At the doorway, Violet saw Lydia already stepping inside — ignoring the staff, walking straight in as if she owned the place.
Violet intercepted her halfway. “I’m sorry, Julian’s asleep. You should talk to him tomorrow.”
The moment Lydia saw her, her eyes widened. “You… how—”
“How what?” Violet asked evenly.
Lydia’s expression tightened, her voice snapping sharp. “I mean I need to speak to Julian right now. It’s urgent. I’ll go to his room myself — don’t get in my way.”
“I’m afraid that’s not happening,” Violet said flatly, tone firm as steel.
“YOU—” Lydia’s face twisted with anger. “If this gets delayed, can you handle the consequences?”
“Then tell me what it’s about,” Violet replied coolly.
Lydia scoffed. “PLEASE. You don’t even know half of what’s going on. Julian told me himsel
