His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 346: Arden Is Caught

She reached over to the other side of the bed—it was empty. Julian was already gone.

Iris rolled over, grabbed her phone from the nightstand, and answered it without checking the screen. "Hello?"

It was Scott on the other end. "Iris, Arden's been caught. They found the drugs—dozens of tons of the stuff."

Iris bolted upright, suddenly wide awake. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. And you've got your husband to thank for it. Although his half-billion-dollar deposit got wired overseas before they could freeze it. No telling if they'll ever claw that back."

Iris felt a rush of excitement mixed with disbelief. Still groggy from sleep, her thoughts were sluggish. "Julian was involved? What half-billion deposit?"

"Julian set up a sting—brought in some... well, let's just say, some underground contacts. They offered to buy out Arden's entire contaminated shipment for a billion. Paid a five-hundred-million deposit up front. Worked with the Feds to catch him red-handed during the handoff. They rounded up his whole crew, Celeste included."

Iris brought a hand to her face and drew a slow, steadying breath.

Emotion washed over her—relief, gratitude, a swell of something almost overwhelming.

But then it hit her: Julian had spent half a billion dollars to make this happen. She was deeply moved, but a part of her winced at the sheer scale of what he'd paid.

Scott added, "Anyway, you can go home now. The threat's over."

"Thank you."

He chuckled softly. "Don't thank me. Thank that husband of yours. He must really love you—spending that kind of money and pulling in favors from some risky people to set this up. That wasn't a cheap operation behind the scenes, either."

"I know," Iris said, her eyes stinging.

"Alright, I've got to get back to work. Call me if you need anything."

"Will do."

After hanging up, Iris climbed out of bed, washed her face, and threw on some comfortable clothes—a soft tee and leggings. She pulled her hair into a loose bun and stepped out into the hallway.

The living room was quiet, lit by the morning sun. Brandon was on the sofa, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone.

"Morning," Iris said softly. "Have you seen Julian?"

Brandon looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. He nodded toward the kitchen without a word.

Iris padded quietly across the floor, her socks making no sound on the hardwood.

When she reached the kitchen doorway, she saw Julian at the counter, focused on prepping breakfast. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat.

"Be more direct," she reminded herself. Brandon's advice echoed in her mind. "You've got to be bolder sometimes."

It wasn't her usual style, but after everything Julian had done—how could she not meet him halfway just this once?

Her face grew warm just thinking about it. Gathering her nerve, she stepped lightly behind him, slid her arms slowly around his waist, and rested her cheek against his back.

Julian stilled. His whole body tensed for a second.

He had been slicing ham, but now he looked down at the familiar hands clasped around his middle, feeling the gentle press of her against him.

His heart thudded heavily. He swallowed, his throat tight, and his breathing grew uneven.

A slow smile spread across his face, and when he spoke, his voice was soft. "Couldn't sleep a little longer?"

"I'm awake for the day."

Julian set the knife aside, rinsed and dried his hands, then covered her small hands with his own. "Still upset with me?"

"No," she murmured into his shirt. "Not anymore."

"I'm making breakfast. Why don't you go wait in the living room?"

Iris shook her head against his back. "I'd rather stay right here."

Julian couldn't hold back a grin. His eyes crinkled at the corners, warmth spreading through his chest.

Gently, he untangled her arms and turned to face her. "How am I supposed to focus on cooking if you're holding me like that?"

Iris just looked up at him, her expression open.

He cradled her face in his hands, leaning down to meet her gaze. "Where's my good morning kiss, then?"

A shy smile touched her lips. She rose slightly on her toes and kissed him softly.

Julian's smile was so bright it looked like he could hardly believe his own happiness. He brushed two light kisses against her lips in return, his voice low. "I'll be done soon. Go wait for me, okay?"

"Let me help."

"No need—I've got it." He turned her gently by the shoulders and nudged her toward the doorway. "Go on. I'll be right out."

"Alright..." she relented, though her tone made it clear she'd rather stay.

She wandered back to the living room and sank into the sofa beside Brandon.

He glanced over, one eyebrow raised, a knowing half-smile on his face. "Well?"

Iris' cheeks were still flushed. She gave a small, pleased nod. "Better than I expected."

"Told you. Sometimes you've got to show it a little more openly. People who aren't afraid to be affectionate—or a little stubborn—usually get what they need."

Iris nodded thoughtfully, then pulled out her phone and video-called Harper.

The moment the call connected, Harper's tear-streaked face filled the screen. "Mommy, where are you? When are you and Daddy coming home? I miss you so much."

"Don't cry, sweetie. Mommy will be home very soon." Iris softened her voice, then turned the camera toward Brandon. "Look who's here, Harper."

Brandon waved, his tone warm and playful. "Hey, buddy. Remember me? Your uncle."

Iris was caught off guard when he called himself "Uncle"—he used to just be "Brandon" to Harper. It seemed he'd fully stepped into the role of family now.

Harper sniffled, squinting at the screen. "No... Who are you?"

"I'm your uncle! I was the first one in the family to hold you when you were born. I even fed you bottles and changed your diapers. You really don't remember me?" Brandon put on an exaggerated pout, his voice tipping into mock heartbreak. "That hurts my feelings, kiddo!"