Beneath His Cold Gaze

Chapter Four - The Threat

Julian's POV

The shuffling noises coming from the room cause me to slowly flutter my eyes open. I watch her fidget, her entire body shivering, her face disoriented.

I can't help but pretend to be asleep as I watch her hastily change into her clothes and pack up her things. She gazes at me, and I quickly shut my eyes, pretending to be fast asleep. I hear her sigh in relief before she jumps off the bed and scurries out of my room.

Once I hear her slam the door, I snap my eyes open and sit upright. The memories of last night slowly flood my mind—a night I would love to relive over and over again. From the way she poured out her feelings to me, to the soft, passionate kiss we shared, to having her by my side—every single moment makes my heart flutter.

That woman deserves better—someone better than that stupid man. My eyes dart to the wall clock. I glance at the time and realize I'm a few minutes late for work, just as I was late for my party last night.

I rise to my feet and quickly take a shower. I slip into a casual plain T-shirt and a pair of brown suit pants that cling to my long legs. Without wasting any more time, I walk out of my room and am greeted by the smiling faces of the maids scattered around the mansion.

One of them stops me and says, "Good morning, Sir. I hope you slept well." She asks. I return the smile. "Yes, I did." I really enjoyed last night, and I hope for more nights like that.

"The lady who came from your room, I tried to stop her, but she insisted that you had given her permission to leave," the maid says. I nod in agreement. "Yes, I did."

Alright, Sir, breakfast is ready. Your grandfather is waiting for you in the dining hall," the maid says. I wave it off and clear my throat before replying, "Tell him I won’t be having breakfast at home. I need to head to work this morning.

I walk past the maid and head outside, where my ride is prepared. The bodyguards usher me into the black SUV car. The driver starts the car and zooms off. Throughout the ride, my mind does not leave the lady, not for once. I think her name is Sophia.

I finally arrive at work, greeted warmly by everyone around me, all pretending as if nothing happened at the charity gala last night. I make my way into my office. To be honest, the office looks a bit tacky. I ask the secretary to clear out all the former CEO’s belongings and replace them with my own.

I sit comfortably on the chair and hastily text Rob, one of my butlers and also a close friend. I ask him to fetch me Sophia's number at all cost. I need to contact that woman again.

In the meantime, as I’m trying to focus on some paperwork, the door to my office flies open. Lucas barges in, his suitcase clutched tightly in his hands. Our eyes meet, and a frown grows on his face, but he quickly masks it with a forced smile.

"Do you not know how to knock?" I snap at him. I watch him clench his fist tight and clear his throat to apologize. "I am sorry about last night, I am not usually like that. I just got really angry about how my wife stained your expensive shirt due to her clumsiness."

I scoff. "Now that we are on that topic, do you love her?" I blurt out.

Lucas looks taken aback by my question, he raises a brow at me. "Excuse me?"

"Your wife, Sophia. Do you love her?" I repeat myself with much clearer words.

"Not to sound disrespectful, but I don’t see how that’s any of your business," Lucas retorts. I roll my eyes and let out a hysterical laugh. "I guess you’re right," I mutter with a slight shrug. "I’m just wondering how such an amazing woman ended up with someone like you."

My bait works on Lucas. He scoffs, letting out an incredulous laugh. "What do you mean? I think it’s the other way around. That woman is far from amazing. She’s the one who doesn’t deserve me. If it weren’t for me, she’d be nothing."

I feel irritated by his cockiness. I shake my head at him in disdain. "It is such a pity that you do not realize how amazing she is. Anyways, I guess it is a win for me." I smile.

Lucas's face turns red as he strides toward my desk, leaning in close to whisper in a cold tone, "Who do you think you are to have a say in my marriage?"

I shrug in response, raising my hand in mock surrender. "I don't know. You make your marriage so public anyway. Aren't people allowed to have an opinion on it?" I arch an eyebrow at him.

Lucas lets out a heavy sigh. "I would really appreciate it if you didn’t say anything about my marriage. It’s none of your business. Let’s just focus on work and be good partners," Lucas says.

"If you do not love her, then why not just let her go? I mean, there has got to be some other guy out there who will appreciate her worth." I say.

"What?" Lucas yells, slamming the desk.

I rise to my feet and slowly walk towards him. I shove him by the shoulder and stare right into his eyes, ready to make my motives clear to him.

"Someone like me..." I start. I clear my throat and whisper harshly into his ears. "You better not let your guard down, Lucas. I am not only here to take the company, I might as well snatch her from you."