Chapter 15 - What Julian Really Wanted

I sat across from him.

“So you punished me for being capable?”

Julian shook his head.

“You don't understand.”

“Then explain.”

He walked toward the window.

“Every room we entered, people knew who you were.”

“Most people didn't.”

“The important ones did.”

I stared at him.

“Investors listened when you spoke.”

“Because I knew what I was talking about.”

“Exactly.”

His laugh was bitter.

“You could sit there quietly for an hour, say one sentence, and suddenly everyone wanted to reconsider the entire deal.”

“That bothered you?”

“It reminded me.”

“Of what?”

“That none of it was really mine.”

For several seconds, neither of us spoke.

There it was.

The thing he had spent nine years running from.

He had always known something larger existed behind me.

He simply never knew how large.

“And Camille?” I asked.

His eyes dropped.

“She admired me.”

“I admired you.”

“No.”

He looked at me.

“You understood me.”

I frowned.

“What's the difference?”

“Admiration makes you feel powerful.”

His mouth tightened.

“Being understood makes you feel exposed.”

I almost felt sorry for him.

Almost.

“So you built another company.”

“Yes.”

“You stole confidential plans.”

“I created most of those plans.”

“No, Julian.”

My voice stayed steady.

“You stood in front of presentations other people built.”

His face hardened.

“There she is.”

“Who?”

“The real Elena.”

I leaned back.

“You mean the one who stopped protecting your ego?”

He stared at me.

I continued.

“You could have built something legitimate.”

“You had money.”

“You had influence.”

“You had access most people would never receive.”

“You could have left our marriage honestly.”

“You could have started another company without stealing.”

“You could have told me you were unhappy.”

“But none of that was enough.”

He looked away.

“You wanted me defeated.”

He didn't deny it.

That was the last answer I needed.

I stood.

Julian turned.

“Where are you going?”

“Back to work.”

“Elena.”

I stopped.

“If you destroy me, people will think your family bought your victory.”

I looked over my shoulder.

“No.”

I opened the door.

“They'll think you mistook access for ownership.”

May you like

BREAKING NEWS: Washington, D.C. — New Details Just In… See More:

OMG: A Thoughtful Moment From Donald Trump in WashingtonWashington rarely slows down—but for a brief instant, it seemed like it di...

The Honeymoon That Broke My Trust-and the Famiily Truths That Helped Me...

He Framed My 8-Year-Old Daughter as a Thiief at His Wedding—Then the CCT...

Then I left him standing beside the window.

The next morning, we filed suit.