Chapter 7: Kisses
At that moment, realization dawned on Jared as he grasped the true intent behind Julia’s action. She had only added him on Facebook to transfer money for her meal. As a man of considerable wealth and influence and the CEO of Brook Corporation, Jared couldn’t help but feel a sting in his pride. However, he chose not only to accept the money but to reciprocate by returning more than a hundredfold of the amount Julia had transferred.
A sense of dignity still in place, he stated firmly, “Consider this the medical fee.” Julia was taken aback, momentarily stunned by his unexpected gesture. Yet, she quickly regained her composure and responded, “Your brother was right. I committed to helping him cure his leg, and you agreed to our marriage certificate. You owe me nothing beyond that. There’s no need to transfer money to me.’
Despite the generosity of the sum, Julia’s assertion stood firm. She didn’t need money. In fact, in her previous life, she had amassed a fortune beyond imagination. Thus, following her rebirth, she resolved to deplete her wealth, having learned the transitory nature of material possessions through her own experiences. “Please, take it,” Jared insisted, his tone unwavering. “Medicinal ingredients can be costly. Don’t burden yourself with this. Select the best herbs for the treatment.” Hearing his explanation, Julia nodded mentally in agreement. It turned out that he was worried that she would use inferior herbs to treat Shiloh’s illness in order to save money.
“Yeah, they came at a high price. You’ve likely delved into my background. So you must know that, despite being my father’s daughter, my status falls far below that of his other child–the daughter of his mistress. Thus, I don’t have much money with me.” With each word, Julia felt a twinge of gratitude. Had it not been for Jared’s assistance, she might have overlooked her own financial predicament. With her mother’s early demise and her father’s indifference, her daily needs were meager at best.
The cure for Shiloh’s legs demanded a variety of precious medicinal herbs, each with a substantial price tag. Although these herbs were worth a lot of money, they were but a trifling sum compared to the wealth Julia had amassed in her previous life.
She lurked by Jared’s side to get that thing. If Jared knew about her wealth, he would definitely have doubts about her, and it would be inconvenient for her to take action.
Lost in her contemplations, Julia was startled by the sudden sound of Jared’s voice beside her.
“There’s a party at the Scott family this weekend. I want you to accompany me,” he announced.
“The Scott family?” Julia’s mind flitted to her recent encounter with Naomi.
“It’s the family of the woman who was supposed to be my wife yesterday,” Jared
explained.
Julia’s internal musings confirmed that this was indeed the Scott family she was thinking of.
“She showed no interest in you. Why are you bothering to go?” Julia mused aloud.
“This weekend is Grandpa Anthony’s 70th birthday party. He had a close friendship with my late grandmother, and Miss Scott’s behavior is her concern, not mine. Furthermore, I’ve received an invitation from the Scott family, so it’s only proper to attend,” Jared explained.
“Then go, but I’m afraid I can’t accompany you, “Julia said. She planned to use Jared’s absence at the party as an opportunity to search for the item she sought. Once she found it, she could discreetly exit.
Julia’s plan was quite beautiful, but the reality was not as she imagined.
“You must go with me,” Jared declared, his dark eyes fixed on Julia.
“Why? I don’t really want to go,” Julia responded with a hint of reluctance.
Interrupting the exchange, Shiloh interjected, “My brother asked you to go, so you must go. Why are you questioning it so much?”
“Adults are talking; you don’t interrupt,” Julia retorted, casting a glance at Shiloh. Shiloh was taken aback by her retort, momentarily lost for words.
“You’re the child here! I’m older than you,” he retorted, a touch of defiance in his tone. Julia’s reply was swift and assertive. “And so what? I’m your sister–in–law.”
Shiloh’s frustration rendered him momentarily speechless, smoldering anger bubbling beneath the surface.
“You probably can deduce why I brought you along,” Jared’s voice cut through the tension, drawing Julia’s focus from Shiloh to him.
“Hmm…” Julia lifted her hand, tapping her chin in thoughtful contemplation. After a couple of seconds, she began to analyze, “Could it be that you want to inform the Scott. family that you’re already in a committed relationship, and Naomi broke off the engagement? This way, Grandpa Anthony’s birthday celebration will serve as the final interaction between your families, is that it?”
Julia felt quite pleased with her deduction, considering it a stroke of cleverness. However, her triumph was short–lived, as she soon realized her mistake and saw that Jared had picked up on it.
“How do you know Miss Scott’s name?” Jared inquired, his brows furrowing.
