From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 168

Julian didn't want Jade to suffer more gossip because of him.

Jade looked over to see Bert's assistant.

She knew exactly what this was: Bert was coming for her.

"What is it?" Jade asked, her voice steady.

"The Chairman wants to see you. He says it's urgent."

"I'll be there."

Before leaving, Jade looked at Julian and whispered.

"I'll be fine. Don't worry."

She had already planned her defense.

In the past, she would have never thought this many steps ahead.

But the cruelty she had faced recently had forced her to look out for herself and anticipate the fallout of every action.

Thinking three steps ahead was exhausting, but she had no choice.

After being burned so many times, she had to grow up.

Julian watched her walk away, his heart feeling like a lead weight.

Since his mother passed, Jade was the only person who could affect him like this.

Julian pulled a cigarette from his pocket, rolling it between his fingers.

Jeff walked up the stairs. Seeing the cigarette, he pulled out a lighter to light it, but Julian waved him off.

"I'm quitting. I haven't touched one in days."

During their last meeting, he'd noticed Jade didn't like the smell of smoke. Since then, he hadn't touched a cigarette around her.

Only when he was truly agitated would he take one out just to feel it.

"Wow."

Jeff caught the hint immediately and nudged him with an elbow.

"Your grandfather couldn't get you to quit for the sake of your lungs, but you're doing it now? It's for Ms. Merchant, isn't it?"

Julian shoved the cigarette back into his pocket, his expression unreadable. He didn't answer, moving on to business.

"How's the project I gave you coming along?"

Jeff stuttered, "It's in motion. But..."

He hesitated for a long time before continuing.

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