Rose stood there, frozen, her heart skipping a beat as the realization sank in. Julian Carter was in her house. In her room.
No text. No call. No warning.
He just showed up.
Her brows creased in confusion, and the rush of questions buzzing through her mind made her forget she was still holding the half-packed box. Why hadn't Daniel told her Julian was here? That alone was enough to make her suspicious—Daniel knew better.
"To see me?" she asked, eyes narrowed, watching Julian closely.
He nodded once, his expression unreadable. "Yes. I came to see you."
That answer, so simple, felt too easy. Too clean. Rose's thoughts spiraled. Julian Carter didn't just 'drop by' uninvited. That wasn't his style. He was calculated. Controlled. Everything he did had a reason.
She crossed her arms and studied him.
"What happened to phone calls?" she finally asked, trying to push down the growing nervous flutter in her chest.
"Phone calls are for important matters," Julian replied coolly. "And yes, you are important. But why settle for a call when I can see you myself?"
That answer knocked her off balance. Rose blinked. Since when did he care this much? Since when did she matter enough for him to come all the way here—personally?
A small cough escaped her lips as she tried to mask the sudden warmth creeping up her neck. Her arms tightened around her frame, suddenly feeling exposed in her own room.
"Well, you're here now," she murmured. "I can't say no."
Julian's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Hmm. So if I'd called, you would have said no? Good thing I came in person."
She gave him a look, part amused and part bewildered. The man had an answer for everything.
With a breath, she set the box down and gestured toward the hallway. "Come on. Let's go to the living room."
Julian didn't hesitate. He moved first, like he already knew the way. Of course he did—he'd just come from there. Rose trailed behind him, her eyes lingering on his broad shoulders, her mind still catching up with everything.
They entered the living room and sat on the couch. Rose offered politely, "Would you like anything?"
Julian shook his head. "I'm fine."
But she wasn't having it. "Tea? I can make some tea for you."
He studied her for a moment, clearly recognizing the insistence in her tone. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. Tea sounds fine."
Rose left for the kitchen. The kettle hissed as she boiled water, her hands moving on autopilot while her thoughts raced.
Why was Julian really here?
She returned minutes later with two cups of tea. As she handed his over, Julian took a curious sip and lifted his brows.
"This... is my favorite tea. How did you know?"
Rose chuckled softly. "I didn't. It's just the only one in the house. Auntie Addie is obsessed with herbal tea—this is all she drinks."
Julian looked up sharply. "Auntie Addie. As in Adeline?"
She nodded. "Yes."
He leaned back slightly, remembering. "You mentioned her. The first time I came here, I think. But she wasn't around."
"Oh yes. I remember. I would love to introduce you two properly, but she might be resting right now."
Julian gave a slight nod in understanding, his eyes falling back to the tea. He took another sip, and Rose smiled. He liked it. That warmed her inside more than she cared to admit.
They began to talk—at first casually. About little things. Work. Books. The weather. But then, the conversation deepened. Rose felt more at ease, and Julian seemed... softer. Not the icy businessman the world feared. Not the stoic figure with endless power. Here, he was just Julian.
And watching from around the corner, Daniel couldn't believe his eyes. Or his ears.
His sister was chatting. Laughing. With that man.
Wasn't she scared of him? Did she not feel the heavy aura around him? Julian had stared Daniel down like he wanted to crush him earlier. But now? He looked... approachable.
Is this man a simp for girls or something? Daniel grumbled internally.
Julian leaned forward after a long pause. "Rose... I want you to come work for me."
She blinked. "Work?"
"Yes. In one of my companies. You're qualified, and I could use someone I trust."
Rose's breath caught. Her heart did a little jump at the offer, but then a familiar knot of anxiety formed.
She couldn't just go work anywhere. Her full name would be on records. If her father found out she was working under his name again, he could pull strings. Ruin things. And he would.
That's why she'd chosen smaller jobs. Safe jobs. Hidden jobs. Like her nanny gig.
But this? A real opportunity? And Julian already knew her full story. There would be no hiding.
Rose smiled, soft and genuine. "I'd love that. I really would."
From his hiding spot, Daniel raised an eyebrow. Seriously, sis? He wasn't sure if he was annoyed or just confused.
They spoke for a while longer. The tea cups were nearly empty. Julian seemed ready to take his leave when a soft sound drew his attention.
Footsteps.
Julian looked up... and froze.
Coming from the hallway was an older woman. Elegant, poised, and very much awake.
Adeline.
Julian stood suddenly, his body tensing like a statue. His eyes fixed on the woman walking into the room.
Rose noticed his change in posture and turned.
"Auntie Addie," she greeted warmly. "This is Julian Carter... the family I'm working for. Julian, this is Auntie Adeline."
Julian gave a respectful nod.
Adeline didn't smile. She simply took him in. Her gaze was calm but intense.
She walked to the armchair and sat down slowly. Then, with a graceful motion, she gestured for both of them to sit.
Julian hesitated for only a moment before obeying. Rose followed.
And just like that, the air in the room shifted.
Something unspoken hung between Julian and Adeline.
Something neither Rose nor Daniel quite understood.
Yet.