Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 117

Julian turned back toward Vivian, phone in hand.

He didn't have it on speaker, but the bedroom was dead silent; every sound carried.

Meredith's words drifted perfectly into Vivian's ears.

Julian stopped at the foot of the bed. He didn't answer immediately. He glanced at Vivian, then walked out of the bedroom with his phone.

Once the door clicked shut, muffling the noise, Julian finally spoke. "I'm at Vivian's."

Meredith fell silent for a beat. "What's wrong with Vivian?"

"She suffered a secondary injury to her knee. A hairline fracture."

"What? That serious?"

"Yeah. The painkillers took forever to kick in."

Julian stepped into the adjacent study, leaning his weight against the door. Even though he was completely alone in the room, he subconsciously lowered his voice.

Meredith seemed to be relocating as well; the sound of a door opening and closing echoed through the receiver. "How is she doing now?"

"She just settled down. Had a little something to eat."

"That's a relief."

Meredith didn't pry into how the secondary injury happened. It didn't matter. As long as Vivian was alright and Julian was taking care of her, that was enough.

She dropped the demand for his immediate return, asking a few more questions about Vivian's condition before gently instructing, "Take good care of her. I'll go see her tomorrow."

"Alright."

Julian gave a flat response. Before hanging up, however, he offered, "Once Vivian is a bit more stable, I'll head back."

Meredith sounded concerned. "Is it okay to leave her home alone?"

"The housekeeper is here."

Julian pinched the bridge of his nose wearily. "Besides, I have to make an appearance today. Otherwise, it's going to be impossible to explain to Melody."

"True. Just make sure you do a good job coaxing her when you get back. She looked pretty happy today, so it shouldn't be too hard."

"There's also your grandfather..."

Vivian nodded. "I want steamed egg pudding."

"Anything else?"

"Nope."

"Just that?"

"Oh, wait. Warm Milk Pudding. I want the one with a really strong milky flavor."

"Sure thing. I'll go make it for you."

"I'll wait for you."

Unwilling to leave her alone in the room, Julian called the housekeeper upstairs to keep her company before heading down to the kitchen.

Warm Milk Pudding was simple enough to prepare, steaming to perfection in just over ten minutes.

Afraid it would burn her right out of the pot, Julian carefully transferred it into a small bowl.