The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 61

Julian barely hesitated. "Yes."

He expected her to be angry, but instead, she laughed.

"I'm glad you didn't lie to me. The truth is, I've always known you don't love me."

In the car, Julian's brow furrowed, his emotions suppressed.

Ethan watched Julian's expression in the rearview mirror, feeling an inexplicable pang of sympathy.

Though he'd been by his side for years and seemed to know him well, it felt like he didn't know him at all.

Sometimes, he had no idea what was going on in his boss's mind.

He would often sit alone for long stretches of time, looking lonely and desolate.

"It just so happens that I don't love you, either," Hailey said with a calm smile. "But we're still engaged, and I have no intention of pursuing another relationship. So, Julian, why don't we give it a real try? Maybe we can fall in love with each other."

The call ended, and a shadow of worry settled over Julian's features.

When Jocelyn returned to Oakhaven Estates, the house was unnervingly quiet.

Maria ran over to her. "Jocelyn, where have you been? Something's happened."

Jocelyn didn't even flinch. "What is it?"

Maria said, "Leo is at the hospital."

Jocelyn froze.

Was the little guy actually sick? Was this not just another one of Audrey's manipulative games?

Jocelyn went to her room to change into something more comfortable. When she came out, she ran right into the group of them returning from the hospital.

And it was a whole group.

The entire Lowell family had mobilized.

Without a word of explanation, Michelle stormed over and pointed a finger in Jocelyn's face.

"How could you be so heartless! Leo was sick, and you were still dragging Adrian away to handle some property transfer! You are the most selfish, vicious woman I have ever met!"

Jocelyn glanced at Audrey.

Eleanor snapped, "What do you think? Why didn't you let Adrian come back immediately?"

Jocelyn turned to Adrian.

"I want to know what you told them."

Adrian started to speak, but under the heavy glares of Eleanor and Michelle, he fell silent.

Claire stepped forward, puffing up like a fighting cock.

"I told Adrian the second I heard. He wanted to come back, but you wouldn't let him go. You insisted he had to finish the transfer paperwork with you first."

Jocelyn stared directly at Adrian.

He said nothing.

Jocelyn's heart turned to ice. She didn't want to explain. She didn't feel the need to.

Of all the things she had anticipated, she never imagined the child would actually be sick.