EPISODE 15
1198 Words
A DEBT UNCLAIMED & A WARNING UNHEEDED
The soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of champagne glasses filled the Astor estate’s lavish hall. The celebration was still in full swing, yet Julian D’Argento had no interest in lingering. He had done what needed to be done—saving Astor Conglomerate had been a calculated move, nothing more.
But just as he was about to leave, Leo finally caught up to him.
“Mr. D’Argento.”
Julian, clad in his signature silver mask, turned his head slightly, his sharp gaze landing on Leo. The younger man looked composed, but there was a certain tension in his stance.
“Mr. Astor,” Julian greeted smoothly, his voice carrying the perfect balance of politeness and detachment.
Leo exhaled, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I wanted to personally thank you for what you did for my company. If Orion Enterprise hadn’t stepped in, things would have been a disaster.”
Julian tilted his head slightly. “It was a business decision, nothing more.”
Leo frowned, clearly not satisfied with that answer. “Even so, I owe you. I don’t like being in anyone’s debt.”
Julian let out a quiet hum, as if considering something. Then, without hesitation, he said, “Forget it.”
Leo blinked, stunned. “Forget it?”
“I require no compensation,” Julian stated simply. “The matter is settled.”
Leo narrowed his eyes, studying Julian’s unreadable expression behind the mask. “That doesn’t make sense. No one does favors without expecting something in return.”
Julian smirked faintly. “Perhaps not in your world.”
There was something infuriating about how casually Julian dismissed the notion of repayment. Leo didn’t know whether to be relieved or suspicious. But before he could say anything more, Julian gave him a small nod.
“If that is all, I’ll be taking my leave.”
With that, Julian turned away, his long coat billowing slightly as he strode toward the exit.
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Elara’s Sweet Goodbye
Before leaving, Julian made his way toward Elara, who was chatting animatedly with some guests. The moment she spotted him approaching, she gasped in excitement and immediately rushed toward him.
“You’re leaving already?” she asked, slightly pouting.
“I have other matters to attend to,” Julian replied with a faint smirk.
Elara huffed, crossing her arms. “That’s no fun. But—” her eyes sparkled, “—at least I got to meet you! You’re really amazing, Mr. D’Argento.”
Julian chuckled softly. “You flatter me, Miss Astor.”
Elara hesitated for a moment before blurting out, “Can I have your contact?”
Julian arched a brow, clearly surprised. Then, to her utter delight, he reached into his coat pocket and handed her a sleek, black card.
Her eyes widened. “Wait… seriously?”
Julian nodded. “Use it wisely.”
Elara practically squealed. “Oh my god, thank you!” Without thinking, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
Julian stiffened slightly but, after a beat, gave her a light pat on the back.
“You are an interesting young lady,” he mused.
Elara grinned. “And you’re way cooler than I expected.”
Julian finally pulled away, giving a final nod to her parents as he bid them farewell. Then, without another word, he turned and left the party.
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Nathan’s Confrontation
Nathan had been watching.
From the moment Julian D’Argento arrived, Nathan Hart had been keeping a close eye on him. There was something off about the masked billionaire—something that made him uneasy. And the way Leo had been speaking to him earlier? That only fueled Nathan’s growing irritation.
When Julian finally left the estate, Nathan saw his chance.
He followed.
The evening air was crisp, the estate’s grand driveway lined with luxury cars and glowing lanterns. Julian was making his way toward his vehicle when Nathan stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
Julian didn’t even flinch. He simply tilted his head slightly, as if mildly intrigued by the interruption.
Nathan crossed his arms, his sharp gaze locking onto Julian’s masked face. “I’ll get straight to the point,” he said coolly. “Leo is mine.”
Julian remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Nathan’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know what your deal is, but whatever game you’re playing—back off. Leo and I have history. A connection you can’t compete with.”
A long pause.
Then, to Nathan’s utter frustration, Julian let out a quiet chuckle.
“I see,” Julian murmured, his tone neither amused nor threatened. “And what makes you think I have any interest in Mr. Astor?”
Nathan’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t play dumb. I saw the way you looked at him.”
Julian’s smirk was faint, almost mocking. “You saw what you wanted to see.”
Nathan bristled. “Stay away from him.”
Julian took a step forward, the subtle shift in his posture exuding quiet authority. “And if I don’t?”
Nathan clenched his fists, but Julian’s calm, unwavering gaze made him hesitate.
After a beat, Julian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “If Leo is truly yours, then why are you so threatened?”
Nathan stiffened.
Julian let the question hang between them for a moment before stepping around him, moving toward his car. Without looking back, he opened the door and slid inside.
Nathan stood frozen, his nails digging into his palm as Julian’s sleek car pulled away into the night.
Despite himself, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest.
Julian D’Argento wasn’t someone to be underestimated.
UNRAVELING TIES
Elara was in very high spirits, her excitement bubbling over as she boasted to her family.
“I knew it!” she declared, practically bouncing on her feet. “Julian D’Argento must have liked me. Otherwise, why would he give me his personal number?”
Her parents chuckled at her enthusiasm, clearly entertained by their daughter’s energy.
“Oh, Elara,” their mother mused, shaking her head. “Not everything is about romance, dear.”
Elara scoffed. “Oh, come on, Mom! A man like that doesn’t just give out his personal number to anyone.” She clutched the black card to her chest, grinning. “This means something.”
Leo, standing off to the side, merely observed as Elara continued her excited ramblings. She was practically glowing with glee, reliving every detail of her encounter with Julian D’Argento.
Her father chuckled. “Well, he did seem to find you amusing.”
Elara beamed. “Exactly! I knew he wasn’t as cold as people say. He totally likes me.”
Leo exhaled, pressing his fingers against his temple. “Elara, he probably gave you his number because you’re a persistent little menace.”
Elara stuck her tongue out at him. “Whatever, Leo.” She twirled the card between her fingers. “I’m keeping this forever.”
Leo sighed, but there was a faint smirk on his lips. His sister’s joy was contagious, even if he wasn’t sure how much stock she should put into Julian’s gesture.
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- Writer
