Chapter 417

“Then tell me, what exactly do you mean by wasting time?” Tessa countered. “Are you saying that sitting here talking to me is a waste of time?”

Julian opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came out. “It’s just… a night like this, it’s worth more than gold…” he muttered, his voice growing smaller.

He wasn’t sure why, but something about Tessa tonight felt especially intense, like she’d come with a purpose, and that purpose had everything to do with him. And he wasn’t wrong. That was exactly why Tessa was here.

“A night of passion? What a joke.”

Under her sharp gaze, Julian finally gave in, confessing obediently, “Alright, fine. That day… I only had a meal with her. That’s it. Nothing more happened!” Eager to prove his loyalty, he lifted his right hand as if swearing an oath. “Tessa, you have to believe me. Nothing happened, I swear. I was only being polite to Aurora out of respect for you. Without you, she wouldn’t mean a damn thing to me!”

To reassure her, Julian didn’t hold back—his words about Aurora were sharp and dismissive, without hesitation. He felt no guilt. Aurora wasn’t here, and, as far as he was concerned, he could say whatever he wanted to keep Tessa happy.

Tessa listened carefully, watching his face. The sincerity in his expression and urgency in his tone were convincing enough that, for a moment, she actually believed him.

“So, you really mean it? Nothing at all happened between you two?”

Julian nodded. “Of course not. I’d never lie to you. From the beginning, the only one I’ve ever loved is you.”

Those words, so perfectly delivered, soothed something deep in Tessa’s heart.

Chapter 418

So, what if Aurora had found herself some pretty boy? She, on the other hand, had a man who was wealthy, handsome, and completely devoted to her. Aurora could never compare—not even if she tried her hardest. Tessa was certain of that, and the thought only made her feel more smug.

With newfound satisfaction, she looked at Julian with even more affection. Reaching out, she looped her arms around his neck and pulled him close.

“Alright,” she said, her voice low and purposeful. “I got the answer I came for. Now it’s time we move on to the next part.”

At her words, Julian’s eyes darkened with desire, locking onto her lips like a man starving. He couldn’t deny that Tessa and Aurora were beautiful in entirely different ways. Aurora was striking and poised, with an elegant sharpness that commanded attention. Tessa, on the other hand, had always seemed delicate and soft, her fragile health only adding to that impression. But tonight, facing him with confidence and boldness, she carried a new kind of allure. The contrast, the dominance and unexpected edge, had Julian entirely captivated. He hadn’t expected this side of her. And it thrilled him. After all, what man didn’t crave something new?

They fell into each other naturally, their bodies pressed close, every movement smooth, instinctive, inevitable. As Julian claimed her, a quiet groan escaped his lips—satisfaction, long denied, now fully indulged. It had been too long.

From the tentative beginning to the familiar rhythm, everything between them fell into place, and Tessa reveled in it. Sure, Grace might still favor Aurora. That wasn’t going to change overnight. But it didn’t matter. As long as she kept her distance from Aurora, she and Julian would have all they needed—to build their future, and to grow both companies into something even greater.

Chapter 419