Chapter 100 I Will Give You Whatever You Want
“I’ll go! What are you doing?!”
A sharp exclamation cut through the air, yanking Jared’s attention away from the unfolding spectacle on the nearby cruise ship. Julia’s voice, laden with a mix of surprise and curiosity, echoed in his ears. He turned to find her gaze fixed on the commotion, her expression a blend of bewilderment and intrigue.
“What’s going on?” Jared asked, his curiosity piqued by Julia’s sudden reaction.
Julia’s eyes remained trained on the cruise ship, where a flurry of activity had erupted. “Look at that! People are leaving the cruise ship in lifeboats.”
Jared’s eyebrows furrowed as he followed Julia’s gaze. Sure enough, he saw a procession of lifeboats ferrying passengers away from the ship, each departure resembling the tumbling of dumplings into a pot. Confusion etched across his features as he processed the scene before him. “What’s the matter? Did you let someone poke a hole in the cruise ship?” Julia frowned. Although she was happy to see Carter and Vivien making jokes, the other guests on the cruise ship were innocent.
“How could it be? How could I do such immoral things that violate laws and regulations? I just bought the staff on the cruise ship in advance and let them in when Carter and Vivien were exchanging rings, they shouted, the ship is going to sink!”
“So the cruise ship is fine?”
“Of course it’s fine!”
“Hey! Boss, how’s it going? Is it exciting?” Lincoln asked for credit.
Hearing that, it was only then that Julia realized that she was still talking to Lincoln on the other line.
“Boss, are you enjoying the show?” Lincoln’s voice crackled over the phone, his tone laced with a hint of mischief.
Jared narrowed his eyes, suspicion gnawing at him. “What’s going on, Lincoln? Did you have something to do with this?”
Lincoln’s laughter rang out on the other end of the line. “Don’t worry, Boss. I just arranged a little surprise for Carter and Vivien’s wedding. Nothing harmful, I promise.”
Julia chimed in, her brow furrowing. “Did you sabotage the cruise ship? Is it sinking?” Lincoln’s chuckle was audible. “No, no, nothing like that. Just a little prank to shake things up.” Relief washed over Julia, and a small smile curved her lips. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.”
As they watched the spectacle unfold, Julia’s satisfaction was evident, a mischievous glint in her
eyes.
She had always believed in karma, and seeing Vivien’s wedding day disrupted brought a sense of poetic justice that she couldn’t help but savor.
Amidst the chaos, Jared’s voice, soft and probing, entered Julia’s ears. “Is this why you didn’t want to see them get married?”
Julia met his gaze head–on, her response swift and unapologetic. “I hold grudges. Remember when Carter spilled coffee on you? I can’t just let them off the hook so easily.”
A hint of amusernent sparkled in Jared’s eyes, and he reached out to grasp Julia’s shoulder, his touch both comforting and electrifying. His voice held a playful edge as he mused, “So, are you
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using me as an outlet for your frustrations? Do you actually care about me?”
Caught off guard by his question, Julia felt a rush of warmth spread across her cheeks. She averted her
gaze, her lips curling into a sheepish smile. “Well, maybe just a little. I’ve always defended my weaknesses. I can’t accept the people around me being bullied.”
Jared’s laughter resonated a deep and genuine sound that seemed to chase away the tension that had settled between them. “You’re quite the protector of the underdogs, aren’t you?”
Julia’s shoulders relaxed, and she allowed herself to meet his gaze once more. “I’ve always had a soft spot for justice.”
Jared’s expression softened, his voice a soothing balm. “And that’s one of the many things I admire about you.”
The shift in their conversation brought an unspoken understanding, a sense of connection that transcended words. The atmosphere between them eased, and Julia seized the opportunity to steer the discussion in a different direction.
Her stomach rumbled audibly, and she placed a hand over her belly with an embarrassed chuckle. “Speaking of justice, can we address the injustice happening in my stomach? I’m so hungry.”
