Chapter 467

Julian's lips curved into a wider grin. His eyes sparkled as they locked onto Vivian's face. "Are you concerned about me?"

Vivian said nothing.

"If losing some blood makes you care, I'd gladly lose my head just to see that worried look on your face," he continued.

"Drop dead!" Vivian rolled her eyes before flinging a handkerchief at him.

Julian caught it mid-air, bringing the fabric to his nose for an exaggerated inhale. With theatrical reluctance, he pressed it against his bleeding neck. "Such fine linen. What a waste," he sighed dramatically.

"You're completely insane!" Vivian massaged her temples, regretting every life choice that led her here.

She'd initially thought Julian was just another spoiled rich boy - easy to manipulate for information about Blackwood Group. But the joke was on her. This man wasn't dumb. He was dangerously unhinged.

Playing along had backfired spectacularly, even causing tension between her and Liam.

'Biggest mistake of my life.'

This lunatic couldn't be reasoned with. Her only option was to wait until they reached their destination before making a break for it.

The car turned left, pulling up to an expansive platform.

"We've arrived." Julian cut the engine, turning to Vivian with an unsettling smile. "Trust me. You'll thank me for bringing you here."

"Yeah, I'm sure I will," Vivian replied with forced cheer, already calculating her escape.

She watched Julian exit the vehicle and followed suit. The moment he stepped toward her, she drove her foot into his stomach and snatched the keys from his grasp.

"Bedtime. No more games. Enjoy your creepy platform - I'm leaving." Vivian slid into the driver's seat, turning the ignition.

Julian coughed up blood from the impact but looked more exhilarated than ever. He licked the crimson from his lips. "Running away so soon? Isn't my charming cousin Nathaniel reason enough to stay?"

Vivian's foot froze on the brake. "Explain. Now."

"Haven't you wondered?" Julian propped himself up on one elbow, blood staining his teeth. "Two weeks without a single public appearance from Nathaniel Blackwood. Suddenly I'm recalled from overseas to handle Blackwood affairs. Doesn't that strike you as... curious?"

"H-He was injured. Probably recovering." Vivian's voice wavered. The pieces were forming a picture she refused to see.

"Just recovering? Is that what you really believe?"

"W-What else could it be?" Her hands trembled on the steering wheel.

Nathaniel was indestructible. Nothing could take him down. She repeated this like a mantra.

Julian's laugh sent chills down her spine. "You already know the answer, don't you?"