His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 331: Julian Insists on Coming

Iris completely broke down.

In her heart of hearts, she understood the necessity of looking at the larger picture. Even if Scott took her place deep behind enemy lines and sacrificed his life in the process, he would do it without a second thought.

She silently brushed the tears from her cheeks and gave a nod of consent.

The clock was ticking, so Iris rushed Scott over to the narcotics division's laboratory. She walked him through the entire process, meticulously explaining every single step.

However, Scott wasn't a career pharmaceutical researcher. He was clumsy, fumbling his way through the procedures and making amateur mistakes.

Over in the corner of the lab, Iris' phone rested on the counter, set to silent. The screen would flicker to life for a moment before fading back to black.

Then, a moment later, it would light up again.

She was entirely absorbed in teaching Scott the purification technique and remained oblivious to the barrage of incoming calls.

Back at the house, Julian was unable to locate Iris. He questioned both Harper and the housekeeper, and they confirmed that she had left for work-related business.

He dialed Iris' number over and over again.

After several attempts went unanswered, he hurled his phone onto the king-sized bed. His expression was thunderous, his eyes rimmed with red. He was beside himself with anxiety, agitated and frustrated, raking his fingers anxiously through his cropped hair.

He glanced at the packed suitcase standing in the corner, planted his hands on his hips, and tilted his head back to drag in a deep breath, followed by another.

But he couldn't alleviate the piercing, violent ache in his chest.

He sank onto the edge of the bed, hunching forward, propping his elbows on his knees, and buried his face in his hands, his breathing ragged.

After what felt like an eternity, his phone finally rang.

Julian spun around instantly, snatched up his phone, saw Iris' name on the display, and pressed it to his ear immediately.

Before Iris could get a word out, he snarled in fury, "Iris, where the hell are you? Get back here. Right this instant."

Iris froze, stunned by the sheer rage in his voice.

"Why is the suitcase packed? You were trying to ditch me again, weren't you?" Julian pressed a palm against his forehead, his voice cracking with devastation—low, rough, and seething. "Iris, do you ever actually tell me the truth?"

Iris was frightened by his outburst. Furthermore, with Scott sitting right beside her, it was far too awkward to explain the situation in detail. So she simply said, "Julian, I'm in a car on my way back. I'll be home soon. I'll explain everything then."

Iris ended the call.

Hearing the line go dead, Julian's heart hammered against his ribs. A wave of anxiety crashed over him, threatening to crush his broad, powerful shoulders.

He dropped the phone and collapsed back onto Iris' bed.

He pressed his arm against his stinging eyes, fighting to regain control of his spiraling emotions. His chest heaved with every ragged breath, each one causing him physical pain.

Iris had abandoned him too many times in the past. Now, he was constantly on edge, perceiving danger in every shadow.

Simply waiting for ten or fifteen minutes felt like an agonizing eternity. Every single second was sheer torture.

Iris brought Scott back to the villa. She asked the housekeeper to prepare some water for him and make him comfortable. After saying a quick hello to Harper, she sprinted upstairs.

The instant she pushed the bedroom door open, a figure lunged at her.

Before she could react, her wrists were seized, and she was shoved forcefully against the wall.

His grip was bruising. When she finally focused on his face, her heart sank.

Julian's handsome features were dark and stormy. His eyes were bloodshot, concealing a raw, seething anger. A cold, unsettling aura radiated from him. When he spoke, his voice was as sharp as ice. "Why are you leaving me again? Why?"

Iris stammered timidly, "Julian, can you please just calm down first?"

Julian's lips quivered slightly. He slowly lowered his head until his forehead rested against hers. He squeezed his eyes shut, striving to settle himself and suppress the rising panic. His voice was raspy as he whispered, "Fine. Explain it to me. Why were you trying to walk out on me again?"

Iris explained with steady composure, "I have my own company and manufacturing plant in Edulet City. The entire R&D staff at the factory lab has been kidnapped by Arden. Arden's agenda is crystal clear—he wants my purification technology. This entire situation spiraled because of me. I need to go there and clean up the mess."

Julian's breathing gradually steadied. He released her arms, only to wrap his around her shoulders and pull her into a crushing embrace, squeezing her tighter and tighter.

Iris leaned against his chest, feeling the frantic pounding of his heart.

So fast. So urgent. So heartbreaking.

"I'm going with you," Julian stated, his voice low and firm.

Iris shook her head immediately. "No, you need to stay here and look after Harper. Scott and Brandon can accompany me."

"Who is Scott?" Julian asked, thoroughly confused.

Iris hesitated for a few seconds. Even with the person closest to her, she couldn't blow his cover—it was imperative for Scott's safety. "He's an old colleague of mine. Also works in pharmaceutical research."

Julian nodded, though his tone soured instantly. "And what about Brandon? Why does he need to tag along?"

"He's one of our company's shareholders."

Julian let out a cold, bitter laugh and taunted her with intense jealousy dripping from his tone. "That shareholder certainly is dedicated. Anyone would think he's the one running the show."

Iris gently pushed against his chest. "Julian, the plane tickets are already booked. We're running out of time."

Julian refused to let go. On the contrary, he held her even tighter, burying his face in the crook of her neck as he demanded, "If I can't go with you, then you aren't going anywhere."

"You can't just be reckless."

"Then let me come with you."

"What about Harper?"

"The housekeeper and the bodyguards can watch her."

Iris felt a lingering sense of unease. "I still don't feel right about it."