With a shared chuckle, Jared rose from his seat, a playful glint in his eyes. “Shall we remedy that? Follow me.”
Together, they navigated the expanse of the cruise ship, Julia leading the way with surprising confidence. Jared trailed behind her, his curiosity piqued by her seemingly innate sense of direction. The Princess cruise ship was a labyrinth to newcomers, yet Julia’s intuition guided them unerringly.
As Jared trailed a few steps behind, a question of puzzlement escaped his lips, “How did you know the restaurant is in that direction?”
Julia came to a halt, a gentle smile adorning her features. “Call it a hunch, but I felt it should be over there,” she remarked with a light shrug.
Jared’s gaze narrowed his expression a portrait of calm contemplation. “I see,” he responded, his
tone serene.
Julia exhaled softly, a sense of relief washing over her as she noticed Jared’s willingness to let the matter rest. It seemed her intuition had steered her right this time, saving her from further explanations.
As they arrived at their destination, the fragrant aroma of delectable dishes greeted them. The table was laden with an array of mouthwatering delicacies, each one more tempting than the last. Julia’s eyes lit up at the sight, her hunger momentarily forgotten in her excitement. Seated across from each other, they indulged in a feast fit for royalty. Julia’s commentary on the dishes added a touch of whimsy to their meal, her enthusiasm contagious.
“This seafood prawn is absolutely delicious,” Julia exclaimed. Her infectious laughter filled the air as she savored a particularly succulent sea prawn, her joy evident in every bite. “It’s incredibly fresh, probably harvested just today.”
“Care for some red wine?” Jared’s voice was a melodic undertone, his gaze fixed on Julia as he poured the rich liquid into her glass.
“Absolutely,” Julia responded eagerly.
As Jared uncorked the bottle and poured, a playful admonition left his lips.
“Ahem-” The wine caught in Julia’s throat, her wide–eyed gaze locking onto Jared. Memories of a
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certain incident resurfaced, albeit hazily, triggering a mix of embarrassment and humor. “Go on the wine. Too much, and you might start shedding clothes. I wouldn’t want a repeat of last
easy time.”
Her mind racing, Julia’s focus shifted, her gaze settling upon Jared’s posterior. The intense scrutiny left Jared nearly choking on his own wine, an unexpected reaction to her unabashed observation.
Jared’s chuckle was rich and warm, his memories mirroring Julia’s. “I assure you, I have no intention of disrobing in public.”
The memory of their previous encounter sent a flush of embarrassment across Julia’s cheeks, and she playfully averted her gaze. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Their banter was interrupted by a momentary silence, during which Julia’s gaze traveled to a rather unconventional destination – Jared’s rear end. Her scrutiny elicited a bemused quirk of his eyebrow, and her cheeks reddened further as she realized where her eyes had wandered.
A sly grin tugged at his lips, and he met her gaze with a teasing glint in his “What? You’re not angling for some domestic drama, are you?” He asked.
eyes.
Julia blinked, her gaze swiftly averting from Jared’s posterior as she coughed twice to regain her composure.
Excuse me?
Julia’s laughter rumbled in response, her amusement evident. “I promise you, there will be no domestic violence here. I’m a believer in civilized conduct. Domestic violence is an utter disgrace, and it’s not something I’d ever engage in,” she declared with conviction.
Jared’s brows arched with a touch of delight, a glimmer of satisfaction sparkling in his eyes. Her usage of the term “domestic violence” indicated a significant step – an acknowledgment of their close bond.
upon her lips, a testament to her surprise.
