The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 222

Ever since he used the investment and Janie Fisher's future to force her into signing the agreement at the club that day, Julian couldn't even be bothered to keep up appearances.

That Mr. Pierce who had offered her a glass of warm water and comforted her in a gentle tone when she was at her wit's end, the noble gentleman widely recognized in their circle as a breath of fresh air, was long gone.

He was even more impatient and unreasonable than Gideon.

The scene in the villa's study from last night involuntarily surfaced in her mind.

Gideon's long fingers had tapped on the screen, coldly ordering her to smooth out those sharp edges, citing the exact same reason—that Giselle had delicate skin and couldn't bear anything prickly.

Nora let out a cold laugh in her heart.

Gideon was indeed formidable at manipulating human nature. He had accurately predicted exactly what excuses Julian would use to reject this draft and the kind of fury it would provoke.

"What's wrong?"

Julian's voice rang out again, tinged with a hint of mockery, pulling Nora out of her brief reverie. He leaned back against his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on Nora's slightly pale face.

"Struck a nerve and have nothing to say? Or are you thinking about your little assistant again?"

Hearing Janie Fisher's name, Nora abruptly looked up, her red and swollen eyes desperately suppressing her anger. Hearing Janie's name come out of the mouth of the instigator was the greatest insult to that girl.

Julian watched her reaction, a flash of satisfaction crossing his eyes. He knew all too well where Nora's vulnerabilities lay, and he knew exactly what methods would force this inherently stubborn woman to yield.

"What do you want to hear, Mr. Pierce?"

Nora released her tightly clenched fists, forcing herself to meet Julian's malicious gaze.

Julian paused, his tone instantly turning bone-chilling. "If the final product fails to achieve that stunning effect, I will reconsider the investment plan for Lawrence Atelier."

"Professor Arthur Lawrence's life's work, along with the future of that little assistant of yours who was banished far away, are all in your hands. You'd better weigh the consequences carefully."

Nora listened quietly to his threats.

The capital injection she had exchanged for Janie's future and the lifeline of the entire studio could instantly become a guillotine hanging over her head in Julian's eyes.

Julian looked at Nora's restrained expression and walked back to sit behind his desk.

"Speaking of which, I'm actually a bit curious."