Chapter 66

Julian answered the call. At the same time, he waved lazily at the senior execs bundled in his office, clearly unimpressed. “You’re dismissed.” The group practically bolted like they'd been handed a get-out-of-jail-free card. They looked like they'd been holding their breath the whole time. It really started to dawn on them—the heir who'd been flying under the radar overseas wasn’t just some pretty face coasting on his family's name. Nah, dude had been playing the long game, quietly sharpening his edge. And all this time, they’d thought they could corner him with a bit of scheming and brainpower. Joke was on them. One by one, they all got metaphorically slapped in the face. Michael stood frozen in the corner like he’d just woken from a dream. Julian held the phone to his ear, voice calm as ever. “Miss Richards, what’s up?” Claire replied, “So... I was supposed to be back at work the day after tomorrow. Technically my leg’s healed, but something came up—I need to visit my grandmother. I