Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 155

Meanwhile.

Julian caught up and spotted Clara waiting for a car by the street corner.

A thin dusting of snow covered the winter pavement. She was bundled in a cream-colored coat, her soft hair cascading down her back. Standing there quietly, she looked incredibly delicate.

His eyes softened, and he instinctively lightened his footsteps, as if afraid of shattering the peaceful image. He only called out when he was right behind her. "Clara..."

Clara's spine went rigid. Recognizing his voice, she abandoned her wait for the car and immediately started walking away, completely ignoring him.

Watching her cold retreat, a sharp tightness seized Julian's chest. He stepped forward quickly, catching her wrist and pulling her back toward him. His voice took on an unusually gentle tone.

"Clara, just listen to me..."

Clara struggled against his grip, deaf to whatever excuses he was about to make.

She found him utterly repulsive.

He had just been comforting Seraphina, and now he was trying to hold her.

He had just stood by while she was attacked, and now he was playing the caring boyfriend.

What did he think she was?

A toy?

A stray dog to be called over and kicked away at his whim?

"Let go of me!" she demanded, striking his shoulder. Her eyes were rimmed with angry red.

Julian didn't flinch, letting her hit him. He only frowned slightly. When she finally tired out and lost her momentum, he gently rubbed her reddened hand. "Clara, please just listen to me."

Clara closed her eyes in pure exhaustion. She had no desire to hear his explanations. After enduring so much agony and humiliation, a few smooth words weren't going to fix anything.

She shook her head and yanked her hand free. "I'm exhausted. I want to go home. Let me go."

Julian stubbornly held on, determined to make his point. "Clara, I know you're upset, and you have every right to be mad at me, but today at the press conference..."

Before he could finish, a harsh female voice cut through the air. "What kind of scene are you two causing in the middle of the street? If someone records this and puts it online, the Lowell family will be a laughingstock."

Isabella marched over, her face set in a frigid glare, eyeing Clara with sharp disapproval.

Clara easily caught the warning in the older woman's eyes. A cynical smile touched her lips, and she looked away, her expression turning blank.

Julian hadn't expected his mother to show up. His brows drew together. "What are you doing here?"

Clara had no desire to waste another breath on her.

Just then, Arthur Higgins pulled the car up to the curb. Clara pulled her hand free and slipped into the backseat.

Julian reached out to stop her, but his fingers closed around empty air.

He watched her shut the door, then turned back to his mother. Their cryptic exchange had left him baffled. "What important date next week? What are you two talking about? Why don't I know about this?"

Isabella offered a dismissive smile. Looking at her son, she felt a surge of pride. She had raised an exceptional, powerful man. He was the glory of the Lowell family, and she absolutely refused to let anyone tarnish that legacy. She wouldn't allow a single flaw.

She brushed him off smoothly. "It's nothing. Just a social gathering for the wives' circle next week. I wanted to bring Clara along so she can start acclimating to her future role."

Surprisingly, Julian didn't immediately shoot back that he was never going to marry Clara. Instead, he said, "You're forcing her into things again."

Isabella's face stiffened. She studied him intently for a long moment before a knowing smile spread across her lips.

She didn't argue the point, merely saying, "Get in the car. Stay out of women's affairs."

Julian frowned but ultimately got in the vehicle.

Isabella watched the luxurious Bentley merge into traffic. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by a terrifyingly cold expression.