The Hockey Roommate's Filthy Desire novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

JULIAN’S POV

I had just finished bathing when my phone started ringing from the counter.

Water still dripped down my chest as I grabbed the towel around my waist and walked toward it, already annoyed by the interruption. The moment I saw the caller ID, my irritation doubled.

Father.

I stared at the screen for a second, contemplating whether or not to ignore it. But then it rang again almost immediately, persistent as ever.

With a groan, I answered. “What?”

His cold voice came through the speaker without greeting. “Meet me at the office in thirty minutes.”

I frowned instantly. “No.”

There was a pause before he spoke again, calmer this time, which somehow made it worse. “That was not a request, Julian.”

I rolled my eyes. “Then I guess it’s unfortunate because I’m not interested.”

“Come willingly,” he said flatly, “or I will make your week difficult.”

My jaw clenched. There it was. The threat. He always knew exactly how to get under my skin.

“You’re unbelievable,” I muttered.

“And yet, you’ll still be here in thirty minutes,” he replied before hanging up.

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I stared at the phone in irritation before tossing it onto the bed. I hated when he pulled that controlling shit, hated how he thought everything in my life could be dictated by his power.

But knowing him, if I didn’t go, he would escalate. So, with a frustrated sigh, I got dressed and headed out.

The Vance headquarters towered over the city like it always did, cold and untouchable, just like the man who built it. By the time I stepped into the private elevator leading to the executive floor, my mood had already soured beyond repair.

When I entered his office, he was seated behind his desk, looking every bit the ruthless businessman the world feared.

He didn’t even bother greeting me. “Sit.”

I scoffed but obeyed anyway, dropping lazily into the chair opposite him. “You dragged me all the way here. This better be important.”

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Chapter 71

He folded his hands on the desk and studied me for a moment. “You graduated weeks ago.”

I frowned. “And?”

“And it is time for you to start behaving like the heir to this family instead of a reckless child.”

I nearly laughed. “Is that what this is about?”

“It’s about your future,” he corrected sharply. “And the future of this company.”

I leaned back in my chair, already bored. “Go on.”

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He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve before continuing. “It is time for you to settle down and start preparing to take over the company. You need to begin shadowing me, attending meetings, taking on responsibilities and understanding what it means to be chairman.”

I blinked slowly. “You called me here for that?”

“No,” he said. “That’s only part of it.”

My brows furrowed slightly. He slid a file across the desk.

“The shareholders are interested in the Vale acquisition.”

My gaze dropped to the folder instantly. The Vake acquisition. The very project that was tied to Aria’s late father.

I stiffened.

“It will be one of the biggest moves this company has made in years,” he continued. “But investors have concerns.”

I folded my arms. “What concerns?”

He looked me dead in the eye. “You.”

I stared.

“They don’t take you seriously, Julian. They see a spoiled young man living recklessly and bedding women. They do not see a leader. They do not see a man prepared for responsibility.”

My jaw tightened. “And if this acquisition is to succeed,” he added, “they need reassurance.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What kind of reassurance?”

His answer came immediately.

“You need a wife.”

I stared at him for a second before letting out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re joking.”

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Chapter 71

“I am not.”

“You seriously think marriage is going to make investors trust me?”

“It will make them view you as stable, mature and responsible.”

I shook my head, laughing bitterly. “Absolutely not.”

His expression hardened. “You need to grow up, Julian.”

“And you need therapy,” I muttered.

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“Marriage is no longer optional at your level,” he snapped. “You need to think bigger than childish feelings.”

My amusement disappeared instantly. “I’m not marrying anyone.”

His eyes narrowed. “Why?”

I looked away briefly before answering honestly. “Because the only person who ever made marriage seem worth it is gone.”

Silence filled the room.

He studied me carefully. “That girl?”

I clenched my jaw,

“Yes.”

His face darkened in clear disapproval. “That was not love.”

My gaze snapped back to him. “Don’t.”

He ignored me completely. “If she loved you, she would still be here.”

“You don’t know what happened.”

“I know enough,” he replied coldly. “She left because she got what she wanted.”

Anger surged through me. “That’s not true.”

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He scoffed. “Then where is she? If she loved you so much, why hasn’t she returned? Why hasn’t she begged for forgiveness? Why hasn’t she fought for you?”

Because I wouldn’t let her. Because I pushed her away too. But I didn’t say that. Instead, I glared. “You know nothing about her.”

His lips curled slightly. “I know girls like her.”

I stiffened.

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Chapter 71

72

“There comes a level of wealth a man attains where genuine love becomes nearly impossible,” he said coolly. “Women do not love men like us, Julian. They love what we can provide.”

I stared at him in disbelief as he continued.

“They love money, status, and comfort. That girl was no different. Just like every other gold digger who pretends affection until a better opportunity comes along.”

My blood boiled.

“So instead,” he added, “you marry someone useful. Someone who elevates your social standing. Someone who benefits the family.”

A humorless laugh escaped me. “And that philosophy is exactly why you and mother can barely stand each other.”

His expression darkened.

“That’s enough.”

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