Chapter 27.2: A Blind Date
Suddenly, a deep voice resonated through the room, “Naomi is right.”
Both turned to find Anthony entering the room. “Father, what brings you here?” Neil asked, slightly taken aback.
“Do you think I’d remain unaware when our family faces such a crisis?” Anthony replied, taking a seat.
Neil’s expression shifted to one of confusion, “What did you mean by your earlier statement?”
Anthony’s gaze turned solemn. “Our family’s prominence was established when Naomi became engaged to Jared. That alliance opened doors for us, attracting businesses that hoped to connect with the Brooks family through us. It’s precisely because of this union that we are the powerful Scott family today.”
“Once we sever ties with the Brooks family, many of our business associates will reconsider their alliances. They’d inevitably search for other affiliations. Without the Brooks family’s influence, the Scott family’s influence is bound to wane,” Anthony deduced.
Neil’s countenance grew somber, “Should we really proceed as you’ve suggested?” With a thoughtful expression, Anthony directed his gaze toward Naomi. “I’ve been around long enough to discern the nature of people. From what I’ve seen, Jared’s relationship with that woman seems superficial. If we can align Naomi and Jared’s paths, perhaps the Scott family might indeed rise to new heights.”
“Exactly, Grandpa! I’ve always felt Jared could never genuinely care for that woman!” Naomi said with renewed fervor.
Neil studied both their faces, weighing the decision. “Alright, if this is the consensus, we’ll give it a shot.”
The following day,
After having slept soundly for nearly three days, Julia awoke and stretched, feeling her muscles awaken slowly. Even though she had slept for hours, the events of the previous night had drained her.
Freshening up, she stepped out of her room and found Jared and Shiloh seated at the dining table. The aroma of lunch wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation.
As she began to dig into her meal, her phone buzzed. Expecting a call from Conrad, she was taken aback to see her Dad’s name on the screen. Given their recent altercation at the hospital, she hadn’t expected him to reach out.
Raising an eyebrow, she answered, “What do you want?” She placed the phone on the table, activating the speaker mode, so she could continue eating.
Philip’s voice boomed, “Is that how you speak to your father? Is this the respect I instilled in you?”
Jared shot a brief look at Julia’s phone but refrained from commenting.
Shiloh wore a vexed expression, wondering how a simple midday meal could turn so emotionally charged.
“You were always too preoccupied teaching your stepdaughter. When did you have the time for me?” Julia retorted, not letting her meal be interrupted.
Philip was momentarily silent, his anger palpable. Julia’s jibe was not lost on him. “You constantly view them as adversaries, but have you ever stopped to think if they genuinely see you in the same light?”
Julia nearly choked on her food, caught off guard by the comment.
Shiloh pushed his plate slightly away, eyeing Julia with mock annoyance. “Watch it! You almost spat into my dish.”
“It’s not my fault. His commentary is just too amusing,” Julia replied, wiping her mouth.
A muffled male voice caught Philip’s attention. “Julia, who’s that man with you? Are you seeing someone behind our backs?”
Now it was Shiloh’s turn to be taken aback. The insinuation that he might be Julia’s secret lover was unexpected.
Julia shot Shiloh a teasing look, “Just moments ago, you chided me for being messy, and now you’re the one making a scene?”
Before Shiloh could retort, Jared intervened, “Enough, let’s focus on the meal.”
Philip’s voice heightened with suspicion, “Who else is there with you, Julia? How many men have you surrounded yourself with?”
With a smirk, Julia responded, “Unlike some, these are just friends of mine.”
“Disrespectful child! Speaking to me in such a tone?” Philip huffed. Yet, he refrained from escalating further. He wasn’t calling to bicker.
He continued more calmly, “Listen, your mother has found a potential match for you. She’s scheduled a blind date for you this weekend.”
