Chapter 16:
Chapter 16
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Patrick watched Juliette for a moment before moving aside so she could get out of the car. Instead of following her, he reached into the trunk and pulled out a bright red umbrella,
“On a sunny day like this, you’re definitely going to need it,” he said with a grin.
Juliette glanced up at the bright sky, feeling the sun’s rays prickle her eyes. She realized how much she appreciated the umbrella. “Thanks, Mr. Clarke! I really love it,” she said, her smile brighter than the sun.
Once she ensured Patrick had left, Juliette hopped into her car and grabbed her portable mini–printer. She printed out a document before heading to the hospital.
As soon as she walked into the doctor’s office, she heard, “Ms. Vaughn, is everything okay?” It felt familiar–she’d expected
this reaction.
The Vaughn family might not be one of the four families, but they still held some clout in Hawthorn.
Juliette was known for her stunning looks and poised elegance, adding to her recognition as Finn’s fiancée, a member of one of the most powerful families.
Lucky for her, she had come prepared. With her dual identities, she knew the paternity test situation could backfire if the wrong people got wind of it.
She was ready to clue in Dr. Asher Matthews, the doctor who conducted the tests, but asked him to keep a secret.
“I’m p perfectly fine, physically,” Juliette said, settling comfortably into the chair across from Asher.
“Someone sent me a list of claims about you, Dr. Matthews. I can’t imagine they’re true–sounds like someone is just jealous of your connections in high society, trying to stir up trouble,” she added with a casual shrug, placing a document on his desk.
The moment Asher opened it, his expression shifted from calm to horrified. “Ms. Vaughn, where did you get this? This is complete nonsense! I haven’t done any of this!”
A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his forehead. The document contained all the paternity tests he’d conducted that turned out to be fake and the outrageous fees he’d charged for fabricating parental connections to wealthy fathers.
“Look, I know these are all bogus, and I’m willing to do you a solid by keeping this under wraps,” Juliette said, flashing a bright smile that would put anyone at ease. “You don’t want it to get out and ruin your reputation, right?”
At first, Asher didn’t take her seriously. But now, it was time to think again. He felt the tension rise in his body, and his voice turned serious as he asked, “What do you want from me?”
“I’m willing to trust that you’re innocent because I see you as a friend. I can keep your secret for now, but I just don’t know if you’ll treat me the same way,” Juliette replied.
Asher’s hand lingered near the scissors by the filing basket, making sure Juliette couldn’t see any nervousness in his movements. He managed a smile and said, “Absolutely.”
But there was something off about that smile. It didn’t quite reach his eyes. As he spoke, the scissors in his grip drifted closer to Juliette’s chest.
‘She’s just a pretty face, so who does she think she is to pose a threat to me? he thought.
Chapter 16
With his reputation on the line, he considered making a life threat, thinking she’d think twice before saying anything about
him later.
However, Juliette straightened up, squeezed his wrist with one hand, and lifted her long leg to kick himn in the jaw, dislocating his jaw straight away. The scissors in his hand slipped off and were caught by Juliette.
She pushed back her chair and stood up, holding the scissors against Asher’s throat.
Asher could feel the sharp edge of the scissors hovering near his throat, and he swallowed hard, staring at the woman before him. She had a sly smile playing at the corner of her mouth, but her eyes were icy and deadly.
“I’m ready to be friends with you, Ms. Vaughn, and I promise to keep your secret. Can we start over?” he said.
Juliette just stared at him for five seconds before casually tossing the scissors onto the table and settling back in her chair.
It took a moment, but Asher slowly crawled back into his seat, his back drenched in cold sweat.
Juliette slid the hair sample toward him. “Just get a paternity test. No need to fake anything–just show me the truth.”
to worry.
Ms.
Asher picked up the hair sample, his hand shaking a bit. I promise I’ll finish this quickly. You don’t have to Vaughn
Juliette stood up, a smirk dancing on her lips as she looked at Asher. “As a friend, Dr. Matthews, you should definitely keep what I’m asking you to do under wraps, right?” she said sweetly.
“Absolutely! It’ll be like what you do for me!” Asher clutched the document tightly and swore to Juliette.
Satisfied, Juliette nodded. ‘I’ll be waiting for the results.”
After she left, Asher flopped down into his chair and sat there for what felt like ages before remembering his jaw was dislocated and throbbing with pain.
He learned one thing today: he couldn’t afford to offend Juliette
Juliette stepped out of the hospital and plopped into her car, lingering for a while until her phone rang.
It was her dad, Mason, calling. She barely glanced at it before tossing the phone aside. She chose not to answer or even decline the call, just letting it ring on
Forty minutes later, she pulled up to the entrance of the Vaughn family inside.
got out, opened her red umbrella, and strolled
Bam!
Suddenly, an ashtray crashed to the ground at her feet.
“You decide to show up! Why didn’t you answer when I called?” Mason shot her an angry look from the living room. The whole family watched behind him.
Juliette just looked at him indifferently. “Is there something you want to say? Spit it out”
“Dad, calm down! Juliette probably felt hurt after our little incident last night and just needed some space,” Bianca chimed in, trying to help.
“Hurt her? She’s the one who hurt us all and thought running away was the solution!” Mason was fuming now.
11:48 Wed, Jan 29
Chapter 16
“You went to Golden Breeze! Seriously? Have you forgotten you’re getting married to the Montgomery family in just twenty days? And you finally decided to show your face now? The nerve of you!”
“Dad, maybe she’s just feeling the pressure of the upcoming marriage, you know? She might just need a little breather before the wedding. Don’t be mad at her. Juliette, just apologize to Dad. He’s worried about you, Bianca urged.
Watching the two of them, Juliette couldn’t help but feel the absurdity of it all. She smiled wryly, choosing to stay silent.
think about leaving this house without my say–so Who cares about your apology? Get back to your room, and don’t even until you marry Finn!” Mason’s voice boomed, as if it might blow the roof off.
Juliette turned on her heel and headed upstairs. “Don’t forget to bring me lunch. If I starve myself skinny or drop dead, you family guys will have some explaining to do to the Montgomery
“You!” Mason was so furious he could hardly find his words.
Bianca stepped in to steady him, adding, “Dad, you can’t keep her locked up for a while. Finn just called me–he wants to take Juliette to an auction tonight. There’s some, high–end sandalwood on the block.”
Juliette couldn’t help but laugh
