Chapter 179

The group turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. When Wendy appeared with that calm, composed face—the kind that rarely showed a smile—their expressions instantly shifted to guilt. All except Julian, who even had the nerve to chuckle. "Dr. Sanders, what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside with your buddy?" She glanced at him coolly. "If I hadn't come out when I did, you'd probably be spreading rumors that Liam and I have a kid together." Julian's smile widened. "Well now, you're the one who said that, not me. A kid, huh? News to me." He turned to the others, his voice rising with faux innocence. "You all heard that, right? Wendy just said she and Dr. Harrison—" He didn't get to finish. Wendy stepped forward, raised her hand, and slapped him hard across the face. Julian didn't even register her movement—he only felt a sudden sting on his cheek and heard the sharp crack of a slap. Stunned, he turned to look at Wendy. The others around them gasped in shock an