Chapter 166

Kaleb pointed to the ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts, a teasing smile playing on his lips. A flicker of unease crossed Julian's face as he avoided Kaleb's gaze, saying in a low voice, "I just felt like smoking. Nothing to be troubled about."

"But you look more agitated now than when your grandfather forced you to marry Rosalie," Kaleb observed, his words striking a chord. Julian's face darkened.

He didn't reply, picking up his cigarette pack only to discover it empty. He summoned a waiter. "Bring me another pack of cigarettes."

"Yes, Mr. Galloway," the waiter responded before departing.

After the waiter left, Kaleb frowned. "You've smoked an entire pack. Do you even care about your lungs?"

Julian remained silent, his expression sour.

Seeing Julian's petulant demeanor, Kaleb understood Anya's frequent scoldings. He was insufferable; even the most patient person would find him difficult. Kaleb would have ignored him, were he not his wife's brother. Anya might complain, but she cared deeply. For her sake, Kaleb decided to offer some advice.

After a moment's thought, Kaleb asked, "Why did you propose divorce to Rosalie back then?" He bypassed Julian's earlier excuses, posing the question directly.

Julian was startled. He'd never truly considered it. The resentment from his forced marriage had festered for a year, fueling his dislike of Rosalie.