Chapter 4

Clara's POV

Julian tenderly helped Vivian up.

Vivian's eyes welled with feigned tears. "I just wanted to ask Clara how she takes care of her skin, but she got impatient and pushed me... Julian, Clara doesn't seem to like me very much."

I was astonished by her blatant lie, and even more so that Julian actually believed it.

He stared at me, his gaze so dark it seemed to drip with venom. "Even if you don't like Vivian, you shouldn't have pushed her."

Without giving me a chance to explain, Julian embraced Vivian and walked away.

He never used to raise his voice at me. He never used to trust others and misunderstand me. And he certainly never used to leave me alone.

Watching their retreating backs, I felt like I was seeing him for the very first time.

After work, a Bentley pulled up at the company entrance.

"Oh, didn't Mr. Quinn leave the company ages ago? Why is he back?"

"He's probably back to pick up Clara."

"Mr. Quinn loves you so much, Clara. You're so lucky."

My colleagues cast envious glances my way, but I looked at the Bentley, feeling absolutely nothing.

Julian rolled down the window and said to me, "Get in."

My colleagues nudged my shoulder. "Go on, Clara, don't keep Mr. Quinn waiting."

I had no choice but to get into his car, settling into the passenger seat.

Julian started the car.

After driving for a short distance, he broke the silence. "I was a bit harsh with you today. I apologize. Don't be mad."

I replied flatly, without much emotion, "I'm not mad."

Julian's tone shifted. "Still, you were a bit out of line today. No matter what, you shouldn't have pushed Vivian. She's my best friend."

Listening to his accusatory tone, I curled my lips in a sneer. "Really, 'just friends'?"

A flicker of guilt crossed Julian's eyes, and he quickly masked it. "We've known each other since childhood. We're truly just friends all these years. Don't overthink it."

My heart was filled with bitter mockery. I wondered how long he planned to keep me in the dark, treating me like an idiot.

Julian controlled the steering wheel with one hand, reaching over with the other to ruffle my hair, coaxing me softly, indulgently.

"Alright, baby, let's not talk about other people. I'll take you to that French restaurant you love so much, hm?"

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang.

I glanced at the caller ID; it was none other than the "other person" he'd just dismissed-Vivian.

Julian hesitated for two seconds, then finally picked up the phone.

His eyes visibly softened. "What's wrong?"

Vivian's sweet, tearful sniffles came through the phone. "Julian, it's thundering suddenly, and I'm so scared... Can you come and stay with me?"

Julian agreed, ended the call, and then looked at me, hesitant.

"Baby, something's come up. I can't take you to dinner. Get out here, and I'll send someone to pick you up and take you home."

I was left on the roadside, watching his car speed away into the distance.

Over half an hour passed, and no one came to pick me up. Instead, the sky, dark with storm clouds and crackling with lightning, unleashed a torrential downpour.

There was no shelter nearby, and the violent rain instantly soaked me through.

My clothes and hair clung to my body, and a chilling cold seeped into my skin.

I tried to hail a cab for a long time, but no driver accepted. In the end, I had no choice but to brave the furious storm, walking for two hours until I finally reached the villa.

After that night, I ran a high fever and was confined to bed.

Julian returned the next day and unleashed his fury on the housekeeper. "She's burning up like this! Why didn't you call me?"

"Mr. Quinn, I did call you, but your phone was off..."

Julian froze, speechless, and could only give up. He immediately contacted a doctor to come and give me an IV drip to bring down the fever.