Chapter 6

Senna POV

Payton had never been hit like this in his life.

Julian looked refined and scholarly, but when he fought, he was shockingly brutal.

That punch landed squarely on Payton's cheekbone, splitting his lip and sending blood dripping down his chin onto the beige carpet.

"Ugh..."

Payton grunted, the alcohol's numbing effect dispersed somewhat by the intense pain.

He struggled to fight back, but his alcohol-weakened body was limp and powerless. Julian pinned him firmly to the ground.

"You dare talk about love?"

Julian pressed one knee on Payton's chest, gripping his tie.

"Seven years. You treated her like a housekeeper, like a tool for your desires, like Vivian's substitute. Now that she doesn't want you, you come pretending to be deeply in love?"

"Payton, you don't love her. You're just pathetic."

Every word whipped across Payton's face like a lash.

Payton gasped heavily, staring at Julian with sinister eyes, but his lips curved into a bloody smile.

"What do you know... I'm Payton Barrett. She's mine. As long as I want her, she can't escape..."

"Is that so?"

Julian laughed coldly and pulled out his phone, taking a picture of Payton's wretched face.

"If this image of Mr. Barrett gets sent to the board of directors or financial media, I wonder how many points the Barrett family's stock price will drop tomorrow?"

Payton's expression changed instantly.

"You wouldn't dare!"

"You can try me."

Julian stood up and methodically straightened his somewhat disheveled cuffs, returning to his refined, elegant demeanor.

"Just because I don't rely on my family doesn't mean I don't have family backing. The Reed family may keep a low profile, but destroying one Payton Barrett who only knows how to throw drunken tantrums is well within our capabilities."

Payton's pupils contracted sharply.

"Get out."

Julian pointed at the door, his voice not loud but carrying undeniable authority.

"Don't make me throw you out."

Payton staggered to his feet.

He glanced at me, huddled in the corner of the sofa with tear-stained cheeks but resolute eyes.

"Senna..."

He opened his mouth, his voice hoarse.

"You're just going to watch him treat me like this?"

I looked at him coldly.

"Mr. Barrett, attempted home invasion and assault. Julian acted in legitimate self-defense. If you still don't leave, I don't mind adding another charge."

The last glimmer of light in Payton's eyes extinguished.

He looked at me deeply, that gaze containing too many complex emotions-unwillingness, regret, anger, and a certain shattered despair.

Finally, he said nothing. Covering his injured mouth, he staggered out the door.

The moment the door closed, all the strength seemed to drain from my body. I collapsed on the sofa.

Julian immediately came over and carefully held me in his arms, avoiding my abdomen.

"It's okay, Senna. It's okay. I'm here."

His embrace was warm, carrying the reassuring scent of disinfectant and mint.

I buried myself in his chest and finally let myself cry out loud.

That night, we moved out immediately.

Actually, there wasn't much left. We left all the large furniture and only had two suitcases.

Julian called a car, and we drove straight to the airport that night and flew to London.

As the plane took off, I looked at the brightly lit city below, feeling only relief.

Goodbye, Payton.

Goodbye to those absurd, humbling seven years.