Chapter 117: Do You Like It?
Julia fixed her gaze upon Jared, her eyes widening as he effortlessly removed his attire. With each layer he discarded, his strong upper body was gradually revealed to her.
Although he held the position of a businessman, Jared’s bodily strength could easily match that of the most accomplished agents in their alliance. With extensive exposure to high–society circles, his physical form emitted an air of aristocracy that effortlessly garnered the respect and admiration of those in his vicinity.
His
presence could compel anyone to instinctively show deference, a harmonious combination of polished physique and dignified comportment that irresistibly attracted women, much like moths. drawn to a flame.
Although Julia’s emotional connection to Jared was lacking, she couldn’t help but appreciate the “magnificent mountains and rivers” before her. His awareness of her unwavering gaze pleased him, a satisfied smirk playing across his lips.
“Do you find it appealing?”
Jared’s question caused Julia’s cheeks to flush, her heart quickening. The timbre of his voice was magnetic, a low, alluring resonance that seemed to ensnare her senses.
“What… What exactly should I find appealing?” Julia stammered, her embarrassment evident in her words. She chided herself for stumbling over her response.
Julia changed the subject deliberately. “Why are you wearing such attire? The mosquito
population here is quite substantial. Are you concerned about getting carried away by mosquitoes and taken home?” she chuckled.
Right after she concluded her sentence, Julia noticed a mosquito alight on Jared’s chest. Almost reflexively, Julia lifted her hand and exhaled towards the mosquito. A distinct sound followed – a “pop–.” Julia’s hand inadvertently made contact with his chest.
At the moment of action, Julia didn’t dwell on it much, reacting primarily to the sight of the mosquitoes. With a moment to reflect, Julia realized that this mosquito must have been female; otherwise, why would it have chosen such an audacious spot to land? It wasn’t seeking blood just anywhere, but rather, it seemed to have a preference for men. The situation was now under control, albeit somewhat awkward.
Embarrassed, Julia avoided meeting the man’s gaze at that moment.
“Look at that huge mosquito!” Julia exclaimed, lifting her hand and noticing a faint red mark on the man’s chest where her slap had landed, accompanied by the faint trace of her fingers.
Jared lowered his head to examine his chest, then directed his gaze toward Julia. Subtle satisfaction played on his lips and in the arch of his eyebrows.
“Yes, those mosquitoes are quite sizable,” his voice resonated, deep and melodious like a cello, causing Julia’s ears to flush crimson once again.
“You should hurry and put your clothes back on, or you’ll really become a mosquito feast.” “I did it on purpose.”
“Pardon?”
Julia’s suspicion–filled eyes suddenly met Jared’s gaze.
“This way, the mosquitoes will be attracted to me and won’t bother you.” This was Jared’s
response.
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Chapter 117: Do You Like It?
Julia’s pupils expanded momentarily, a faint tremor passing through them. She had never anticipated the man’s spontaneous disrobing was driven by such a motive.
“Are you out of your mind?” Julia averted her gaze, her eyebrows forming crescent as she felt a mix of complex and touched emotions swirling within her.
Throughout her recollection, many individuals had treated her with exceptional kindness,
especially Conrad, who had shielded her with a devotion akin to protecting her own life. However, this was grounded in their shared bond.
Jared was different from Conrad.
In the
span of under two months, they developed a connection. Yet, this man had taken such an unconventional action for her sake.
As Julia grappled with her emotions, Jared interjected, “Are you out of your mind? This behavior doesn’t seem to align with my usual demeanor.”
Julia turned her gaze toward Jared. As he surveyed the cityscape before them, he continued from his earlier statement, “I’ve heard that love makes people lose their rationality. I once took those words lightly, but now, having experienced it firsthand, I can confirm that it’s true.”
His words left Julia momentarily at a loss for how to respond. What was the appropriate reaction, she wondered? Thoughts of Alexander drifted into her mind.
She could readily reject Alexander, yet replicating the same indifference with Jared seemed far more challenging. Likely due to the mission, Julia surmised.
As Julia pondered these thoughts, she caught sight of another mosquito making its way toward Jared. Swiftly, she picked up his clothes and handed them to him. “There are far too many mosquitoes here. We should head back.”
However, Jared seemed disinclined to depart. “This place is quite lovely – tranquil and scenic. I want to stay a while longer.”
To Jared, the tranquility and scenery held minimal significance; what truly mattered was that they were alone together.
“Very well then. But please put your clothes on first,” Julia settled back down.
And so, the two of them remained seated in this manner until the clock struck two in the morning before finally deciding to return.
During breakfast the following morning, Shiloh’s attentive gaze continuously swept back and forth between Julia and Jared, his scrutiny unyielding.
Was it due to a confrontation last night? Were they still locked in such an intense struggle? It seemed like a situation where there were no winners, only losers.
Jared turned his gaze toward Julia and inquired, “What are your plans for tomorrow night?”
“I don’t have anything specific arranged. Why do you ask?” Julia responded with a hint of doubt.
“My mother invited us for dinner.”
“Alright then.” Julia nodded and shifted her focus back to her meal, her thoughts consumed by the upcoming evening.
She had been relentlessly searching for the Little Jade Statue during this time. She had scoured almost every corner of the villa and Jared’s office, yet the elusive object remained elusive. Lately, she had been contemplating whether the little Jade Statue might be in the old house.
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Chapter 117: Do You Like It?
Yannie was currently residing in the old house, and Julia planned to seize the opportunity during tomorrow night’s visit to investigate discreetly.
Jared took her and Shiloh to Brooks‘ ancestral home after work the following day. The Brooks family’s ancestral house commanded the entire mountain as their property. Shiloh had made remarkable progress and was now able to walk independently, albeit at a slower pace, resembling any ordinary individual.
Yannie greeted Shiloh warmly, her face lighting up. “Shiloh, your leg looks almost completely healed!”
“Exactly,” Shiloh conveyed, “Julia mentioned that if you take good care of it, you might even be able to participate in future marathons.” Shiloh’s face radiated with unmistakable and uncontainable joy as he shared this.
The feeling was exhilarating.
Amidst these thoughts, Shiloh turned his gaze toward Julia. Though he didn’t voice it, he held immense gratitude toward her in his heart.
“That’s wonderful, truly wonderful! Your father’s spirit can now rest in peace up in the heavens,” Yannie’s eyes brimmed with tears of joy.
Just then, Cameron emerged from the villa. “Godmother, the table is set. We can start the meal
now.”
As Cameron spoke, she exchanged a subtle glance with Yannie, a silent understanding passing between them.
Though Cameron and Yannie’s unspoken communication remained hidden, Julia astutely captured the exchange.
Her instincts whispered that the pair might have ulterior motives, prompting her to ready preemptive measures.
As anticipated by Julia, upon her arrival at the dining table and subsequent seating, Yannie promptly presented her with a check. “Miss Watson, Shiloh’s recovery owes much to your efforts. This ten million is your compensation. Additionally, I request that you visit the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow to initiate divorce proceedings with my son, Jared.”
Chapter 118: Forcing Julia to Divorce
