Chapter 160
Matteo, feeling discontented with Julian’s attitude toward Roseanne, replied petulantly, “I understand, Kaleb. I was out of line.” His words only added to the already oppressive and awkward atmosphere. Sean, usually the mood-lightener, stepped in to ease the tension. “Stop talking. Let’s drink. If you keep chatting, Julian will drink all the alcohol,” he said, opening a beer and handing it to Matteo with a meaningful look.
Not wanting to worsen the situation, Matteo accepted the beer. Roseanne knew that trying to get closer to Julian now would only humiliate her further. It was better to wait for the atmosphere to lighten before attempting to rebuild their relationship. She had returned for a project with the Ascend Group, and she felt anxious.
Taking a deep breath, she picked up an open beer and, in a tone suggesting long-time familiarity, said to Julian, “Alright, even if we can’t be a couple, we’re still friends since childhood. There’s no need to be so stern. Matteo only brought me here to catch up with old friends. If you have to blame someone, blame me, not him.” Leaning closer, she added, “I’ll drink this bottle as an apology.”
“Ms. Talley, this way, please.” Rosalie arrived, following the waiter. A casual glance revealed Roseanne sitting close to Julian, so close she could almost fall into his arms. Rosalie frowned, puzzled by her repeated encounters with Julian.
If she didn’t know Julian eagerly awaited her divorce, she would have suspected he deliberately arranged this meeting. Julian, having felt Roseanne’s intentional closeness, immediately stood to create distance. He met Rosalie’s gaze and felt a pang of anxiety, worried she might misunderstand. He impulsively brushed away the beer Roseanne offered. When he looked back, she was following the waiter away.
Julian’s expression froze. He took a step forward, then remembered Rosalie’s resolute words earlier. His raised foot faltered, and he retreated, a bitter smile flickering in his mind. ‘What am I nervous about? Why do I feel so guilty? No need to worry that Rosalie would misunderstand or be jealous, right? She clearly said she didn’t want me anymore. Why am I even concerned?’ he wondered.
With a hint of defiance, he sat back down. Roseanne noticed Julian’s sudden change in demeanor and followed his gaze to see Rosalie. Her heart sank. Recalling how Julian had defended Rosalie earlier and his eagerness to distance himself from her, the sense of impending danger grew heavier. Her previous suspicions might have been correct. After all these years, with Rosalie, a stunning beauty, by his side, how could Julian not be tempted?
‘No, I can’t allow it. I can’t let Rosalie take Julian away,’ she thought. In that brief moment of panic, Roseanne’s resolve strengthened. No matter what it took, she would make sure Rosalie left Julian. Julian belonged to her and no one else.