Chapter 53 Another One of His Free Laborers
Chapter 53 Another One of His Free Laborers
Julius stood by the kitchen door, his eyes locked on Lisa’s back, his gaze so intense it felt like he was trying to burn a hole through her.
Lisa knew how to make hangover soup–she’d done it many times before. The Olsens were always hosting social events, so she’d learned how to make this dish from her past life, where she often cooked it to soothe her parents after their nights out.
But just like Julius, who took everything she did for granted, the rest of the family saw it as something she was just supposed to do. If Lisa even dared to hope for any acknowledgment, they’d likely see it as her stepping out of line, expecting more than what she was entitled to.
“Lisa.” Julius suddenly broke the silence. “Tell me the truth. Do you know Alora?”
The mention of “Alora” made Lisa freeze. Her back stiffened, and she struggled to keep her voice steady. “Who’s Alora?”
“You took Riley’s money to screw me over, and now you’re pretending you don’t know Alora?” Julius snapped, frustration evident in his tone. “I don’t want to dig into what happened between you and Riley, but you’d better tell me–who is Alora? I swear, this is the last time I’ll ask.”
Lisa blinked, taken aback by how far Julius was willing to push.
“What do you want with her?” Lisa asked.
“So you know something about her,” Julius said, a smug tone creeping into his voice. “Riley didn’t sign her, so she’s not his. I’m short on lyricists, and if she’s interested, I’ll pay her a lot.”
In his earlier years, Julius had written all his own lyrics and music. But as time passed, he felt his creativity waning, and he began outsourcing his work to other songwriters. None of their efforts had been particularly successful.
Only a few of Alora’s songs had stood out, with a style that reminded Julius of his own earlier work. If he could work with her, he believed it could revive his career.
Lisa’s lashes fluttered as her mind raced.
She wasn’t sure whether Julius was being truthful or just trying to manipulate her. But even if he was being honest, she wasn’t going to admit that she was Alora.
If Alora was an up–and–coming songwriter, Julius would respect and appreciate her, compensating her generously.
But if Alora was Lisa–the sister he’d always ignored–then she’d become just another one of his free laborers, probably denied credit for her own work.
Not to mention, Lisa had already teamed up with Riley to deceive Julius before. If he found out …
She’d likely end up back in the hospital, maybe for weeks.
After a long pause, Lisa finally spoke, her tone steady, “I don’t know Alora, but I’ve heard she writes songs as a hobby. She doesn’t want to pursue it professionally, which is why she didn’t sign with Riley.”
“Did Riley tell you that?” Julius asked sharply.
Lisa stayed silent.
“If she’s into songwriting, why won’t she sign with me?” Julius tugged at his hair in frustration. “I’m offering the best pay in the industry!”
Lisa responded coolly, “How would I know? I’m not Alora.”
“Damn it, Julius muttered under his breath.
He hadn’t once considered that Alora–whom he was desperately searching for–was standing right in front of him. His own sister. In his eyes, Lisa was nothing but a failure. He didn’t believe she could possibly write something impressive.
3:55 PM Ժ
Chapter 53 Another One of His Free Laborers
+5 Free Coins
“You’re going to set up a meeting with her,” Julius said in a low voice. “I’ll talk to her myself. I won’t believe someone would turn down an offer like this,”
“I’ve told you, I don’t know her-”
Julius grabbed Lisa by the collar, his bloodshot eyes full of fury. “Cut the excuses. I’m giving you one week. If you can’t get her
to meet me…”
He slapped her cheek, his voice icy. “You know what will happen.”
Lisa bit her lip.
She wanted to shove his face into the boiling pot of soup to snap him out of it–but she didn’t dare.
Angering him now would only make things worse for her.
“I’ll try,” Lisa murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Now let go.”
Julius released her with a muttered complaint. “Wouldn’t it have been easier if you’d just cooperated from the start?”
Lisa clenched her fists tightly and then said, “The soup is ready.”
“Bring it to the living room,” Julius ordered, tossing over his shoulder as he turned to leave.
Lisa quickly scanned the room to make sure no one was watching. She hurried to the small storage room, grabbed a pill, and crushed it into the soup before carrying the bowl to the living room.
Julius was lounging on the couch like he owned the place. Lisa placed the bowl of soup on the coffee table beside him, her face expressionless. “I’m going back to bed.”
“You spend all your time just sleeping at home?” Julius asked casually while sipping the soup.
Lisa paused before replying. “Mario doesn’t let me go out. What else am I supposed to do?”
3:55 PM d
