The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 181

Liam raised an eyebrow. "She's really trying to ruin Adrian, huh? But then again, the bastard deserves it. Not only did he fail to realize what a catch she is, but he actually had the nerve to cheat."

Julian rubbed his tired eyes. "Did you just come from there?"

"Yeah, just saw her."

"How is she doing?"

Liam rattled the soda can in his hand. "Not bad. She's got color in her cheeks, plenty of energy, just a bit bored. She's just like you—spending her time analyzing code."

"I just realized the two of you actually have a lot in common."

"Stubborn, resilient, refusing to give up once you've set your mind on something. Aloof, cold to the world, but fiercely loyal to the people you care about."

Julian smiled faintly. "Maybe that's why we work well together."

"Honestly, if you're worried about her, you should just go see her," Liam pointed out.

Julian recalled hiding in her kitchen yesterday and found it almost comical. "It's not a good time."

"What's the big deal? Look at me, I come and go as I please. I don't care about all those complicated optics."

Julian just smiled and didn't reply.

"I found out Caleb Preston might be involved in a massive smuggling ring," Liam shifted the topic. "If we keep digging, this goes way beyond simple tax evasion. He'd likely spend the rest of his life behind bars."

"Hold off on that for now," Julian said.

Liam frowned in confusion. "If it's just tax evasion, as long as he plays nice and pays what he owes, he'll probably avoid prison time entirely. Isn't that letting him off too easy? Why not just crush him now and be done with it?"

Julian's gaze sharpened with calculation. "The Preston Corporation can't fall yet."

That evening, Julian arrived at his family's grand estate.

The housekeeper respectfully took his coat and lowered her voice to warn him. "Sir, your father is in a terrible mood. Please be careful with your words when you go in."

Julian gave a slight nod and knocked on the study door.

The room, filled with the scent of aged paper and ink, felt cold. Jonathan Vance was focused on his calligraphy, not looking up.

"Do you know why I called you back here?"

"I do," Julian replied.

Jonathan didn't say anything else until he finished the last two strokes of his piece. Julian stood quietly to the side, looking like a student waiting for a reprimand.

Jonathan set down his brush and moved over to the tea table. "Come here. Get me a cup of tea."