Chapter 650

He could already tell Tessa wasn’t happy about it.

But no matter how upset she was, there was no way he was putting his life on the line for this.

Life was precious–one slip and it was over.

He wasn’t stupid. Why risk his future over something like this?

In the end, though clearly displeased, Tessa came up with a new plan.

She’d lure Lucas away, giving Julian a window to act.

Once it was done, he’d leave immediately.

A change of clothes had already been stashed in the basement.

Everything was set up perfectly with no mistakes allowed.

Even Julian had to admit, this version felt a lot more manageable.

It gave him some cover.

At first, when he saw her message, he thought maybe he could back out altogether.

But after reading the contents, he was more confused than ever.

Indecision defined him.

He had no idea what direction his life was supposed to take.

He took everything one step at a time, adjusting with each turn as it came.

Even the idea of marrying Tessa, something his parents had arranged, wasn’t really his choice.

He never had one.

But here he was, standing at the hospital entrance.

Backing out now was not realistic.

In the end, Julian replied with trembling fingers, “Okay. I’ll wait for your signal.”

He let out a breath for the brief delay.

For now, that was all he could ask for.

He wanted to drag things out a little longer and avoid facing what came next.

He had no idea what his future held, but for the time being, it felt safer just to follow Tessa’s lead.

After all, wasn’t that what his parents always told him to do?

The thought made him feel a little pathetic.

He’d been alive for nearly thirty years yet still had no sense of direction.

He was just a man following the path others laid out for him.

If his parents weren’t around anymore, would there be anything left of him at all?

Julian shook his head, trying to dislodge the mess of thoughts swirling in his mind.

There was no point thinking about it now.

Chapter 650

When Tessa arrived at the hospital, she spotted Julian tucked away in a hidden corner.

Their eyes met.

She gave a simple nod, saying nothing.

And just like that, the wavering resolve in Julian’s heart suddenly steadied.

He couldn’t explain it–Tessa had this strange pull over him, the kind that gave him purpose, even when everything else felt like chaos.

Tessa positioned herself near the hospital entrance, waiting for Grace to make her move.

Meanwhile, Grace had already picked up her phone and dialed Lucas.

Normally, he’d answer within a few rings.

But this time, something was off.

The call rang much longer than usual.

Why?

Lucas had never ignored her like this before.

She waited.

Then, the call disconnected on its own.

Refusing to give up, Grace dialed again.

It was the same result.

The line kept ringing until it dropped.

Staring at her phone screen, she felt a ripple of unease.

What was going on with Lucas? This wasn’t like him at all.