He leaned in his tone a mix of jest and sincerity. “But if that’s your preference, I won’t object.” “Ah?” Julia’s mouth hung agape, her incredulous ness evident. Had she truly heard him correctly? Was he slightly inebriated, or was there a hint of masochism in his demeanor? The
question danced
Julia’s attention shifted to a sauced abalone that Jared placed in her bowl, his eyes fixed on her with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. “Try this. It’s one of the Princess’s renowned dishes.” Her gaze lingered on the delicacy before her, a flood of memories washing over her. She had chartered the Princess in a past life, and this dish had become a favorite among her companions. The taste held a nostalgia that tugged at her heartstrings, a testament to the passage of time. Julia savored the abalone, the flavors dancing across her palate in a tantalizing symphony. The lights outside cast a soft glow, painting a picturesque scene that mirrored the sentiments blossoming within her.
Amid the quietude, a profound realization settled over Julia, a revelation that she felt compelled to share. She turned to Jared, her gaze steady and sincere. “You know, I’m not as good as you might think.”
Jared’s gaze met hers, his eyes a canvas of understanding and acceptance. “Julia, none of us are without our imperfections. It’s our journey toward growth that defines us.”
Jared put down the knife and fork, and looked up at Julia, “Besides, you’re not me, how do you know what you look like in my heart?”
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Chapter 100 1 Will Give You Whatever You Want
The clink of utensils on plates ceased as Julia set down her knife and fork, her eyes locked onto Jared’s. His unwavering gaze held a tenderness that spoke volumes, a silent affirmation that transcended words. In this moment of vulnerability, they found a connection that ran deeper than surface perceptions.
Julia’s voice held a hint of introspection as she admitted, “Sometimes, I wonder if I truly deserve the happiness I’ve found.”
Jared’s response was immediate, his voice a soothing balm. “Deserving happiness isn’t about being flawless, Julia. It’s about embracing your past, learning from it, and choosing to move forward.”
A sigh of relief escaped Julia’s lips, a weight lifted from her shoulders as Jared’s words enveloped her. The acceptance she found in his eyes was a salve for her insecurities, a reminder that she was deserving of love and contentment.
She mustered a small smile, her gratitude evident. “Thank you, Jared.”
The ambiance shifted as Julia’s gaze deepened, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “What if I’m not a good person?”
Jared’s intense gaze bore into the young woman across from him, his deep eyes locking onto hers. A subtle warmth brushed his lips as they curved upward, a gentle pulse of emotion.
“Do you believe I’m a good person?” Jared’s question hung in the air, leaving Julia momentarily speechless.
The turmoil within her was palpable. Was Jared truly good at heart? The tapestry of his past unraveled in her mind – a father’s untimely passing, the cunning uncles who sought power within the Brooks Corporation, and the burden he carried, etching lines of determination on his brow. The external facade seemed simple, but the storm that raged beneath was a secret known only to
him.
If Jared were purely kind and blameless, would their family have suffered? Her mother, her brother, and herself – living on the outskirts of the Brooks family’s wealth, enduring hardship and poverty.
The very reason Jared had to fight, to withstand the storm, became crystal clear. His actions were born of necessity, driven by a fierce desire to protect what was rightfully theirs.
“Maybe your brother was right,” Julia mused, her lips pursed as she fixed her gaze on Jared, unyielding and resolute. “Maybe he’s right that I came to your house to get a certificate with you. I may have another purpose…”
Jared’s eyes narrowed slightly, the darkness within them flickering. The silence between them was profound, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts.
In that suspended moment, their eyes met – a connection that transcended words, bridging the gap between them. Jared leaned forward, his hands resting on the table as he took a deliberate breath.
“What is it that you want?” His words were a whisper, a quiet plea that hung between them.
“I-” Julia began, her brow furrowing as she searched for the right words.
Before she could finish, Jared’s actions overtook his words. In an instant, he sat upright, his movements purposeful and decisive. With a fluid motion, he reached for his tie, pulled it away, and deftly unbuttoned the first button of his shirt.
The unexpected action took Julia aback, her eyes widening in surprise as her heart quickened. “I’ll give you whatever you want,” Jared declared, his voice low and steady, a vow that hung in the
Chapter 100 I Will Give You Whatever You Want
air, shattering any remaining barriers between them.
Chapter 101 Questionable Intentions
