Chapter 42

Julian finished his cigarette just as Bernard came storming back in, face dark as thunder. He glared at Julian, his tone sharp and accusatory. "Did you beat up Nathaniel at a bar?" That call had come from Edward. He went off the moment the line connected, saying Nathaniel was just minding his business when Julian suddenly lashed out. He barely made it to the hospital before the cops showed up, charging him with assault. Once they heard Julian was involved, Edward had called Bernard in a rage, demanding to know what the hell was going on. The Everett and Andrews families were in the middle of negotiating a project. With this mess, both sides were clearly fuming. Edward even shouted over the phone, demanding Bernard give them an explanation. Bernard had kept his cool, chillingly telling him to wait while he figured things out. Julian scoffed. "What is this, elementary school? Got in a fight and went crying to your dad?" The comment hit like a slap—it was a straight-up admission. Bernard