Chapter 8

Julian stood there, wrapped in just a towel, his sculpted body clearly visible, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders.

My back pressed against the door, my heart pounding, I immediately spoke.

"Julian, this is your home. I'm your stepmom. You can't do anything reckless!"

Julian sat on the sofa, his eyes cold and filled with scorn.

"Be reckless with *you*? What makes you so confident?"

???

He’d tried several times and failed, and now he was asking me what gave me confidence?

I composed myself.

"Good. As long as you don't have that intention."

Just as I let out a sigh of relief, Julian’s next words nearly scared me to death.

"But what if *you*, Stepmom, actively seduce me? Would that still be me acting reckless?"

No sooner had he spoken than Julian stood up and walked towards me, his towel barely clinging on.

He infuriated me. Words tumbled out, sharp and cruel.

"You were dumped by me, and you’re still so desperate? Have some dignity!"

His heart seemed to be pricked. Julian stopped approaching me.

His face returned to its usual cold indifference, an almost bone-chilling coldness.

He took a step forward, unlocked the door, and his voice dropped low.

"Get out. Don't let me see you."

My heart twisted with a strange ache, but I quickly scurried out.

If I hadn't found out about Thorne Industries, Julian and I would never have crossed paths again.

And now, I was someone else's stepmom.

According to our agreement, I handed the evidence of the illicit dealings in Thailand to Mr. Thorne.

And we had obtained a fake marriage certificate.

The wedding day was lively.

Besides being lively, it was also incredibly awkward.

Because not only were Mr. Thorne and I getting married, but his son, Julian, also decided to join in the festivities.

Julian introduced the woman in his arms to everyone, then stared at me and said,

"Chloe, this is our stepmom. Say hello, Stepmom."

The woman nestled in Julian’s arms, her smile saccharine.

"Hello, Stepmom."

I was so angry my teeth nearly shattered, so I retorted:

"Hello, son and daughter-in-law, you both look lovely."

Julian used the wedding as an opportunity to announce his relationship with Chloe and get married himself.

A knot of emotion tightened in my chest, but I had no right to say anything.

On the wedding night, to avoid suspicion,

I purposely went to Mr. Thorne’s bedroom.

Fortunately, he had company matters to attend to that night, so I was comfortable alone in the room.

Before I went to sleep, the doorknob suddenly rattled.

I tensed, calling out loudly:

"Mr. Thorne? Is that you?"