Chapter 615
Chapter 614:
Jocelyn leaned into the warmth of his body, a stark contrast to the cold reality unfolding beyond their windows. She knew he was right. But she also understood that she was no longer a bystander in this game. Part of her recoiled from the cold calculus of it — but a stronger, fiercer part, the part that was already a mother, knew she had no other choice. If this was what it took to keep her family safe, then she would learn the rules. She would become a player.
The storm surrounding Chelsea Vanderbilt consumed the city. The story about Jocelyn and Julian was already old news, forgotten in the wake of the Vanderbilt scandal. But Julian Croft wasn’t willing to let the rumor linger unchallenged.
In his office, he sat across from his PR director. “I’m issuing a statement,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The director shifted uncomfortably. “Julian, the heat is off. Why poke the bear? Let it fade p>
“Because fading isn’t the same as disappearing,” Julian said firmly. “I owe Jocelyn this. And I owe it to myself to close this chapter cleanly p>
He dictated the statement himself. It was short, professional, and unequivocal — he and Jocelyn were colleagues and friends, nothing more. The photograph had been taken during a professional tour of an exhibit. He expressed his respect for her and for Gaston Collins. And then the final note: he announced he would be accelerating his planned transfer to the London office, with his departure scheduled for the following week.
The statement went live on the company’s official channels. Within minutes, the last remnants of the gossip were swept away.
Jocelyn read it in her office. A wave of relief moved through her, followed by a quiet, bittersweet sadness. She picked up her phone and typed a message.
“Thank you, Julian. I wish you all the best in London p>
His reply came seconds later. A simple smiley face and two words: “Take care p>
𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝗈𝗇
It was a clean break — no drama, no lingering uncertainty. Just two adults closing a door that had needed closing for a long time.
Her phone rang. It was Bella.
“Did you see it?” Bella exclaimed. “Julian’s statement is perfect! And Jossie, you won’t believe the gossip — Chelsea’s husband is moving out. Her PR team quit. She’s completely toxic p>
Jocelyn let out a quiet sigh. “It’s sad, Bella p>
“It’s karma!” Bella shot back without hesitation. “She tried to drag you through the mud. Now she’s the one covered in it. Anyway — Julian’s really gone, huh p>
“Yes,” Jocelyn said, looking out at the city below. “He is p>
“Are you okay?” Bella asked, her voice softening.
Jocelyn smiled — a small, genuine curve of her lips. “I’m okay. Really. I’m just ready to move forward p>
“That’s my girl,” Bella said. “Now go be fabulous p>
Jocelyn hung up. She sat in the quiet of her office as the city hummed steadily below. The past few days had been a whirlwind, but she felt a strange, settled peace. She had faced the fire, and she was still standing. She had Gaston. That was all that mattered.
In his SoHo loft, Julian Croft stood before a half-packed suitcase, the city lights glittering through the wide window behind him. He glanced at his phone one last time. Jocelyn’s message sat there — a digital goodbye. He deleted the thread, turned the phone off, and slid it into his pocket.