T H R E E

Nothing significant happened during breakfast. As with yesterday, those seated at the table treated Juliette as if she weren't there, each absorbed in their matters. Juliette didn't mind this, but one thing caught her attention—her stepbrother, Robbin.

The man seemed displeased with something, putting him in a bad mood early in the morning. Robbin didn't touch his breakfast and was busy typing on his phone. Juliette wanted to ask him about it but decided against it, thinking it might be related to the contract he mentioned the day before.

After the breakfast plates were cleared from the table, Juliette realized there might be vital information to discuss. She sighed softly and concealed her irritation by sipping her tea. Not being a part of the De Lavigne family, Juliette had no desire to be embroiled in the drama of a conglomerate family. Still, she couldn't avoid the situation no matter what she did.

Juliette tightened her grip on the teacup as Anthony cleared his throat and asked, "How are you, Juliette? Why didn't you come home after the party ended?" Chaos filled her thoughts instantly. Did he know? Juliette bit her lip, feeling the teacup grow hotter in her hands.

"No need to worry, darling. I saw her come home. Everything is fine," Meryl responded with a tender tone, smiling at Anthony.

Juliette noted how Anthony nodded, accepting Meryl's explanation without further questioning. However, the scrutinizing gazes from other members of the De Lavigne family, though unspoken, conveyed sharp and judgmental looks directed at her.

"Very well," Anthony continued in a lighter tone, "All the gifts from last night's party have been placed in your room by the staff, so take some time to open them later."

"Alright, I understand," Juliette replied with a slight nod, striving to keep her voice polite and neutral, though anxiety still churned within her.

Anthony smiled, seemingly satisfied with Juliette's response, before turning his attention to his son, who sat broodingly in his chair. "Robbin. You haven't canceled your commitment, have you?"

Robbin looked up and met his father's gaze with an annoyed expression, though it quickly morphed into his signature smile. "Of course not, Father. I've informed my manager and agency about the plan. Coincidentally, the filming location is at the same place."

"Good," Anthony nodded approvingly. "Make sure you maintain professionalism, Robbin. This isn't just about us; it's also about our family's reputation."

Robbin rolled his eyes briefly before nodding obediently. "I know, Father. I won't disappoint you."

What does Robbin mean by that? Juliette wondered. Anthony fixed a keen gaze on Robbin and said, "Alright. I'll ask Charles to prepare the jet for you."

"Thank you, Father," Robbin replied, his tone flat as if accepting an unavoidable command.

People began to stand and leave the dining room one by one, eventually leaving Juliette and Robbin alone. Juliette, with growing curiosity, waited until everyone had left. Only she and Robbin remained, the sudden quiet between them feeling strange. Juliette gazed at Robbin, and her eyebrows knitted in confusion.

"So? What was Anthony talking about?" Juliette asked, unable to suppress her curiosity. She tried to keep her tone calm, though an unmistakable urgency lingered beneath it.

Robbin sighed deeply, looking like someone who had just been handed a heavy burden. He ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. His head bowed slightly as if trying to avoid Juliette's probing eyes.

"Father has given me a task," Robbin said, his voice tinged with reluctance. Juliette could see the discomfort on his face, only intensifying her curiosity.

"Okay, and?" Juliette pressed, her tone reflecting a mounting frustration. She couldn't fully grasp why Robbin seemed so distressed.

Robbin rolled his eyes, seeming weary of Juliette's insistent tone. However, a wry smile appeared on his face as he noticed her puzzled expression. "I have to go to Canada," he finally said, his voice softening with a hint of amused exasperation.

"There's an issue at the branch there, and Father has appointed me as the interim leader. He says this is the first step for me to take over his position as the company's main director."

"Isn't that what you've always wanted?" Juliette asked, needing help understanding. The De Lavigne family had an outstanding reputation among the elite and the general public. They were one of those families whose wealth had existed for generations, often called old money.

The De Lavigne family was also known to control much of the world's economy and was considered one of the wealthiest families. In addition to their assets and properties, they owned several companies under the umbrella of a core company called The Lavigne Sachs Group, Inc., a major corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York. While having branches in various business sectors, the company's core businesses were banking and insurance, including property and life insurance.

If you asked Juliette how much wealth the De Lavigne family had, she wouldn't know, as she had never bothered to find out. It was enough to estimate that her salary for decades wouldn't come close to matching their wealth. As Anthony's only son and heir, Robbin was groomed from a young age to take on his father's role eventually. Robbin himself was a genius with an IQ above average. Juliette had also heard about his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, so it was a surprise when Robbin became a model and film actor, which was so far removed from his background.

Juliette was undoubtedly proud of her stepbrother's achievements. Although their relationship didn't start well, Robbin had now become a true brother to her.

"Isn't that a good thing? I heard you say earlier that the company's location coincides with the filming location for the movie you'll act in. So, what's the problem?"

"I have to go to Canada for quite a while." Juliette nodded, starting to understand.

"And by quite a while, I mean five years. After filming ends, I plan to return to school and pursue a doctorate there. Because of Father's sudden decision, I must stay longer."

