Rachel felt much more relaxed after hanging up the call. Hans was a sunny and gentle guy, so his beloved sister naturally wouldn’t be wicked. She was just led down the wrong path. Everybody made mistakes; the most important thing was to do something about it.
At that, Julian came to Rachel’s mind, and her eyes narrowed. The investigation bureau promptly released at statement announcing Justin’s innocence and the case’s reinvestigation.
But even so, public opinion still didn’t alleviate it, as everyone only wanted to believe in what they believed. ‘That’s what money and capital get you. He sure has a strong backer.” This is definitely a government and business collusion. Poor girl.” ‘But I heard he’s been kicked out of Burton Group’
‘Please, that’s only for show.” And many more shared similar opinions. Rachel had thought things wouldn’t move in the direction Justin had predicted. But who’d have thought just after two days, Julian was released unscathed while Stefan became the scapegoat and bagged all the charges? The entire time, neither the news nor public opinion mentioned Julian, the true prosecutor behind the scenes.
“Julian won’t answer my calls. His assistant said he’s in a meeting. A meeting that lasts for a whole day? As if anyone would believe it! I’m now starting to believe all that you said is true, Chris.”
Inside the Carter Residence’s living room, Jolly put her phone down and slumped onto the couch. “Why is he doing this? I mean, you’ve already agreed to date him. Is it necessary for him to do all this and destroy Justin?”
“I don’t know.’ Rachel couldn’t give her an answer either. Sitting on the side, Richard was reading the newspaper, and he took a gander at the two young ladies. “What’s so baffling about it? Not everyone has the will to resist the temptation of power and money, what more when he obtained the entire Burton Group overnight. It’s normal for someone to get complacent when everyone starts sucking up to them.”
Owning Burton Group meant having absolute discourse. Who in the entire Riverdale wouldn’t want to kiss Julian’s a*s? “Well, be complacent all he wants, but why does he have to destroy Justin?” Jolly was still baffled.
“Own it once, and you’ll be afraid of losing it. I won’t be surprised that many of Burton Group’s founding members still support Justin.” Richard flipped his newspaper to the next page, speaking confidently of the ever-changing situation in the business world. “This is the threat Julian senses.”
Only when Justin disappeared from Riverdale for good could Julian be Burton Group’s number one shareholder with peace of mind. The whole time, he hadn’t planned on destroying Justin just to get Rachel or any similar reason for the fact. The proportion of this reason compared to the man’s ambition. was far less significant.
“He’s not the Julian Peters you guys know anymore. Better watch your backs, cautioned Richard after taking a gander at the two young ladies.
Jolly frowned upon hearing so. “He can’t actually turn into a monster, can he? Anyhow, I’m going to ask him what exactly is up with him. If it’s really his doing, then he has to admit his mistakes and apologize. Am I right, or am I right, Chris?”
“Westhill Racecourse has a grand opening tomorrow. Julian will probably show up, said Rachel thoughtfully. ‘Burton Group should be on the guest list,” Richard added Jolly instantly decided. “We have to go!”
“We should.” Rachel nodded in agreement. No matter what others said and what she dug up, she still wanted to hear the truth from Julian. Also, she had something to return to him. As predicted, Rachel found Julian during Westhill Racecourse’s grand opening.
He was dressed in a light gray tailored suit with gold-framed glasses, talking away with other businessmen, no sign of ever being detained.
“It’s been a while, President Hudson.” Someone beside Julian greeted Rachel enthusiastically upon seeing her. “I was just asking President Peters. I heard a celebration is on its way. You have to invite us to your wedding reception.”
Rachel smiled in response. “You flatter me, Mr.. Howard. But my girl is already in kindergarten, and my wedding reception was held ages ago.” At that, everyone exchanged glances while Julian turned somewhat grim..
“Um, I, uh, I think I see a friend. Please excuse me. I have to go and say hi.”
“Me too, me too.” The group dispersed at that. As shrewd as everyone was, they could naturally tell Rachel and Julian’s relationship had raised a red flag. Thus, they began whispering after moving far away. “Let’s talk somewhere else.’ Rachel shot at glance toward the patio, leading Julian to pull a forceful smile. “Sure.”
It was already late autumn, and the maple leaves in the racecourse’s avenue were scattered all over the place, giving the path a blazing effect from afar.
The chilling breeze constantly blew at them on the patio, sending hints of coolness beneath their outfits. A server came offering a blanket. “It’s cold out here. We’ve prepared some blankets. You may wrap it around you, miss.” “Allow me.” Julian took the blanket from the server.
However, just as he wanted to drape it over Rachel, she stopped him. “It’s fine. I’m not cold.” Meanwhile, many in the banquet hall had their eyes on the two behind the glass door.
Julian put the blanket down. “Rae, I know there’s a misunderstanding between us. I swear I hadn’t answered your calls lately because ! was swamped with things in Burton Group, and also, I’ve been thinking about how to explain it all to you. A lot of people are watching, and they all know we’re seeing each other. Please don’t make me look bad.”
Rachel furrowed her brows upon hearing so, trying her best to sound calm. “You think I’m making you look bad? Since when do you care what other people think?”
“Things are different now. I’m Burton Group’s shareholder. These sorts of interactions are necessary.” Rachel finally truly understood all Richard had said the day before when she saw how supercilious Julian was behaving. Money and power could change a person so quickly that they wouldn’t even realize it.
“Julian, we’re not right for each other. With or without all of this, it’ll never work out between us. I’m grateful for all that you’ve done for me in the past, and I will continue to think so. But you can’t force love.” With that, Rachel pulled out the ring she had brought with her. “I should return this to you.”
Julian didn’t look surprised, perhaps he had long expected it. But he didn’t take the ring from her. “The investigation bureau had gotten to the bottom of Jessica’s case. It’s Stefan Sawyer’s doing. I had nothing to do with it. Do you still want to break up with me?”
“This isn’t the only reason I’m breaking up with you.” Rachel clenched the ring. “Seeing that we’ve been friends for years, be honest with me. Have you ever regretted doing all this?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Julian blurted matter-of-factly without hesitation, leading Rachel to clench her fists. “Do you know why your cousin would suspect you so early on?”
“He’s paranoid, of course. He’s always been like that.” “No. It’s because Old Mr. Burton’s autopsy report states he has slow-acting poison in his system.”
Julian’s gaze sharpened in response while Rachel continued, “Do you really think he’s oblivious? Despite so, he still spared you. He never prosecuted the matter back then, and he’s not planning to in the future either.”
With that, Rachel put the ring on the iron table, making a soft ‘clink’ as it drowned in the sound of the breeze. “You’re really no longer the Julian I knew. In that case, I wish you all the best, and most importantly, good luck.”
