Chapter 5
PART 7: Unshakable Horizons
Billionaire embraces seal permanent futures.
Preston didn't argue.
He didn't try to salvage his dignity.
He took one look at the ice in Julian’s eyes, turned on his heel, and vanished into the crowd of tuxedoed guests faster than you can say hostile takeover.
I let out a long, shuddering breath, the phantom weight of my past finally dissolving into nothingness.
I looked up at Julian, who was still glaring at the spot where Preston had been standing.
“You didn't have to threaten him with defenestration,” I teased softly, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
Julian turned his head, the dark fury instantly melting away as his gray eyes locked onto mine.
“I told you I was protecting my investment,” he murmured, stepping closer, closing the distance between us until the noise of the grand ballroom faded into a distant hum.
“And what kind of return are you expecting on this investment, Mr. Sterling?” I asked, tilting my chin up defiantly.
Julian reached out, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his touch warm, deliberate, and entirely steady.
“Everything,” he whispered, his voice dropping into a register meant only for me. “Lifetime monopoly. Zero exit clauses.”
I laughed, leaning my cheek into the warmth of his palm, finally realizing that sometimes, the worst days of your life aren't the end of the world at all.
They are just the universe clearing away the debris so you can finally crash into the exact person you were always meant to find.
Julian wrapped his arms around me, pulling me securely against his chest in front of hundreds of elite guests, royalty, and corporate titans.
It wasn't an airport terminal.
There were no tears on his lapel.
May you like
And this time, as his arms tightened around me with absolute, unyielding certainty, I knew without a single doubt:
He was exceptionally good at hugging.
