bored?” Julian let out a short laugh, clearly annoyed. “You think I’m messing around with you? Quinn, do I look like I have nothing better to do?”

“If this isn’t a game,” she said, “then what is it?”

*1…”

For once, Julian didn’t have an answer ready. What was he supposed to say?

That he couldn’t stop thinking about her? That he was drawn to her in a way he couldn’t explain? That out of everyone, he only wanted her?

None of that could be said.

Not now.

12:15 pm

ppp.

Chapter 123 Off Limits

She wasn’t divorced yet.

If he said nothing, then what she called it was all that remained.

A game.

Finished

“It’s nothing like that,” Julian said finally. “You’re Lucy’s friend, and you’re working with me. It makes sense for us to get along. If you don’t like me, it affects everything. If I can change that, things would be easier. That’s all.”

“Do you treat all of Lucy’s friends like this?”

“Honestly? You’re the only one I know.”

Quinn bit her lip, then finally asked what had been bothering her all along.

“Julian… is this because of what happened before? Because we… crossed a line? Is that why you’re interested in me?”

508

12:15 pm Ppp.