I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 180

Nora asked how he felt about the experience. He nodded enthusiastically, calling it incredible, before reverting to his honest, sheepish self. "I've never been to an event like this before. It's a little overwhelming."

Nora smiled reassuringly. "Don't sweat it. The more of these you attend, the easier it gets."

Julian pressed his lips together and asked to excuse himself to use the restroom. Nora nodded and waved him off.

Julian turned and headed toward the restrooms, navigating through a side corridor and taking two sharp turns before finally locating the facilities.

The moment he stepped out of the bathroom, he was greeted by an all-too-familiar figure blocking his path.

Xander was leaning casually against the wall. His dark, impeccably tailored suit accentuated his imposing, predatory frame. The harsh glow of the hallway lights hit him from the side, casting severe, sharp shadows across his face.

All the warmth drained from Julian's face. In an instant, the blushing, stuttering boy from the exhibition hall was entirely replaced by someone else.

He tried to step around the man, but Xander smoothly sidestepped, physically blocking his escape.

Julian tilted his chin up, meeting Xander's gaze with dead, unblinking eyes. "What do you want, Mr. Harrison?"

Xander's face was a mask of cold fury. "How much longer are you going to keep up this little rebellion? When are you coming home? Do you have any idea how frantic your mother is?"

Julian kept his face perfectly icy, his spine stiff. "I'm not going back. I'm serious this time. I want to do my research. I finally know what I want out of life, and I absolutely refuse to let them pull my strings anymore."

He paused, his hostile front cracking slightly as a tone of pleading bled into his voice. "Uncle Xander, stop getting in my way. You know exactly why they had me. I refuse to go back to that toxic wasteland of a house. I've built a good life for myself these past few years, and they have no idea where I am. Please, just keep my secret."

Julian smirked cheekily. "Of course I don't get to lecture you! I'm just dying of curiosity to see what kind of woman actually manages to put a leash on my ice-cold uncle."

Xander raised a cynical eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "The woman capable of taming me hasn't been born yet."

Julian clicked his tongue in disappointment. Sensing the conversation was over, he added, "Alright, Uncle, I'm heading back. My mentor is waiting for me."

Xander gave a curt nod. "Go."

But just as Julian reached the end of the corridor, Xander issued a rare, parting command. "Keep your distance from her."