Julian snapped out of it and quickly pulled Tessa back into his arms, refusing to let her go.
“Tessa, come on, don’t be like that. I swear, it’s not what you think. Why would I be interested in anyone else?” He rushed to explain, his voice urgent. “I was just… surprised, that’s all. You’re so ruthless and decisive.”
Tessa tilted her chin slightly, her voice cool. “And what if I am? Anyone who stands in my way doesn’t deserve to stay in it. As long as Aurora stays unconscious, I can slide right into her role. Even if my mother refuses to accept it, she won’t have a choice. I’ll be the only one left to inherit everything.”
She looked down at Julian from his lap, a hint of pride gleaming in her eyes. “And when that happens, forget about a simple CEO title—the entire Walton Corporation will be mine.”
Reaching up, she hooked a finger under his chin. “Now tell me, wouldn’t it be something to marry a woman like that? Wouldn’t that make you feel even more accomplished?”
Julian finally caught on.
She was right. If she walked into his life with the whole Walton empire behind her, would there even be a need to deal with Grace or Aurora?
All he had to do was keep Tessa happy. No more pleasing the rest of the family. And within the two families? Cooperation would fall into place. His eyes lit up, excitement replacing hesitation. Tessa had done the right thing–he could see that now.
“Baby, you’re brilliant,” he breathed. He leaned in, lips aiming for hers.
But Tessa placed a hand against his mouth, stopping him. “Hold on. We’re not done yet. There’s still one more thing, and it’s the real reason I came to find you.”
“Say the word, baby. If I can do it, I will. No hesitation.”
“You can definitely do this,” she said, leaning into him. “I know your family has connections in Ravenshore’s medical system. I need you to keep Aurora at the central hospital. Don’t let them transfer her. That way, my people can keep administering the drug. She’ll never wake up.”
Julian picked up right where Tessa left off. “By the time she wakes up, you’ll already have taken over Walton Corporation. At that point, even if she regains consciousness, it’ll be too late. She won’t matter anymore.”
Tessa smiled and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “That’s why you’re the smart one. You’ve said exactly what I was thinking, down to the last word.”
Julian’s chest swelled with pride. “Don’t worry, my queen. I’ll handle it. As long as your contact on the inside doesn’t slip up, everything will go according to plan.”
“He won’t,” Tessa said confidently. “He’s got a leash around his neck. I’ve got leverage on him. He won’t dare step out of line.”
“And you.” Her gaze turned playful as she looked him over, then slowly reached down and took hold of him.
Chapter 491
Julian tensed, eyes darkening as he stared at her. “Tessa, what are you…”
“What?” she said with a wicked little smirk. “Can’t I keep my leverage in check too? Make sure you stay in line?”
Julian crushed his lips against hers. “You’re dangerous. Don’t worry, I’ve got it handled.”
“Now,” he added, voice low and rough. “I think it’s time we moved on to other matters.”
With that, Julian swept her up into his arms and strode toward the bedroom.
Tessa didn’t let go of him the entire way.
Despite the argument earlier, she couldn’t deny one thing–when it came to his body, Julian never disappointed.