Chapter 763:

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Julian remained impassive, drained of words or reaction. Though discontent brewed within him, he refused to extinguish his father’s excitement. After all, he was the one who had pushed Katherine away.

Outdoors, Eloise rushed toward Julian, calling as she entered. “Julian, you’ve returned!”

Since overcoming her condition, she had become far more exuberant, her smile dazzling. “Why keep it from me? Had I known, I wouldn’t have left or rushed back like this.”

Julian responded indifferently, “I’m heading out shortly.”

Eloise dropped beside him, her brows drawn together. “You’re not joining us for a meal?”

At the suggestion of a meal, Laurence decided it called for a celebration and shuffled off with his cane to direct the chefs.

Eloise, surprised by his energy, whispered in disbelief, “Is Dad on his deathbed? Is this the final burst of strength?”

Julian said nothing, unable to respond.

Later, Eloise discovered that Colten and Katherine now had a child.

Though Eloise frequently forgot things, she remembered every detail about Julian. Infuriated, she confronted Laurence. “Dad, what makes you so thrilled? Colten took Katherine from Julian, and now he’s hurting. You’re showing clear favoritism. Can’t you empathize with him?”

Laurence retorted, “What sorrow does he have a right to? Since last year, has he once visited Kathy?”

𝖡𝗲 pа𝘳𝗍 𝗈f 𝘰u𝗿 𝗰𝗈𝘮𝗆u𝗇𝘪𝘁y 𝘰ո 𝘨𝖺𝗅n𝘰𝘷𝖾𝘭𝘴.𝘤𝘰𝗆

Eloise defended her brother. “It was Katherine who turned him away.”

“And hasn’t he been quite compatible with Eleanor Vance? After his separation from Kathy, he should move forward instead of interfering.”

Eloise, genuinely confused, asked, “Who is Eleanor Vance?”

Recognizing her faltering memory again, Laurence sighed and gently patted her head. “Go spend time with Julian. His departure is imminent.”

That evening, Julian lay stretched out on the broad mattress, scrutinizing Jillian’s birth documentation repeatedly.

He recalled her petite silhouette. Her brow and gaze mirrored Katherine’s, while other traits favored Colten. Since she resembled Colten, she inevitably bore some resemblance to himself. Julian had considered the possibility, but Jillian’s birth record listed a date only two months past. No calculation confirmed she could be his daughter, as he and Katherine had not been physically close in over a year.

And the baby was named Jillian. Why give her that name?

Julian’s thoughts drifted endlessly, yet no resolution emerged, which struck him as absurd. He tossed the document into the drawer and switched off the lamp, hoping to rest.

A faint feminine scent wafted toward him. Turning to the side, he noticed Katherine’s garments from her previous visit lying beside the cushion. Though he had rinsed them by hand, their fragrance lingered.

Not long ago, they had been entangled on this very mattress. Though they had not gone all the way, he had overpowered her fiercely until she surrendered. The images were vivid in his mind, drying his mouth and stirring unrest in his long-abstinent body.

In spite of his cravings, he could not seek comfort in her belongings. He shut his eyes, attempting to block his thoughts and force himself to sleep.

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