Chapter 555

It was Julien who took the initiative, offering to drive Helen home. Taking the opportunity, she jokingly asked, "Would you like to visit my family as a guest?" Her tone was playful, accompanied by an exaggerated laugh. The lighthearted atmosphere abruptly dropped as her words hung in the air. Julien, who had been focused on his laptop, immediately closed it. His expression turned serious as he called her name solemnly, "Lennie." Her heart skipped a beat. Hastily, she tried to smooth things over. "I was just joking." He stared at her for a long moment, seemingly deep in thought, but didn't say anything further. Feigning nonchalance, she added, "Well, you get back to work. I'll go pack my things." She got up and headed to the bedroom. Julien's gaze lingered on her for a moment before shifting to the bustling cityscape outside the window. Rising from his seat, he stepped out onto the balcony and lit a cigarette, but didn't take a single puff. The flame flickered in the cold wind