"Oh wow." Juliette could hardly comment upon hearing Robbin's explanation. She knew her stepbrother was a genius, but could he handle doing three important things at once?

"Are you sure you won't get exhausted? You could continue your studies later after everything else is finished."

Robbin smiled and ruffled Juliette's hair briefly, a habit he had that always made Juliette frown. "I can manage it. Thanks for worrying, Julie. I'll miss my talkative little sister."

"Hey! I'm not talkative!" Robbin chuckled softly at Juliette's protesting words. "So, when are you leaving?"

Robbin stood up and straightened his blazer, replying, "Unfortunately, I'm leaving tonight. I promised Father I'd resolve the issue as soon as possible so I could attend your party before I left."

"Oh."

"Don't be sad, Julie. We can still video call. Besides, I'm not leaving forever." Juliette rolled her eyes at Robbin's comment. She stood up and hugged her brother's tall, muscular frame.

She wanted to cry because the seat beside her would be empty tomorrow, but it didn't matter since she would soon be moving out of the mansion herself. "Remember what I told you?"

Juliette thought momentarily, and then a small, genuine smile appeared on her lips. "I remember."

She hugged her stepbrother again and murmured, "When you look at the sky, you'll see me because I'll always watch over you."

Juliette looked up and gave Robbin a broad grin. "I'll miss you, my super-protective brother."

Robbin laughed and gently released Juliette from the hug. "What can I say? My sister is beautiful, and many guys will be interested in her. I don't want them to take advantage of you."

"I know." Hearing Robbin's words made Juliette recall that she had recently experienced a different night. However, she still didn't fully remember it.

"Ah, Juliette, there you are. I need to talk to you." Meryl's voice suddenly echoed from the dining room doorway, and she stepped inside.

Meryl entered the room, her green eyes observing the close bond between the stepsiblings before giving Robbin a pointed, meaningful look. "Robbin, I thought you were going to meet your manager."

"I was just about to leave." Robbin gently patted Juliette's shoulder twice, smiling warmly on his face, offering support and reassurance. His gentle eyes shone with genuine affection. "Take care of yourself."

"You too, Roby. I'm sorry I can't see you off at the airport," she said, her voice filled with regret. She felt guilty for not being able to accompany her brother, who had always been there for her.

Robbin shook his head, his eyes showing deep understanding. "It's okay," he replied, trying to ease Juliette's guilt.

"Have a safe flight." Juliette decided to say it now because she feared she wouldn't see Robbin before he left. It was better to say it sooner rather than later.

Robbin nodded again before stepping out of the dining room, leaving Juliette and Meryl alone. As the door closed behind Robbin, Meryl moved closer, her green eyes glowing with concern and gentle authority.

"So, what explanation will you give me, my daughter?" she asked, her tone softer than usual but still full of expectation for an honest answer.

Juliette took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She knew this would be a serious conversation, and she prepared herself for whatever Meryl said.

…

Juliette groaned and quickly walked into her bedroom. She was already late for the studio because she had to have a private conversation with her mother in addition to her talk with Robbin. She hoped the studio wasn’t too busy and that there weren’t any dress orders she had to complete today.

She walked toward her bag, which was ready to be taken, and turned to leave, but her steps halted when she noticed a medium-sized black box with a red ribbon in front of her sliding door leading to the balcony.

Initially unsure whether to pick up the box, curiosity quickly overpowered her hesitation. Juliette put her bag back in its place and walked toward the sliding door.

Juliette opened the door and looked left and right, ensuring no one was suspiciously hiding on her balcony. After confirming no one was there, she picked up the box and locked the balcony door behind her.

She walked over to the bed, scrutinizing every detail of the box, looking for something that might indicate who had sent it. She shrugged indifferently and placed the box on the bed. Given that the pile of gifts was near the balcony door, it might have fallen when the servants were arranging the gifts in her room. They were open while they were placing the gifts.

Juliette tugged at the red ribbon around the box and lifted the lid. A frown formed on her forehead as she saw a single red rose with a piece of black fabric tied around its stem, a photograph lying face down, and a note.

Juliette reached for the note first and began to read. Her face turned pale instantly as she recognized the handwriting on the paper. It was the same handwriting as the message at the hotel. Juliette read the message and took a deep breath, her body trembling. Was that man planning to torment her?

Juliette took the rose from the box and untied the fabric from its stem. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized the fabric was the underwear she had worn the night before, the underwear she had been searching for that morning because it had disappeared. Juliette felt her hands shaking and carefully reached for the photograph inside the box.

She flipped over the photo and felt her eyes sting with tears at the printed image.

It was a photo of herself kneeling, her eyes looking into the camera lens. Her gaze was dazed. Her body was completely unclothed, and her long hair was gripped by a man’s hand.

Below the photo were the words, “I have many more photos like this in my collection,” making Juliette feel nauseous.

Hurriedly, Juliette shoved everything back into the box. She reread the message on the paper before placing it back inside the box.

Thank you for last night. I have a special gift for you, my beautiful woman. Happy birthday.

What should Juliette do now?

...