Chapter 6

Soon enough, it was noon. The sound of an engine rumbled from the driveway, and a Rolls-Royce pulled up. The first thing I noticed was a pair of thin-soled leather shoes.

I swear, they were so shiny I could probably check my reflection in them.

The guy who stepped out had long, straight legs, and his tailored suit pants hugged every line perfectly, revealing enough muscle to look strong without being bulky. Honestly, even a runway model would be jealous of those legs.

He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and sharp, sword-like brows that slashed toward his temples. His eyes still carried that same cool indifference he'd had as a kid.

Not a single hair out of place. I couldn't help but wonder how much hairspray he'd gone through.

My dad, putting on his best senior act, exchanged pleasantries with him.

Julian politely had his assistant bring the gifts out of the car. My dad watched, grinning from ear to ear, looking even more pleased. "Come on in, let's sit and chat. Lunch is ready."

Julian nodded with a smile, but when he passed by me, he stopped in his tracks. "This is for you."

I looked at the jewelry box he offered me; it looked a little worn, and when I opened it, inside was a purple diamond necklace.

"My mom chose it herself. Her mother gave it to her as a wedding gift, and she said girls are drawn to this kind of purple," Julian explained.

I suddenly felt a bit awkward, like the box was burning in my hands.

Looked like Julian thought I was confused, so he pulled out another box. "There's also a green one. She said it's not only about how pretty it is; it's the thought and sincerity that count."

When I still didn't take it, he frowned. Anyone else might've thought he was getting frustrated.

But for some reason, I could see a hint of nervousness and a bit of hurt.

I sighed, not wanting to embarrass him in front of everyone, so I took it.

Staring at the even more valuable green diamond in my hand, I felt like I'd accepted a whole villa.

My dad nodded, looking pleased. "Purple diamond is perfect for young girls. Show it to Amelia later."

I tightened my grip on the jewelry box.

Julian glanced at my dad, towering over everyone. His look alone seemed to chill the whole room. "Mr. Ryan, these are expensive. My mom picked them out for my future wife.

"As long as Charlotte likes them, that's all that matters. I don't want anyone else messing with them, or, you know, stealing them."

His words were pretty brutal. He didn't say ask or take; he went straight for the harshest one, steal.

Dad's expression darkened instantly.

The Goodwin family's business had been on fire these past few years, sitting right at the top of the industry.

Banking on his status as a future father-in-law, my dad still tried to cover for Amelia. "Amelia's always been well-behaved and sensible. Why would she ever take something from Charlotte?"

Julian snorted with a hint of mockery. "She already stole a man, so why would she be afraid to swipe a little jewelry?"

I looked up and met his gaze, only to realize he'd been watching me the whole time.

I suddenly had no idea where to look.

My dad's expression turned grim. Without saying a word, he walked off ahead of everyone.

Julian kept his usual icy expression as we walked side by side down the path. Our shadows brushed against each other every now and then, and I could tell he was a little tense.

Thinking about the way he handled things right now, I couldn't help but tease him. "After roasting him like that, aren't you afraid he'll refuse to let me marry you?"

He turned to look at me, his expression serious. "If you want to marry me, that's enough for me."

Julian pressed his lips together, looking a bit unsure. "I didn't mean to, but he's not only playing favorites; he's kind of clueless, honestly. I wanted to remind him. Are you upset?"

He went on and on, babbling explanations.

I lowered my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "No, I'm not upset."

Beside me, Julian's shoulders finally loosened up, and he walked with a spring in his step.

At the dining table, my mom was all smiles, loading up Julian's plate with food. Meanwhile, my dad sat there with a stone-cold face, not saying a single word the whole time.

Amelia kept sneaking glances at Julian as she ate. "Julian, what brings you to our place all of a sudden?"

Julian stopped in the middle of putting a shrimp on my plate. "First off, we're not really acquainted. You can call me Mr. Goodwin."

Amelia's cheeks went red, clearly embarrassed and annoyed.

"Actually, I'm here to discuss wedding arrangements with Charlotte," Julian added.

"What wedding are you talking about?" Someone blurted out.

The sound of hurried footsteps rang out from the doorway.

Everyone turned to see Leon standing there in his suit; he hadn't even had time to take off his glasses.

His eyes were fixed on Julian, his voice low and intense. "Who are you marrying?"

For the first time since he'd set foot in the Ryan residence, Julian smiled. His words were crisp and clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding. "Your sister-in-law, Charlotte."