Juliette’s feet stepped out of the De Lavigne residence, her heart pounding rapidly. For the first time, she was about to defy the orders of Master D, that crazy psychopath. Juliette couldn’t show the video evidence she had from the night before. Still, the photos she had stored in her apartment would be enough to expose that bastard’s despicable actions.
With that thought in mind, Juliette stood in the mansion courtyard, waiting for her Uber to arrive. She refused to use any of the De Lavigne family’s cars, even if her stepbrother or mother insisted. Juliette checked the watch on her wrist, and that’s when she felt it-like someone was watching her. It was an unpleasant feeling. She looked around, left and right, but there was nothing suspicious. No one seemed to be watching her. Not even the guards who occasionally roamed around the mansion paid her any attention.
Juliette bit her lip, trying to calm the growing anxiety, and rechecked the app to see how far her Uber was. “Come on, hurry up…” she muttered, impatience spilling into her voice. She tapped her foot rapidly, eager to leave as soon as possible.
“Juliette!” She turned her head when someone called her name. Instinctively, she looked toward the voice and saw Daisy running toward her in her signature high heels.
“Finally, I caught up with you!” Daisy said, panting, but there was something in her voice that made Juliette feel the same unease.
“What is it? Is something wrong?” Juliette asked, her brow furrowed as she tried to figure out the reason behind her stepsister’s anxiety.
Daisy nodded quickly and stepped closer to Juliette. “I… what happened to you last night, Jullie?” Juliette blinked, confused. “You know, Leo tried to catch up with you. He was so worried.”
“Really?” Juliette was surprised.
“Yes,” Daisy replied, nodding quickly, though apparent worry was written on her face. “But he got a phone call and had to rush home. So, because your mother was worried, I decided to check on you.” Daisy grabbed Juliette’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
But then, Daisy’s tone changed, becoming lower, almost a whisper. “I heard it, Jullie. I heard your voice. Were you… cheating?”
The words hit Juliette like a bolt of lightning. Her body instantly tensed, her mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened in disbelief. “Do you really think I’m that low? I love Leo!” she shouted angrily, brushing Daisy’s arm away harshly. Juliette couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks.
“You…” Daisy looked shocked, taking a small step back but still trying to understand the situation.
“Then what am I supposed to think? I heard it all, those screams. It sounded like you were… doing something with someone. I’m sorry, Jullie, I didn’t mean to offend you… I just…”
Juliette wiped her tears roughly with the sleeve of her shirt. “Couldn’t that be categorized as… rape?” Juliette whispered so softly, but because Daisy was so close, she could hear the woman’s whisper.
Daisy froze for a moment, stunned, her eyes widening at the revelation. “Juliette? What do you mean?”
With a quick shake of her head, Juliette gave Daisy a bitter smile and turned toward the car approaching the mansion’s driveway. She took a step away from Daisy but stopped when Daisy’s delicate hand grabbed her wrist. Juliette shot her a warning glance, but she stopped short when she saw the look on Daisy’s face-one filled with fear and alertness. “Daisy?” Juliette muttered in confusion.
“Juliette, I need to tell you something,” Daisy whispered.
“What is it?”
Daisy stepped closer, her expression filled with pure fear. “You need to be careful of…”
“Daisy? Aren’t you going to work?” Daisy’s mouth snapped shut instantly, and she quickly let go of Juliette’s arm. She turned around with a bright smile aimed at Robbin, who was standing in the doorway with a man who had jet-black hair and ice-cold blue eyes. Juliette didn’t know who this man was, but from his demeanor and aura, he was no ordinary person.
“Oh, hi Cousin! Congratulations! You’re now the Chairman and CEO of TLS Group! You totally deserve it. I’m sure you’ll lead our family’s business empire well, as you were destined to be Uncle Anthony’s successor.”
“Of course, Daisy,” Robbin replied calmly, but his eyes reflected full awareness of the enormous responsibility now on his shoulders.
Daisy nodded and gave a broad smile before turning back to Juliette. “Jullie, see you later,” she said warmly, hugging Juliette tightly and whispering in her ear.
“He…” The whisper was so soft but clear enough to make Juliette feel uneasy. Then Daisy walked into the mansion with long strides, her head lowered.
Juliette was left confused by Daisy’s words. “He”? Who is “he”? she wondered. Daisy’s words were like a puzzle for Juliette, and she had her puzzle to figure out about that man-the one who had ruined her life. But a sudden thought popped into her mind. Could Daisy have been referring to that man? Her tormentor? Juliette quickly brushed the thought away; it couldn’t be. The person Daisy was talking about and the person who had terrorized her weren’t necessarily the same.
“Jullie? Your car is waiting,” Robbin’s voice broke Juliette out of her thoughts. She smiled sheepishly and nodded at Robbin.
Juliette blinked and smiled awkwardly at Robbin, who stood nearby with an amused expression. He looked at the car and asked, “Why did you order an Uber? You could use one of the cars from the garage, you know that, right?”
Juliette quickly shook her head, waving her hand in the air as a sign of refusal. “Why? Do you still think you’re not part of the De Lavigne family?”
“Oh… umm… no, it’s just that I’m used to using public transport, you know… helping reduce air pollution.”
Robbin laughed and ruffled Juliette’s hair, murmuring, “You’re right.” Then he hugged her tightly. “I’m glad I finally get to see you again.” Juliette smiled but didn’t return the hug or the sentiment. Her body was still traumatized by being touched by men after what had happened the night before. Unfortunately, she had to control herself to avoid overreacting, which would only make Robbin suspicious and concerned.
“So, you’re going home, right? Let me drive you to your apartment complex. I have some errands near there anyway.”
“You’re not going to the TLS Group headquarters?” Juliette asked.
Robbin shook his head and answered, “I’m going there tomorrow for the official inauguration as CEO and a meeting with the executives, so it’s fine. Besides, nothing urgent is happening today.” He then nodded toward the mysterious man Juliette still didn’t know the name of. She watched as the man walked over to her Uber, spoke to the driver through the open front window, and then pulled out some cash from his wallet. After the Uber drove away, the man took out his phone and made a call.
“Oh yeah, I haven’t introduced you yet. This is Aldrich,” Robbin said suddenly. “He works as my right-hand man and assistant. He’s been with me since I became the branch head in Canada.”
Juliette nodded, trying to process the information. “Oh,” she mumbled.
“Actually, Aldrich and I have been friends since school, but he and his family moved to Canada.” Robbin patted Juliette’s shoulder and added, “I think you’ve met him before. He attended our parents’ wedding, but I doubt you’d remember him. He’s changed a lot.”
Juliette wasn’t sure how to react. Why had she become so suspicious since this man’s arrival? First, there was Leo, then Dion, and now Aldrich. What was going on? Could all of this be part of that psychopath’s game? Had her mind already been manipulated by that madman without her realizing it? Should she even be suspicious of Robbin now?
……