Chapter 749:

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“No need,” she replied coolly.

“Too late. It’s paid for, and non-refundable.”

Katherine’s expression sharpened.

“How much?”

“Doesn’t matter. I charged it to your company’s card.”

Katherine blinked in disbelief, unable to respond.

Katherine had a particular aversion to pointless spending. On top of that, Colten had gone ahead and made a choice without consulting her. And now, unless she traveled to Windmere, the situation would gnaw at her thoughts endlessly.

That morning, the caregivers organized their belongings and departed alongside Katherine.

Colten was doing his best to assist—balancing his job while learning how to care for an infant—which caused him to overlook a message from his aide. Once Katherine was settled at the coastal villa, Colten finally glanced at his phone.

𝖭o𝘃еl𝗌 𝘪𝗇 t𝗿еո𝖽 oո g𝗮𝘭𝗻𝗼𝘷е𝘭𝗌.𝘤оm

The message read: “Julian is expected to arrive at Windmere in a couple of days. Would you like to reconsider your position?”

Colten was momentarily stunned. He had discreetly kept tabs on the Nash family, uneasy about the possibility of them contacting Katherine again. Could it really be just fate that brought Julian into the picture now—right after the baby’s birth, following months of calm?

Colten immediately returned the call, asking,

“What’s his reason for coming?”

His assistant answered,

“It’s about his sister. She’s been dealing with memory lapses after a traumatic kidnapping. They’ve exhausted options locally and are now looking internationally.”

Colten didn’t speak for a moment. Then it hit him—sooner or later, Katherine would have to face Julian again. Some encounters were simply unavoidable.

After ending the call, he went to see how Katherine was doing.

She sensed his shift in mood and asked,

“Did something go wrong with the deal?”

He paused briefly, then chose silence.

Moments later, a caregiver knocked gently.

“Ms. Clarke, the vehicle is ready. May we head out now?”

Katherine gave a nod and stepped inside to change.

Colten watched her, confused.

“You’re going somewhere?”

“There’s a seaside fireworks display tonight. I want to catch it.”

“But shouldn’t you still be resting?”

“The climate’s mild. I won’t be walking, and I’ll view it from indoors. No risk of falling ill.”

The caregiver didn’t see any harm in it either.

Realizing he was being overly cautious, Colten gave his consent.

That evening, Julian was also on his way. He had already arranged a medical appointment for Eloise first thing the next morning.

She had been excited about the fireworks, prompting Julian to reserve two cabins aboard the cruise.

Though her primary symptom was forgetfulness, doctors had cautioned against delay—complications could arise without prompt care. Early treatment was best.

As the show began, Julian found it uninteresting. He stepped to the balcony of his cabin, gazing at the endless ocean.

The water appeared serene, but he knew well that hidden turbulence stirred beneath—much like his recent life.

On the lower level, laughter echoed as a man knelt to propose. Julian observed quietly, hands tucked in his coat pockets.

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