His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 28: That Was Never the Plan

Iris turned away from the balcony and stepped back into the ballroom. She didn't get far.

Julian was standing right there, waiting. His eyes locked onto hers, deep and unreadable.

He must've heard it all—he'd been close enough.

Iris remembered reading something years ago in an entertainment article. Julian had invested heavily in Selena for three straight years. The rumors, the late-night sightings, the red-carpet photos—it had all been there.

And she and Julian had only known each other for two. They looked too similar. Everyone said so. Sisters.

She didn't want to connect the dots. Didn't want to know what happened before.

She'd spent two years avoiding the thought, pretending it didn't matter.

But standing there now, with him in front of her, she felt like her whole chest was closing up.

Her fingers tingled. Her pulse wouldn't settle. Without saying a word, she stepped past him.

But Julian reached out and grabbed her wrist.

His grip was firm. Too firm. The pressure shot up her arm—not enough to hurt, but enough to stop her cold.

They stood shoulder to shoulder, staring in opposite directions, caught in a private silence while the party carried on around them, loud and oblivious.

Neither spoke.

The stillness stretched.

Finally, Iris broke the silence. Her voice was low but clear. "Say what you need to say. If you've got nothing, let me go."

Julian's voice was quiet, almost too quiet. "Have a drink with me."

She blinked. For a second, she thought she misheard.

"A drink?" Her tone was flat. "I don't drink."

He looked sideways at her, the corner of his mouth curling just slightly. "Is it that you don't drink, or you just don't want to drink with me?"

Iris tried to pull her arm back. His grip tightened. She didn't want to make a scene—not here. Not in front of all these people.

She gave up the struggle and turned to face him.

He wasn't even looking at her. His gaze was somewhere beyond the crowd, jaw clenched, expression unreadable.

A waiter passed behind them.

Iris called out. "Excuse me—can I get a drink?"

The waiter paused and nodded. "Of course, ma'am."

But before he could respond further, Julian spoke first. "She'll have a cocktail. Something light."

The waiter nodded again. "Yes, sir."

Moments later, he handed her a delicate glass—pale, sweet-smelling.

Iris downed it in one go.

The sugar masked the alcohol, but the warmth crawled up her throat and hit her heart. She swallowed hard. Her eyes burned unexpectedly.

Her vision went glassy. Not tears exactly, but something close. She blinked, looked away.

Julian watched her closely, then tossed back his own drink—straight whiskey. No hesitation.

She looked at him. "Can you let go now?"

His voice was quieter this time. "You've been going to bed earlier lately. Getting up early. I never get the chance to talk to you."

She gave him a bitter little smile. "Sounds like your schedule problem. Not mine. If you really wanted to talk, you could knock on my door. Or call. Or maybe just come home before midnight. It's not that complicated."

He didn't answer. Just stared. She shifted, uneasy under his gaze. "What is it? Why are you holding me here?"

He spoke slowly, "Veritas Group is entirely under my name. One hundred percent mine. We can move forward with the investment."

She froze. What?

Did he... start an entire company just to invest in her? Two weeks ago, this would've meant everything.

But now? She didn't even hesitate. "No need. I'm good. But thank you."

Julian's expression shifted—just slightly. His eyes darkened.

He didn't reply. Just held her a moment longer, then slowly let go of her wrist. The party was winding down. The hall began to empty.

The Everhart elders were exhausted from a full night of hosting. One by one, they disappeared to their rooms to rest.

Iris helped Beatrice to her bedroom and stayed a while, chatting softly to keep her company. When she finally stepped out, the main hall was nearly empty. Just a few staffers left, cleaning up under May's quiet direction.

From upstairs, Jenny's voice rang out, sharp and dramatic. "He's heavy as hell! May, can you go help Julian? He's completely wasted!"

May looked up from the centerpiece tray. "I'm still cleaning. Iris is here. Let her handle it."

Jenny reached the bottom step, spotted Iris coming out of Beatrice's room, and rolled her eyes. "Seriously? You're really not gonna help your drunk husband? What kind of wife are you? I'm his cousin, and I'm the one dragging him upstairs?"

Iris had been about to leave. But now?

If she walked out now, the accusations would get worse.

Jenny planted her hands on her hips, clearly annoyed. "Well, come on. Do your job and go get your husband."

May added, "Iris, why don't you just stay tonight? Julian's room's clean. Sheets are fresh. Closet still has your stuff. No point driving back this late."

Jenny huffed, plopped down on the couch, and started scrolling her phone like she hadn't just tossed out a guilt bomb.

Iris didn't respond. But she turned and headed up the stairs.

She knew exactly where Julian's room was. She'd just... never been inside.

She opened the door. The light was already on.