Chapter 3 Julian Was Stood Up

"Enough!" Julian cut off Baylee's attempt to explain.

His face was set in a firm expression; he had grown weary of those who pursued him for his social standing.

"No need to worry about the damage costs. Just stay out of my sight. Consider this your last warning," Julian declared with finality before he climbed into his car.

"Wait!" Baylee called out, seeing Julian's car begin to pull away. She raced forward, trying to catch up.

As Julian's car turned a corner, vanishing from sight, Baylee rushed back to her own vehicle, hoping to follow him.

However, after the collision, her car faltered, in contrast to Julian's Ferrari, which remained operational. The engine stuttered and smoke billowed from the front before it ceased to operate altogether.

Left with no other option, Baylee called for a tow and flagged down a taxi along the road to take her to the Lewis Mansion.

The recent events surely hadn't painted her in a favorable light in Julian's eyes. She fretted over how this might affect their impending divorce discussion.

At least she wasn't responsible for the car's damages, offering her a slight reprieve from her concerns.

"To the Lewis Mansion, and please, quick," she urged the taxi driver.

Her phone vibrated inside her bag.

Casting a glance, she saw the caller ID: Aidan Patel, her boss.

But wasn't she supposed to be off today? Why was Aidan reaching out to her now?

As she accepted the call, Aidan's voice filled the space, loud and urgent.

"Baylee! Where are you? I need you right now!"

His sudden demand caught her off guard. Before she could ask for details, he continued, "There's a big project I'm chasing, and I need your assistance. Dress sharply; we're meeting at the Red Nightclub in two hours."

Baylee hesitated, sensing a dilemma. "Mr. Patel, I'm sorry, but I'm currently tied up with something critical. Is it possible to arrange this for another day?"

Missing Julian's appointment could worsen his opinion of her, and the thought of it left her feeling unsettled.

Aidan's response was unwavering. "You have to be there! Our client is ready to invest fifty million dollars. It's an opportunity many dream of and would do anything for. If you miss out, we might lose this deal. Considering your financial situation, I'd say this chance is too good to pass up."

Fifty million dollars?!

That was an astronomical figure! Baylee was caught off guard.

"Alright, I'm on my way," she quickly agreed, ended the call, and told the driver with urgency to head back to her place.

Aidan had a point. Her financial woes made the deal a priority over her personal issues, including her marriage.

At the Lewis Mansion, Julian had arrived on time, finding his attorney, Cormac Scott, already there. The only person absent was Baylee.

Julian's patience waned, his frustration with Baylee's lack of punctuality adding to his growing disdain.

After a while, without any sign of her, Julian turned to Cormac, his impatience evident. "Please, check on her whereabouts."

"I'll give her a call," Cormac said, promptly reaching for his phone to contact Baylee. The moment the call was answered, he began, "Ms. Morrison, hello, this is Cormac, representing Mr. Lewis..."

"Apologies!" Baylee's rushed voice cut through. "I'm tied up with an urgent matter and won't be able to attend. Can we reschedule the divorce discussion? I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Please convey my apologies to Julian. Bye."

With that, she ended the call.

Cormac was left without the opportunity to inquire about a future time to discuss matters.

Julian, his tone icy, inquired, "What was her response?"

Cormac relayed Baylee's message without omission.

This marked the first time Julian had been stood up.

His frustration, compounded by various disappointments, boiled over, and his desire to confront Baylee vanished.

He had planned for a respectful conclusion to their marriage, hence the scheduled meeting. Now, it seemed pointless.

Rising swiftly, Julian exited the Lewis Mansion.

Cormac, after a brief hesitation, hurried after him. "Sir, regarding the divorce..."

"Take care of it," Julian snapped, barely containing his anger. "Prepare the paperwork and ensure she signs it. I refuse to spend another moment on this matter."