Chapter 417
Lilly blinks slowly before she bursts out laughing.
“That’s probably Mom,” she says casually.
My breathing picks up as I scramble with my phone. “No—no, I need to send it back p>
“What?” she grabs my wrist. “Are you insane p>
“That’s too much, Lilly,” I argue. “How is she supposed to run the company? What about everything else p>
She rolls her eyes. “That’s literally pocket change to her… You don’t have to worry about bankrupting her p>
I stare at her, my mind not fully comprehending what she’s saying. I keep looking from her to the phone in my hand that feels like it’s burning my hand.
“I’m serious; the company’s bigger than it’s ever been,” she continues. “When Mom took over, she didn’t just maintain it, she expanded it and took it to greater heights… Thanks to her, we now dominate both real estate and architecture industries p>
I blink, trying to process that, but it feels like a dream. I knew Aunt Harper’s company was doing well, but I never knew it was doing that well, mainly because I used to hang out with Lilly and Lilly was usually with Uncle Gabe at WOOD CORPORATION. We rarely ever went to UNITY VENTURES.
“You don’t need to worry about her,” she continues. “That money? That’s just the initial amount we all get when we hit twenty-five. Then there are dividends, yearly payouts, and an inheritance that kicks in at thirty p>
I stare at her like she just spoke a different language because, honestly, it’s all confusing and seems so complicated.
“What am I even supposed to do with that kind of money?” I ask.
She grins. “For one, you can buy a massive house with a huge compound in a good neighborhood… then start a business p>
I shake my head, still overwhelmed. “Speaking of p>
I reach for my tablet, pulling it out carefully.
“Before all this happened, I was working on something,” I say, handing it to her. “I didn’t get to finish yet, but this is what I’ve got so far p>
She takes it, her expression shifting as she starts reading. We go through it together, discussing, refining, and building on the idea, and for the first time since everything started spiraling, I feel something close to normal again.
Just as we’re about to wrap up, Lilly’s phone rings.
She glances at the screen and answers. “Yeah p>
There’s a pause as she listens.
“Who p>
Another pause, before her expression changes and a frown fills her brows. For a second, she just stares ahead, like she’s trying to process what she’s been told, and then she sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose.
“Send her up,” she finally says before hanging up, her voice with an edge to it.
I frown slightly. “What’s wrong p>
“Juliette is here p>
“Seriously p>
Lilly snorts as she tosses her phone onto the couch beside her. “Unfortunately, yes… what the hell is she doing here, and what does she want? It’s not like we are friends or anything p>
“How am I supposed to know what she’s doing here?” I ask.
“Damn it! I should have told them not to let her up, but I’m curious about why she’s here,” Lilly says before taking a sip of her drink.
“You know what they say about curiosity,” I mutter.
To be honest I don’t even understand why they don’t like each other. From the glimpse I got of Juliett while we were in Paris, she did seem like a nice person. Sure, she’s a bit spoiled and has major brat energy, but she genuinely seemed like a good person.
Before we can say anything, the private elevator dings and opens, revealing Juliette.
Juliette steps out like she owns the entire building, sunglasses perched on top of her head while her heels click confidently against the marble floor. Her gaze lands on Lilly first before shifting to me, and her entire expression changes instantly.
“Oh thank God, you’re alive,” she breathes before walking straight toward me.
Lilly groans from beside me. “Seriously, that’s your opening line p>
Juliette completely ignores her as she crouches slightly in front of me, her sharp eyes scanning my face carefully.
“Are you okay?” she asks, and despite the dramatic entrance, the concern in her voice is genuine enough to catch me off guard.
“I’m okay,” I assure her. “A little bruised and traumatized maybe, but alive p>
Juliett lets out a relieved sigh as she straightens. “Good, because the things I heard were insane. I barely slept the whole night p>
That’s when Lilly narrows her eyes, doubt and suspicion clouding them
“Alright, people, let’s focus here,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest. “Juliette, what the hell are you doing here p>
Juliett arches a brow. “Isn’t it obvious? I came to check on Sierra p>
“Spare me the bullshit; I know you, you aren’t the caring type, so really, tell me the real reason you’re here,” Lilly replies immediately.
Juliett rolls her eyes dramatically before taking up space like she’s been living here her entire life.
“I already told you, it’s not my fault your brain can’t comprehend what I just said,” she says simply. “I heard what happened. I wanted to make sure Sierra was okay, so I did some digging and found out she was here p>
Lilly narrows her eyes at her. “Please cut the crap. Do you actually expect me to believe that you care about Sierra p>
Juliette turns toward her slowly, entirely unbothered by the accusation. “I don’t particularly care what you believe; I actually like Sierra p>