Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Stephanie had already asked her this question numerous times. In the past, Julianna had always denied it, but this time, she fell silent. Pulling out another tissue to blow her nose, Julianna let out a sigh, which pretty much confirmed it all. “I can’t believe I’ve fallen for a jerk,” she muttered.

Stephanie couldn’t help but smile, “Maybe there’s some kind of misunderstanding?”

Julianna huffed, “Misunderstanding? I saw him with Hilda Larson, they’re clearly more than just friends!”

The waitress came by, and Stephanie ordered a coffee and hot milk. She took the hot milk and slowly poured it into the coffee. “When you add milk to coffee, the milk’s color disappears, but that doesn’t mean the milk has turned black. It’s just that you can’t distinguish it right now. Lots of things aren’t as they appear on the surface. You should see their essence. I think it would be better for you to ask Graham directly. Whether we stay together or not, it’s not right to misunderstand

each other.

Julianna thought Stephanie had a point, but she still felt upset in her heart. “Um, Stephie, does it hurt a lot for a woman…. you know, the first time?”

Stephanie raised her eyebrows and asked, “What’s going on?”

Just curious, that’s all! Did it hurt for you?”

With a smirk, Stephanie teased. “Are you and Craham…

No!”

Julianna blurted out, increasing in volume, which made Stephanie point out, “Julia, your pitch is going up, that’s a sign

you’re nervous”

After a fit of coughing, Julianna glanced at her watch and said, “Stephie. I got something to do. I gotta run. Maybe you’re right, maybe I got Graham all wrong. I’ll go and clear the air with him right now.” She quickly grabbed her purse and left.

Stephanie took a sip of her coffee, found it bitter, and added two sugar cubes. Just then, her phone buzzed with a text from Vincent. He asked. [When are you coming back?]

[After I finish this coffee.

[I’ll wait for you at home, we can have breakfast together.]

[What’s kind of mush for breakfast today?]

D

Seeing the ellipsis, Stephanie could imagine Vincent’s speechless face, She had been eating mush for so long that she was starting to get bored of it. She quickly finished her coffee and leg the café.

Meanwhile, Julianna returned to her apartment, where she found no sign of Graham. “He’s left so early?” she murmured, feeling a bit disappointed.

She noticed a coffee stain on her scarf and went to the bathroom to wash it. As soon as she entered, she caught sight of a red. mark on the buttonhole of a man’s shirt in the laundry basket. The hope that had been in Julianna’s heart plummeted instantly. She hadn’t noticed this while showering earlier, but now the sight was glaring. She approached and picked up the shirt. The red stain was unmistakably lipstick, a telltale sign of irgintate contact. Her hands closed tightly around the fabric. her fingertips turning white. She tried to convince herself that there had been a mistake, that she should confront Graham and

get to the truth. Clenching the start in her fist, she left and dove straight to Whitlock Group,

After parking the car, Julianna stepped out just in time to see lila, sporting sunglasses, getting out of her vehicle too. Hilda

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Chapter 213

caught sight of Julianna, whose expression wasn’t exactly sunny, and a hint of cunning flashed behind those dark lenses Approaching with a respectful demeanor, Hilda greeted, “Mrs. Whitlock.”

Julianna’s gaze on the woman before her was filled with disdain. “What’s up?”

The corners of Hilda’s lips, as red as wine, curled up slightly. “Nothing much, just wanted to mention that Mr. Whitlock’s shirt got dirty. Wonder if he’s had the chance to change.”

“He’s not blind; of course he’d change out of something that’s goten dirty, Julianna snapped back.

Hilda could detect the scorn in Julianna’s tone but didn’t mind it. She wouldn’t dare provoke Graham to his face, but stirring the pot with Julianna was fair game. With a feigned sigh, Hilda said, “Last night, my legs gave out and I couldn’t stand. Mr. Whitlock had to carry me. I must say, he is quite strong.” Julianna pressed her lips together at the insinuation lingering in” Hilda’s words.

Clearing her throat, Hilda continued with a hint of playfulness, My apologies, Mrs. Whitlock. My throat’s a bit hoarse, probably overdid it with last night’s… activities”

Facing the other woman’s provocation, Julianna’s eyes were brimming with contempt. To her, Graham was only playing with eone of Hilda’s ilk. Julianna had no interest in playing these games. With a cold glance, Julianna turned on her heels and got back in her car, speeding away.

Hilda snickered lightly. Julianna’s character was transparent and easily riled up. In looks, figure, and even family background, she considered herself Julianna’s equal. But what mattered most was that she saw herself as a better match for Graham. Holding up her cashmere coat’s collar with an air of arrogance, Hilda sauntered into Whitlock Group.

After packing up her luggage, Julianna returned to her apartment, ready to embark on a journey. She was set on getting away, and by the time she came back, her divorce papers would be ready to be signed. She messaged Stephanie before heading to the airport. Upon receiving Julianna’s message about needing some time alone, Stephanie knew that the issues between Julianna and Graham had intensified.

“What are you looking at?” Vincent suddenly asked, as Stephanie was lost in her thoughts with pursed lips. He set aside his spoon and focused on her.

Stephanie relayed the whole saga of Julianna and Graham to him. Vincent’s eyes narrowed slightly, This mess is Graham’s own doing; he’s got to face the music. Still, I believe in his character.

Stephanie nodded, “If it’s just a misunderstanding. I hope they clear it up soon, but if there’s something going on between Graham and Hilda, they shouldn’t hurt each other any longer. It’s best they part ways sooner rather than later.” She turned to Vincent, “And you! You better not do anything to betray me! I won’t forgive you if you do!”

Vincent’s gaze was deep and inscrutable, “How could I ever betray you?”

Stephanic raised an eyebrow, “You’d better remember your words!”

Vincent nodded earnestly. “Engraved in my heart.”

That evening, Graham still couldn’t find Julianna, so he reached out to Vincent, wondering if Julianna was with Stephanie. Vincent was in his car, ready to drive to the institute to pick up Stephanie. Steering wheel in hand, he asked, “Graham, what the heck is going on between you and Julianna?”

“She got the wrong idea about me and Hilda.”

“So why did you give her that chance to misunderstand?” Vincent queried.

Graham frowned slightly, I’ve let Hilda go.

Vincent drove out of the garage, “I think the problem isn’t lildanarson. It’s your attitude towards Julianna. You haven’t given her the trust and security she needs from you.”

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Chapter 213

Graham’s lips tightened. “She wants to divorce me.”

“Then it’s time for some serious self–reflection on your part.”

“So, where is she?”

Vincent replied, “Stephie only knows she went off traveling to clear her mind. Julianna didn’t say where.”

Graham requested urgently. “Do me a favor, find her location.”

Vincent made a disapproving tsk. “That would get me in hot water with my wife.”

Graham gritted his teeth and enunciated every word, “Choosing your wife over your friend, huh!”

Vincent’s lips curved into a hint of a smile, “Wife comes first. If you have any doubts, refer back to my first point.”

Graham was left speechless.