Chapter 72

Julian kept swallowing hard, as if to suppress the heat rising in his chest. “Come on, answer me! Say I’m brilliant,” Rosalie demanded, stubborn as a child refusing to yield without praise.

Juhan had no idea she was like this when drunk. She wasn't throwing a fit, yet dealing with her was more exhausting than if she had been. She was driving Julian insane. However, he had no choice but to play along.

Taking a deep sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose and relented. “You’re brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.”

Finally hearing the answer she wanted, Rosalie beamed, her lips curving into a satisfied, almost angelic smile.

That was when Clara walked in with the hangover cure. She froze at the door, her eyes widening at the scene before her. The air was charged; Julian’s and Rosalie’s postures were too intimate.

Clara hesitated, unsure whether to enter or leave. But before she could decide, Julian calmly pried Rosalie’s arms from his neck, as if nothing had happened, and said in his usual cool tone, “Bring it in.”

“Okay,” Clare replied. Clara moved forward, but as she approached, she realized just how drunk Rosalie actually was. She thought the hug was probably just the alcohol talking; for some reason, this thought left her oddly disappointed.

“Sir. Madam’s in no state to take a bath. Do you need me to help?” Clara asked softly. In her mind, she muttered, “Who the hell did she go drinking with to end up like this?”