Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Juliette’s voice cut through the tension, a hint of coldness lacing her words. She had already anticipated Louis would be blamed for something, and the moment she walked in, she was ready to defend him.
Louis‘ eyes lit up when he saw her. The word mommy almost escaped his lips, but he stopped himself.
When Juliette arrived, he felt like all his grievances and frustration melted away.
‘If Mommy sides with me over her fiancé, I’ll be happy,‘ Louis thought. ‘But if not… I’ll still be okay.‘
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“Juliette?” Finn’s voice broke the moment, a surprised expression crossing his face as he looked at her.
Juliette turned to face him, just as surprised.
In her previous life, she had never experienced anything involving Louis.
“Did you come here because of Belle?” Finn asked, trying to understand.
Juliette raised an eyebrow, confused.
“Louis went out and bought cookies, then came here to compete with the other kids. He ended up winning, taking Belle’s first place. When we asked him to apologize, he refused. It’s no surprise–kids these days are spoiled, no discipline.” Finn’s voice was stern as he explained.
Juliette, who had always paid attention to Finn and his family, especially Belle, was caught off guard by his assumption.
Finn believed she was here to help resolve things with Belle. But that wasn’t the whole story.
“I’m trying to talk some sense into him,” Finn continued, clearly thinking he was in the right. “But he needs to apologize first. If he’s truly a good kid, he will.”
Juliette’s blood boiled. She and Patrick had worked hard to make those cookies together, and now they were being unjustly accused.
She clenched her fists, taking a moment to calm herself.
She glanced down at Louis, who was watching her. His eyes were filled with a mixture of hope and doubt.
He was waiting, maybe even hoping, that Juliette would stand by him. But he wasn’t sure.
‘Poor kid,‘ Juliette thought, feeling the ache in her heart. ‘I want to comfort him, to tell him it’s okay.
‘But I can’t just let this go. I need to find a way to expose Finn to what he is—but I can’t let them hurt Louis in the process.”
“So, Finn,” Juliette said, her voice even, “How do you know Louis didn’t make these cookies with his family? Couldn’t they have baked them together?”
Before Finn could respond, Belle stepped forward, hands on her hips. “Look at the cookies! They look just like store–bought ones, and the taste is exactly the same. No way he made them himself.”
She sneered, “And besides, Louis doesn’t even have a mom. Who would make cookies like these for him?”
Finn and the others nodded, thinking Belle’s words would force Louis into admitting guilt.
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Chapter 37
They assumed Juliette was on their side, ready to back them up.
But Juliette’s expression turned cold. ‘How dare they–Louis was just a child.‘
In her past life, she had no idea Louis existed, and so she missed out on watching him grow.
But in this life, she learned just how many hardships and pains he had endured while growing up.
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She picked up one of the little cookies on Louis‘ plate, studying at it for a moment before asking, “Is it really that difficult to make cookies like this?”
Finn furrowed his brow, sensing something‘ off in Juliette–she should have been taking Belle’s side.
He stood up, his voice cooled and calculated. “Louis doesn’t have a mother. If he and his father made these cookies, two men would struggle to make something this delicate and beautiful.
“I’ve heard that Louis‘ father is always busy. A chauffeur drives him to and from school, so how would his father have time to make cookies with him? The chances of that seem pretty slim.”
Finn paused, then continued, “So, it’s safe to assume these cookies came from outside, not from home. It’s normal for kids to want to show off, but if they don’t learn from their mistakes, that could be a serious character flaw.”
Juliette met his gaze, her eyes sharp. Finn was making judgments, throwing accusations based on nothing.
Underneath his polished demeanor, he had a truly vile heart.
He had just branded Louis as a spoiled, vain child with a bad character.
‘Louis is only four. And Finn, a man in his twenties, has no shame in saying that,’ she thought, incredulous.
“Just because Louis‘ dad is a public figure doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time for his son,” Juliette said, her voice steady. “You don’t know their lives. They might just choose to keep things private.”
Finn’s brow furrowed further. “How do you know that?”
Juliette didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, she continued, “And he doesn’t actually lack a mother. His parents are in a secret marriage and don’t want anyone to know, which is why they haven’t shown themselves. In reality, they’re very much in love.”
Finn grabbed Juliette’s shoulder, his grip tight and laced with a hint of threat. “Juliette, Belle is my niece.”
‘So how could you side with someone else and embarrass me like this?‘ he thought.
Finn didn’t say more, but Juliette understood. She smiled faintly and took his hand off her shoulder with a firm grip.
She responded, “I know, which is exactly why we can’t just go around accusing people. It wouldn’t look good for the Montgomery family. I’m only looking out for you.“,
Finn pressed his lips together, clearly displeased, but he could only agree with her. “You’re right, but how do his parents?”
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“I know because I’m friends with Louis‘ mother,” Juliette replied without hesitation. “I visited their home yesterday. I saw them baking together. I even helped.”
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Chapter 37
Finn’s face darkened, and his anger flashed in his eyes.
Juliette’s words were like a slap to his face.
“What friend?” he asked, his voice low and threatening. “Do I know her?”
Juliette smiled sweetly. “I have many friends, Finn. Not everyone you know. Besides, if she wants to keep her marriage private, that’s her business, isn’t it?”
She raised an eyebrow, continuing, “You don’t believe me? Fine. I learned how to bake some cookies yesterday and I can do it right here. Prove they’re exactly the same as Louis.”
Finn’s expression twisted with frustration.
He was seething, but trying to keep his cool. His patience was running thin.
“Oh, really? I’d love to see that. I’ve never had the pleasure of tasting your cookies, It’ll be interesting,” he said, forcing a smile.
Juliette could feel the shift in the room–the tension between her and Finn was almost palpable.
But to everyone else, it looked like the perfect couple.
Finn was so gentle, and she was so excellent–she could even bake cookies right on the spot.
The staff quickly provided the ingredients and tools she needed to bake the cookies.
Before heading to the kitchen, Juliette knelt and ruffled Louis‘ hair gently.
Juliette worked quickly, kneading the dough and shaping the cookies. Within moments, she had made a batch that looked and tasted just like the ones Louis had brought.
When she returned with the fresh batch, Finn’s smile was tight, but he tried to smooth things over. “I guess it was a misunderstanding. Belle, apologize to Louis.”
Belle glared at Juliette, her face twisted with frustration. She crossed her arms, seething.
“I’m not apologizing! Juliette, I hate you! I will never let you marry my uncle! I don’t approve of this marriage!” With that, she stormed off, her angry footsteps echoing through the room.
Finn sighed, turning to Juliette. “Don’t be upset. She’s just a child. I’ll talk to her later. She’s running off alone, though. I need to make sure she’s safe.”
Juliette smiled sweetly, her tone calm and understanding. “Of course. Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”
