The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 358

Julian laughed. "You're far too modest. It just makes it easier for people to underestimate you."

He paused. "But then again, maybe that's a good thing. Let them underestimate you—it gives you the perfect chance to see exactly who they really are."

Lavinia nodded, a bright smile on her face. "Consider it learned."

The alley leading to Lavinia's house was too narrow for the car, so Julian had to pull over at the curb.

Before she got out, Julian stopped her. "Lavinia, about the ceremony... Garnett wants to come. Do you want him there? If not, I'll tell him he's not welcome."

Lavinia hesitated for a moment.

Since the divorce, she hadn't seen Garnett, and frankly, she hadn't thought about him much at all.

She had entirely moved on from that chapter of her life.

She offered a relaxed smile. "It's fine, let him come. At the end of the day, Grandmother raised him, and she still cares about him. There's no need to force a wedge between them."

Julian smiled approvingly. "Alright. I'll send him the details. And I'll make sure to warn him to keep his mouth shut during the event."

He added softly, "You handle things with so much grace, Lavinia. I'm truly happy for Judith."

Lavinia watched Julian's car disappear down the road before turning into her courtyard.

The smell of a home-cooked meal drifted through the air, accompanied by the excited barks of a dog.

Charley had brought Nemo. Lavinia's heart swelled like a sail catching a perfect breeze.

She unlocked the door, and Nemo immediately trotted over, rising up on his hind legs to rest his huge paws against her.

She scratched the sweet spot behind the golden retriever's ears, and he let out a happy, rumbling whine.

Charley walked out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "Did you finalize the dress?"

"Pretty much." Lavinia still had a tiny sliver of doubt, feeling like the dress wasn't quite one hundred percent perfect, but it was close enough.

"Is the location set?"

Charley's eyes flickered, his lips pressing into a thin line. She watched his Adam's apple bob slightly.

Knowing she had him exactly where she wanted him, she leaned in another inch, her lips practically brushing his ear. "But Julian mentioned today that I need to mentally and physically cleanse myself before the temple visit. You do know what 'abstaining' means, right?"

Charley was silent for a long moment. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm taking Nemo home. Have a good night."

He turned to grab the leash, but Lavinia reached out, catching the edge of his shirt and gently pulling him back.

She looked up at him, her smile brimming with entirely too much meaning.

"You can stay with me," she murmured. "Just... don't do anything."

Charley stared down at her, then leaned in to press a soft kiss against her forehead.

"Then don't move around too much," he said, his voice completely hoarse.

She looped her arms around his neck, her gentle smile holding a hint of pure mischief. "I'll try my best."