Chapter 151

A strikingly attractive man descended the staircase, his tailored CK suit hugging his frame perfectly.

"Julian!"

Vivian's breath caught in her throat.

He'd vanished after releasing her that night when he'd kept her Scarlet Phoenix identity secret from Nathaniel.

She'd assumed he'd gone back to Alpine Springs.

His sudden reappearance in her home, helping with chores, could only mean one thing - ulterior motives.

"That devastated expression tells me I'm not welcome."

Pausing midway down the steps, Julian gazed down at Vivian with a devilish smirk. "I've been working nonstop since noon. My back might snap in two. You'll have to take responsibility if that happens."

Vivian's cheeks burned.

Who knew the genius hacker could be such a flirt?

"Enough gloating. Get down here!"

Theodore's glare could have melted steel. "Nothing you do comes without strings attached. Only my sister's request made me tolerate your presence in Lockhart Manor!"

Julian arched an eyebrow mockingly. "Considering how much you've sacrificed for Vivian these years, I wonder what your true intentions are?"

"We're nothing alike. I'm her subordinate. She saved my life!"

"I outrank you."

Tilting his chin up, Julian displayed his razor-sharp jawline. "Scarlet Phoenix and I are the digital world's power couple. Soulmates. Comprende?"

Theodore's composure shattered. "Soulmates? Don't make me laugh! You don't even have a soul. You're unworthy of being Boss's soulmate."

"My worthiness isn't yours to judge." Julian's eyes glinted. "Scarlet's single now. We all get a shot. If you qualify, so do I."

Like oil and water, the two men resumed their bickering.

"At it again?" Sophia rolled her eyes heavenward.

They'd been sparring since morning. Verbal jabs inevitably escalated to physical ones.

Sophia regretted ever introducing them.

Both were fighting for the same woman.

"Underling or soulmate - you're both just backup to Vivian."

Sophia's blunt statement silenced them instantly.

Julian shoved hands in pockets, adopting his signature mysterious smirk. "I admire Scarlet Phoenix, but I'll never play second fiddle."

Theodore countered calmly, "It's not backup. It's unconditional devotion. Modern romance lacks such depth."

His love for Vivian had always burned fiercely.

He wore that love proudly. If others misinterpreted his dedication as being a backup, so be it.

"Quite the mental gymnast."

Julian's cynical upbringing left no room for romantic notions. Yet Theodore's bold declaration gave him pause.

"More manly than those too cowardly to confess."

Vivian frowned. "Who exactly are you referencing?"

Unrequited admirers didn't surprise her. But Julian's implication suggested someone significant.

Instead of answering, Julian toyed with his phone mysteriously. "Check Twitter's trending section. You'll find it... enlightening."