Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 425

"Julian," Vivienne called out, her voice trembling as she stared at his back. "Was what you just said true?"

Knowing she had eavesdropped on the entire conversation, Julian didn't bother lying. "You heard it yourself."

"Why?" she choked out, her heart twisting in agony.

"There is no 'why.' The timing just isn't right."

"Is the timing not right, or will it never be right?" she demanded.

Julian's brow furrowed, his handsome features tightening with visible annoyance. "You're overthinking this. Instead of dwelling on nonsense, you should be figuring out how to push the project forward."

"So, that's what this is about?" Vivienne refused to let it go.

"What?" Julian snapped, entirely out of patience.

Vivienne spelled out her worst fear, syllable by bitter syllable. "Is it because Willow's career is taking off? Because she's shining and successful again? Has that made you fall back in love with her?"

Her emotions were spiraling completely out of control. Despite her toxic ambition, her feelings for Julian had always been genuine. They had been together for years, and he had once pampered her like she was the center of his universe.

All the grievances she had swallowed recently erupted at once. Her eyes stung with unshed tears. "If that's what you want, I can do it too. I am not worse than her. I can achieve everything she has, and I can do it better! You saw what happened today. I managed to bring Professor Smith on board. I will outperform her in every single way."

Hearing the shift in his tone, Vivienne recognized the olive branch. She was still fuming, her chest tight with resentment and jealousy, but she had no choice but to swallow her pride. This was the bed she had made.

She couldn't afford to go to war with Julian. She had no leverage. As long as he held all the power, her only option was submissive obedience—unless she produced undeniable results.

"It went well," Vivienne lied, discreetly wiping the corner of her eye and forcing down the bitter lump in her throat.

"Good." Julian didn't press further and continued down the stairs. "Go get some rest if you're done."

Vivienne stood in the dimly lit hallway, staring at his retreating back for a very, very long time.