Chapter 9.2: Hitting
After a moment of easing her emotions, Julia returned to Conrad’s side. She stepped closer, and her gaze fixated on his scarred face.
“Julia, don’t look so close. My appearance might be unsettling. You might find it repulsive,” Conrad’s voice carried a tinge of self–consciousness as he turned his head away, his
eyes cast downward to shield his emotions.
“Brother, your face is not ugly. It’s far from frightening. Honestly, you’re the most handsome man I know.”
Julia’s words seemed to stir something within Conrad, causing his pupils to quiver and his chest to flutter.
Observing Conrad’s reaction, Julia deduced that despite his claims of not caring about his appearance, he would certainly appreciate looking good if he had the chance. “Brother, I believe I can help restore your face,” Julia declared with determination. Conrad turned his head in surprise, fixing his gaze upon Julia with a mixture of astonishment and intrigue.
“What are you talking about?” he asked incredulously.
“Brother, I must confess. There are many things I’ve kept hidden from you. In truth, I have been secretly trained by the Divine Doctor. She’s my mentor, and she possesses remarkable healing skills.”
Conrad’s eyes widened in shock, his expression a mix of disbelief and wonder.
Before Julia could elaborate further, an abrupt and discordant voice pierced the air. “Julia, how dare you visit your brother? If not for you, he wouldn’t be in this condition!” Philip stormed into the room, his voice dripping with fury.
Spotting Philip’s arrival, Conrad instinctively positioned himself between Julia and their father, acting as a protective barrier.
“Dad, Julia isn’t to blame. Don’t be unjust towards her,” Conrad intervened, his voice unwavering.
“What? Don’t blame her? If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t have ended up like this! Because of her, the Ross family wants to terminate the project we just discussed! Do you even understand the amount of workforce, resources, and finances I’ve invested in that project? If the Ross family pulls out, the Watson family will suffer immense losses!”
As Philip’s frustration escalated, his anger towards Julia intensified.
“Julia, you wretched girl, did you take any of my words to heart when we spoke on the phone? Apologize to the Ross family immediately! If Carter doesn’t forgive you, then stay there and never come back.”
Julia stood before Philip, her expression void of emotion, as his furious tirade washed
over her. The coldness in her heart numbed her to his words.
“Dad, you can’t just dismiss Julia like that. She…” Conrad tried to intervene, only to be cut off by their father’s raging outburst.
“Shut up, Conrad! Stop protecting this girl!” Afterward, Philip turned to Julia. “And you! Just how shameless you are to linger here for a long time! Are you a damn wooden statue? Get out!”
Philip’s outstretched hand attempted to grasp Julia, but she swiftly countered, swatting his hand away with force.
The unexpected resistance sent Philip stumbling several paces backward, his eyes wide with disbelief, fixated on Julia.
Conrad, who had been attempting to rise from his bed, froze in place at the unexpected turn of events.
“You dare to challenge me?” Philip seethed, his gaze a fiery glare fixed on Julia.
Julia met his gaze with unwavering determination. “What else am I supposed to do? Stand here and allow you to criticize and mistreat me? Yes, you’re my father, but I am also an individual with my own agency. No one can force me into actions I disagree with!”
“Unruly to the core!” Philip’s face contorted with a mixture of anger and frustration, his complexion turning an even darker shade of red.
At that moment, Natalia and her daughter, Yasmin, entered the room.
“Darling, the child is not sensible. Don’t argue with her like that. What if your health deteriorates due to anger?” Natalia assumed the facade of a caring wife, patting Philip on the back in a show of support.
“Dad’s health isn’t good. Why upset him?” Yasmin added, presenting a cup of steaming hot water to Philip.
Philip regarded Natalia and her daughter. While not biologically related to him, one was his virtuous wife, and the other his proud and accomplished daughter. From his perspective, they were his closest kin.
In stark contrast, his biological daughter Julia seemed utterly useless and a perpetual source of trouble.
“How did I end up with a daughter like you?” Philip’s voice was tinged with frustration as he vented his anger at Julia. “If you were even a fraction as competent as Yasmin, I might still find some joy in my life.”
As Philip spoke, Julia couldn’t help but notice the smug and taunting expression Yasmin directed at her.
Suddenly, Julia remembered what Yasmin had said to her.
“So what if you’re a wealthy lady? You still have been trampled underfoot by someone from the countryside like me. I just can’t stand you, so I will take everything from you.
Your biological father is mine, and your biological brother will also be mine.”
Conrad’s protective presence brought Julia back to the present. He stood before her, shielding her from the escalating confrontation. “Dad, your words will hurt Julia. After all, she’s your biological daughter.”
“My biological daughter? Hmph! So what if she’s my biological daughter? I’d rather Yasmin be my biological daughter!” Philip’s cold gaze landed on Conrad. “And you, even now, you still protect her! You’ve endured so much for her! Does she deserve to be your sister? Compared to Yasmin, she’s far behind. Do you even know that Yasmin has tirelessly searched for the elusive Divine Doctor in her quest to restore your face?” Julia’s attention immediately shifted to Yasmin, her eyes locking on her half–sister. ‘Did she really manage to find the Divine Doctor?‘ Julia wondered inwardly.
