Chapter 474

Diana and Beatrice were taken aback by Julian's firm rejection of Genevieve right before their eyes.

Though he had always maintained impeccable manners toward the Kensington family, his refusal was unexpectedly direct.

Diana still harbored hopes for a union between Genevieve and Julian.

She offered a conciliatory smile, attempting to smooth things over while keeping options open.

"This was indeed Genevieve's mistake."

"We'll have a serious talk with her later."

"Our apologies for interrupting your meeting."

"Perhaps we could have Victoria bring Genevieve another day to offer a proper apology—"

Julian cut her off, seeing straight through her intentions.

"That won't be necessary."

He paused briefly, his gaze flickering almost imperceptibly toward Isabella before continuing.

"When it comes to matters of the heart..."

He allowed a half-second silence to hang in the air.

"...They cannot be forced."

"Ms. Kensington and I are not suited for each other."

"I hope you can help persuade her—not to waste her time and future on me."

His words left no room for misunderstanding.

Diana glanced at Isabella, who had remained detached throughout the entire exchange, calmly sipping her tea.

She couldn't shake the feeling that Isabella was silently amused by the Kensington family's humiliation.

Her smile tightened.

She forced a dry laugh.

"You're absolutely right."

"I'll speak with Genevieve properly."

"Thank you, Mrs. Kensington," Julian responded with polite finality.

Genevieve had already fled in humiliation much earlier.

Once Diana and Beatrice departed and the door closed again, Julian resumed his seat.

"My apologies for wasting your time," he said to Isabella.

Ever since recognizing Genevieve's feelings for him, he had always made his lack of interest clear.

Yet Genevieve showed no signs of retreating.

He had attempted to address it directly multiple times, but each occasion ended with her pretending not to understand before quickly escaping.

Today finally presented a rare opportunity for a one-on-one meeting with Isabella.

He refused to let Genevieve's dramatics consume valuable time.

Her persistent disregard for boundaries and willful ignorance had finally exhausted his patience.

Knowing Victoria had taken Alexander from Isabella, he understood the delicate and strained relationship between the Kensington, Sinclair, and Whitmore families.

The terminated contract between NovaTech and Luminar had only deepened the rift between Isabella and the Kensingtons.

Additionally, Genevieve had always openly displayed her dislike for Isabella.

Under these circumstances, being brutally honest in front of Isabella was the most effective way to make Genevieve surrender her pursuit.

Considering all factors, he decided to lay everything out plainly.

Isabella offered a gentle smile.

"It's quite alright."

Julian hesitated momentarily before adding, "I apologize, earlier I—"

He didn't complete his sentence, but Isabella understood his meaning perfectly.

She responded with a faint smile.

"It's fine."

"Besides, what you said was true."

She had learned this lesson through personal experience—love truly couldn't be forced.

Now she could accept this truth with peaceful resignation.

Perhaps Julian had sensed this about her, which was why he spoke so candidly.

That had been his precise intention.

Still, even though she had moved on from the past, hearing someone reference it inevitably stirred unpleasant memories.

Thus, he felt compelled to apologize.

Isabella had no desire to dwell on bygones and smoothly changed the subject.

Julian studied her flawless, delicate features.

His heart stirred with unspoken words, but remembering her unresolved marital status, he restrained himself and followed her conversational lead.