Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 92

Shit.

If it was James or Elias, this entire plan was dead.

But as the figure stepped into the sliver of golden light spilling from the hallway—

Julian’s breath caught.

It was his mother.

Vanessa stood barefoot, silk robe tied loose over a nightgown, a half-full glass of wine in one hand. Her eyes shimmered with too much knowing.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then she stepped forward, placed a gentle hand on Julian’s chest, and said with a wry smile, “James says I drink too much… maybe he’s right.”

Her fingers lingered for just a moment longer—soft, warm, forgiving—then drifted to his cheek in a tender caress. “Because I know I shouldn’t be seeing you two right now.”

She winked.

And without another word, she turned and padded up the stairs.

Julian watched her disappear into the shadows.

Then he exhaled, a bittersweet smile tugging at his mouth.

“She always did know everything,” he murmured.

They stepped out into the stillness of early dawn, the cold biting at their skin as they made their way to Jace’s car parked just beyond the packhouse steps.

No words passed between them.

Not yet.

Jace unlocked the doors with a quiet chirp and slid into the driver’s seat. Julian moved around to the passenger side and got in, the silence inside the car heavy with anticipation.

Just as Jace reached to toss a briefcase into the backseat, Julian’s brow furrowed.

“What’s that?” he asked, nodding toward the case.

Jace paused mid-throw, glanced at him, then brought it back into his lap. With a flick of the latches, he opened it.

Julian blinked.

Stacks of cash. Neatly bundled. An entire briefcase full.

“The hell, Jace?” Surprise seeping from Julian’s tone. “Why do you have a briefcase full of cash?”

Jace gave him a side eye. “For emergencies, of course.”

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