Scarlett sat quietly across from him, delivering the most devastating words in the calmest of tones.
Her sleek short hair highlighted her delicate, heart-shaped face, with the ends flipping up slightly at her jawline, giving her an air of rebellious spirit.
Her slender, slightly arched eyebrows carried a hint of defiance, complementing her mesmerizing, cat-like eyes. Her dark pupils were bright and clear, and her straight nose enhanced her refined features. Her most captivating feature, however, was her lips. The distinct cupid's bow gave off a natural coldness when she wasn't smiling, but the slightest upward curve revealed a playful, cunning charm.
With her luminous skin, she looked like an exquisitely crafted porcelain doll—seemingly fragile, but harboring astonishing resilience inside. Sitting there quietly, her fierce pride hidden beneath her calm demeanor, she gave off a sense of vulnerability that made one want to protect her.
Julian's fingers paused imperceptibly on his coffee cup.
He hadn't expected this doll-like woman to speak with such a burning, bridge-burning resolve.
He instinctively set down his cup and leaned forward slightly, his gaze locked intensely onto her.
"Scarlett, I underestimated you."
His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice carrying a hint of huskiness and admiration. "But what makes you think I'd target you just to protect my wife?"
Scarlett looked up, surprise flashing in her cat-like eyes. "You wouldn't? Your wife said you answer to her every beck and call."
A faint smile touched Julian's lips. "If there really is something going on between her and Yardley, then in a way, we're both victims here, aren't we?"
Scarlett stared at him in astonishment. "Are you saying you want to form an alliance with me?"
But Julian shook his head.
"I won't condemn my wife based solely on two unverified audio recordings, nor will I discard my long-time friend's character just because of a few words from you."
The light in Scarlett's eyes dimmed, and she let out a cold scoff.
"Then what was the point of looking for me today? I don't understand."
Julian shifted the topic, a complex emotion swimming in his gentle eyes.
"I've never liked assuming the worst about people, but I refuse to be a fool kept in the dark. I sought you out because I want to know the truth too."
He lowered his eyes and let out a soft sigh.
"When my wife and I got married, she told me herself that she had fallen in love with me at first sight, had admired me for years, and wanted to spend the rest of her life with me."
Scarlett picked up on his underlying meaning and ventured a guess.
"That was the foundation of your marriage? But if what she said was a lie, and the person she truly loves is my husband, would that leave you feeling deeply hurt?"
Julian looked up, his gaze steady on Scarlett.

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