Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Julius’s words left everyone puzzled.
“What just happened?! Did I hear that right?!” Zack asked in disbelief.
“Ouch! Mr. Evans, why’d you pinch me?” Leo exclaimed.
Leo and Zack, who were trailing behind, almost faceplanted.
Nolan’s eyes bulged. “Uncle Julius, did someone pull a switcheroo on you?”
Alina rugged Quiana’s sleeve, her face a mystery. “Really, wouldn’t you think about being a little wicked?”
Quiana just shrugged. “Get lost.”
Julius repeated, calm as ever, “Apologize. His eyes were deep, like a still lake–hard to read. Despite his calm giving him this artistic vibe, a heavy aura filled the room, pressing down on everyone without a word.
Everyone held their breath.
Keith’s face hardened as he clenched his fists. “Why should I? She’s not worth it!”
Julius’s eyes narrowed, a small smile on his lips. “You think I am?”
Keith dared not say no. If he even tried, the Hawley family would strip him of everything and kick him out before he could blink. He wanted to do his own thing, but he never planned to cut ties with the Hawleys.
Zack, who was in on the secret, grinned at Keith. “Hey there, got that veto power down, don’t you?”
Keith was only a year younger than Julius, but the family tree put him a generation back. This made Julius’s friends tease him, a way that burned Keith.
Especially today, in front of everyone and after his big words, he was seething inside, but he couldn’t afford to offend Juli
even if he was in a wheelchair.
Keith’s fist clenched tightly, and he ground his teeth, forcing out the words. “I’m sorry!”
Zack raised an eyebrow. “No name? How should I know who you’re apologizing to?”
Nolan half–covered his mouth to remind Keith, “You have to name Quiana” But his ‘whisper” was louder than a megaphone.
Keith’s forehead twitched, but with Julius’s gaze on him, he had to swallow his rage. I’m sorry, Quiana!”
Quiana was just messing around on her phone, glanced at Julius, squinted, and gave a playful smile. “Good boy, Keith
Keith barely kept himself from exploding.
Julius turned slightly, covered his mouth with a handkerchief as he coughed, and then asked casually, “Want to act?”
Quiana licked her teeth, all casual. “Not really into it.”
Julius’s eyes narrowed as he looked from Keith to John. “Need investment?”
John was already starstruck by Julius. Being called out startled him so much he almost nodded before shaking his head wildly.
Julius gave a slight nod and said calmly, “Let’s just keep things as they were.”
1/2
14:41 Sun, 23 Feb M
Chapter 33
Julius meant Quiana’s going back to the crew as planned. John might have some pull, but in the face of power, he wouldn’t dare complain.
No way John would cross any Hawley. His face kept changing as he looked at Keith nervously, whispering, “Mr. Hawley?”
Keith’s face darkened. He gritted his teeth and said, “Didn’t you hear him?”
John had never dealt with such chaos. He wanted to scream but didn’t dare. All he could do was swallow his anger.
Winona was speechless, her face a mess. She never saw Julius, known for his moods, showing up for Quiana.
But Winona had to admit, Julius was really hot. If he wasn’t sickly and disabled, she’d marry him in a heartbeat. But he was. She wanted into the Hawley family, but not with a dying man, especially not Julius with his dark vibe.
