Chapter 23

Julian and Jace stayed on their knees in the cold, slick hallway, staring at the door that would never open for them again, as if someone had pulled the souls straight out of their bodies. After that night, they collapsed. It was as if their spines had been ripped out. Julian went back to Mercer Group. He grew even quieter than before, colder to the point of cruelty. He worked like a fanatic, sleeping at the office and packing his days with meetings and deals until there wasn't a minute left to feel anything. He turned into a relentless machine, making ruthless decisions without hesitation. The business expanded quickly, and the money kept pouring in. But no one stood beside him. He refused every arranged match and brushed off any woman who tried to get close. His life became nothing but cold numbers, documents, and endless battles in business. What was once his heart had become a wasteland. He decided never to marry. Jace chose the opposite route. He drowned himself in liquor,