The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 189

Julian stood up from behind his desk. He looked at Nora's swaying figure, a flash of coldness hidden deep in his eyes, yet he maintained his expression of concern as he took a step forward. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"Don't come any closer."

Nora's voice pitched up sharply.

Julian stopped in his tracks, raising an eyebrow in innocent surprise.

"Radiance..."

Nora tugged at the corner of her lips.

"The brilliant light of the sun and moon. Like a radiant blossom. Julian, your devotion to Giselle is truly touching."

Hearing her directly state Giselle's name, the smile on Julian's face finally faded a fraction.

That meticulously crafted mask of gentleness finally cracked, radiating the predatory aura of a man at the top of the food chain.

He didn't deny it.

"Since you've accepted the shadow guarantee from the Pierce Group, Designer Xavier, you should display the corresponding professional attitude."

Julian stood up tall, straightening the hem of his suit jacket. "I don't wish to see anything less than a perfect final product before Giselle's birthday gala. As for the matter with that assistant, you handled it exceptionally well."

He admitted it.

He unabashedly admitted his obsession with Giselle.

He maintained a high-and-mighty posture, casually evaluating the destruction of Janie's life. He was satisfied that Nora had personally pushed her own junior to a dead end. He was satisfied with this bloodless revenge.

Nora's gaze slowly focused on the photo of the pink diamond on the coffee table.

The vibrant pink looked so blindingly harsh as it caught the light.

Behind those gold-rimmed glasses, Julian's eyes still held that warm smile, radiating the absolute composure of a man holding all the winning cards.

If she refused now, the Pierce Group's funds would be withdrawn immediately. The Hayes Group's blacklist would still hang over their heads like a mountain. The atelier would go bankrupt in days, facing astronomical breach-of-contract penalties.

Janie had already left the city. That young girl, covered in bruises and harboring endless resentment, had boarded a train back to her hometown completely alone.

If the partnership ended here, the hundred slaps Janie endured, the entire career she sacrificed—it would all turn into a completely pointless joke.

Janie's departure would become worthless, and the heavy price she paid could never be undone.

She had no way out.

She had sacrificed Janie with her own two hands to secure these funds. If she broke the contract now, Janie's departure would be a sacrifice for nothing, and Arthur's life's work would still be destroyed.

Julian had calculated her weaknesses with absolute precision. He had backed her to the edge of a cliff, handed her a knife, and forced her to viciously carve out her own heart.