CHAPTER 15
Judith sat silently in the front seat as Julius drove toward his house, anxiously clutching the envelope tucked under her arm. Doubts flooded her mind about whether she was making the right decision by being with Julius. He had described the arrangement as merely a facade, and she tried to convince herself of that fact. The plan was straightforward: she would sign a contract with him, and in return for pretending to be his fiancée until after his grandfather’s company CEO election, he would provide her protection from her father and Charles Blaze. However, the notorious reputation of Charles haunted her thoughts, and she couldn't help but wonder how wealthy Julius was to offer her such security.
As they passed the location where he had picked her up, Julius noticed a change in Judy's expression, sensing her growing anxiety. "There are many roads to my house apart from this place. You can use them in the future," he said, sensing her unease. He knew that always passing through a particular area might endanger her if her father was indeed looking for her. Judy appeared poised to break down at any moment, overwhelmed by the situation.
They continued deeper into the estate, surrounded by trees and dense forest, leading Judy to question how much of Julius's life she truly understood. Until today, at the fashion pageant, she had no idea who he was, which led her to wonder if he preferred a low-profile lifestyle.
Upon arriving at the vast compound, Judy couldn't hide her surprise. The expansive grounds were busy with men dressed in black, standing guard at various spots, which offered her a sense of security in knowing that Julius had capable protection. Entering the magnificent building at the center of the compound, they walked down a grand hallway that opened into an opulent parlor. Judy was in awe of the luxurious surroundings; it was clearly evident that the Wilson family was wealthy, but she couldn't help but compare their affluence to her father's. The interiors were breathtaking, filled with exquisite décor and chandeliers, making her own home feel ordinary in comparison to this palatial estate.
Judy was left speechless by the grandeur of the place, where everything seemed to shimmer with wealth. She contemplated how people could live so differently, and a part of her felt exposed in this realm of luxury. There was a stark contrast between the lives they led, and it made her realize just how much she was stepping into a world that was unfamiliar to her.
As they entered the parlor, Judy felt an overwhelming mixture of excitement and apprehension. This grand setting symbolized the new life she was stepping into, and yet it was fraught with uncertainty. Would this arrangement truly provide her with the protection she needed? Could she really pretend to be someone she wasn't for the sake of her safety? As thoughts raced through her mind, she looked around at the sumptuous surroundings, trying to catch her breath amid the opulence.
She knew her decision to partner with Julius was not just a matter of signing a contract; it was about redefining her life amidst the shadows of her past, echoed by the notorious Charles Blaze and her father's looming presence. In that moment, as she stood in the luxurious parlor of the Wilson estate, Judy was embarking on a path that could either lead to her liberation or deeper entanglement in unfamiliar dangers. The reality of her situation settled heavily upon her as she navigated the fine line between fear and hope, poised to dive into this new chapter that Julius had offered her.
Rufus was at his usual station in the living room, preparing to greet the young master upon his arrival. However, he was taken aback when a petite feminine figure emerged behind the young master. This was unexpected, as the young master typically avoided any involvement with women. Rufus quickly gathered himself as Julius instructed, “Prepare the room opposite mine.” Without questioning the order, Rufus complied. Soon thereafter, two young men accompanied the one-eyed man, Rufus, as they made their way upstairs.
The young woman was observant and noted aloud, “So there are no female workers in the mansion.” Julius replied reassuringly, “Feel at home; Rufus will come to get you once the room is prepared.” With that, Julius ascended the staircase, leaving the young woman to settle in.
When Julius reached the top, he found Rufus waiting outside his room, ever the concerned butler. Rufus inquired, “Sorry to ask, sir, how long will she be staying?” Julius smirked slightly before responding, “Hmm, for a very long time, as long as she complies.” He could see a frown of disapproval forming on Ruhus' face and added teasingly, “The girl somehow has a relationship with Charles; why not sweeten the situation, if you want to get the ants,use sugar?” With a playful grin, he moved past Rufus, who instantly became intrigued at the mention of the name Charles.