His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex Wife novel Chapter 368

Chapter 368 Poisonous Encounters

Julian frowned in annoyance and brushed Mason’s hand away. “We’re leaving.”

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“Aw, come on–don’t be like that,” Mason said, slinging an arm back over Julian’s shoulder. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. Whatever it is, can it really be bad enough to cut ties completely?”

Julian let out a cold, humorless laugh. “How bad? How about Lily wanting me to kill my own daughter?”

Mason’s jaw went slack. He stared, speechless for a moment.

“Every bit of trouble between Iris and me after we got married–Lily was behind it,” Julian said, his voice tight with bitterness. “The suicide threats, getting my father involved, sending Arthur to set us up… all of it. I want her gone for what she did. So you tell me–how bad is that?”

Mason’s easygoing demeanor vanished. “God, Julian… I had no idea. I’m sorry.”

Julian gave his shoulder a brief pat, then walked over to where Iris stood. He took her hand gently. “Let’s go, Iris.”

Haley hurried over, looking anxious. “But dinner’s about to be served! Can’t you stay a little longer?”

Just as she spoke, the private dining room door swung open.

Lily walked in, arm in arm with her husband Arthur, a bright social smile on her face. “Long time no see, everyone!”

The room filled with warm greetings as old friends stood to welcome them.

Then Lily’s gaze landed on Julian and Iris. Her smile stiffened, freezing in place.

The easy atmosphere in the room chilled the moment Lily and Arthur appeared.

Iris felt Julian’s fingers tighten around hers. She glanced up and saw his jaw clenched, a cold flash in his eyes.

So that’s why he wanted to leave. She realized. Lily and Arthur were invited.

“Well, look who’s here–Julian and Iris,” Lily said smoothly, heels clicking as she approached on Arthur’s arm. Her red lips curved into a deliberate, polished smile. “What a surprise.”

Arthur stood beside her in a tailored suit, every inch the corporate type, but his eyes roamed over Iris in a way that felt intrusive and disrespectful. “Ms. Whitlow–oh, excuse me, it’s just Ms.

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Chapter 368 Poisonous Encounters

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Whitmore now, isn’t it? My, how things change. And might I say, you’re looking quite… elevated these days.”

Iris felt her chest tighten. Just seeing them was enough to ruin her evening.

Mason jumped in, trying to lighten the mood. “Now that everyone’s here, why don’t we sit? It’s not often we all get together like this.”

With Haley pleading and the group watching, Iris felt awkward making a scene.

Julian led her to seats as far from Lily and Arthur as possible.

Once they were seated, he held her chair, leaning close to whisper, “Say the word and we’re out of here.”

Iris shook her head softly and offered a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, really.”

The dinner progressed, and after a few rounds of drinks, the conversation grew louder and more relaxed.

Suddenly, Lily raised her wine glass, her voice carrying above the chatter. “How about a toast to Iris? From a small–town girl to a Whitmore heiress and a leading pharmaceutical researcher— what a journey! Honestly, it’s like something out of a movie.”

The table fell quiet. Some of the wives exchanged glances. Mason’s expression turned grim.

“Lily,” Haley said under her breath, trying to hush her.

But Arthur chuckled and joined in. “It really is an inspiring story. Though, you know…” He swirled his glass, his tone laced with implication. “No matter how much you polish something up, what’s underneath doesn’t really change, does it?”

Iris almost rolled her eyes. What was “underneath,” in her case, was resilience, self–respect, and strength–nothing she felt the need to change or hide.

She didn’t dignify the jab with a response.

But Julian had heard enough. His gaze turned icy, his voice sharp and clear. “Who she is has nothing to do with either of you. A man who climbed the ladder by clinging to his wife’s coattails should think twice before running his mouth.”

Arthur’s face flushed bright red. “Julian, you-”

Julian took a slow sip of water, not breaking eye contact. “You’re not even fit to scrape the dirt off her shoes.”

Lily and Arthur looked as if they’d been slapped. They sat rigid, fists tight, clearly seething.

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Chapter 368 Poisonous Encounters

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Around the table, a few guests masked smiles, their low opinion of Arthur now openly confirmed.

Julian stood, his chair scraping back. “Everyone, please excuse us. We have things to take care of at home.”

With that, he took Iris‘ hand and they walked out.

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