Chapter 8

I rushed to the airport and quickly spotted Julian in the arrivals hall.

Julian stood tall and handsome in a sharp suit.

When he saw me, a flicker of something imperceptible, something akin to tenderness, crossed his eyes.

"Uncle Julian, why are you back early?" I asked softly.

Julian gave a slight smile and leaned in, whispering, "I missed you, so I couldn't wait to come back."

My face flushed slightly.

Julian naturally took my hand. "Come, let's get out of here first."

As we walked side-by-side towards the exit, Rhys's car also happened to pull up.

The car door opened, and a long, straight leg stepped out.

Facing a potential face-to-face encounter, my heart instantly leaped into my throat.

I instinctively looked at the man beside me, a wave of tension washing over me.

Julian swiftly took off his overcoat and gently draped it over my shoulders.

His arm naturally wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me close, shielding me tightly in his embrace.

The hem of his coat cleverly concealed my figure, and his strong arm discreetly hid most of my face.

Rhys saw Julian, first愣 (froze), then a wide smile spread across his face as he walked over to greet him.

"Uncle Julian, why are you back early?"

Julian maintained a calm expression, nodding slightly. "Yes, the business trip wrapped up faster than expected, so I came back early."

He was clearly holding someone close, and Rhys naturally noticed, his eyes instantly becoming meaningful.

"Uncle Julian, who is this...?"

Julian curved his lips. "Your future aunt."

"Really?"

Rhys had assumed it was just a casual fling, never expecting it to be Julian's girlfriend.

His proud uncle had never dated before.

What kind of woman could make Julian even consider marriage?

He was suddenly very curious, trying to peer into Julian's embrace, but couldn't make out her face.

"Is my future aunt really that shy? She won't even say hello to me," Rhys joked.

Julian, still holding the woman in his arms, changed direction slightly.

"She's quite shy, indeed. I'll bring her to the family estate soon; you'll meet her then."

"Uncle Julian, you're full of surprises!" Rhys chuckled, retracting his gaze. "Anyone Uncle Julian picks must be extraordinary. I truly look forward to that day."

"What are you doing at the airport?" Julian diverted the topic.

Rhys scratched his head. "Just picking up a friend. Well, Uncle Julian, I won't bother you any longer. Goodbye."

Only after Rhys turned and walked towards the waiting lounge did Julian slowly release me.

He looked at my slightly nervous face and chuckled softly.

"What, afraid our affair will be exposed?"

I pursed my lips. "Aren't you?"

"Me?" Julian gripped my hand, fingers intertwining, tightly laced together. "At most, I'll get a scolding from Grandpa Hawthorne. What's there to be afraid of?"

"..."

For men, it was certainly not frightening.

Because the crime of infidelity was judged by two different standards for men and women. For men, it was called a 'fling,' something not worth dwelling on.

For women, it was called being 'loose' or 'promiscuous,' and was something to be condemned.

I let out a laugh, a mocking, bitter sound.

"What are you laughing at?" Julian asked, raising an eyebrow.

I said flatly, "Nothing. Let's go."

Julian took my hand and we left the airport.

Meanwhile, Rhys, who had already entered the main hall, suddenly turned back, his gaze fixed on our retreating figures.

He saw the woman hidden in Julian's embrace. Only her back was visible: long black hair, a blue mid-length skirt, a slender, graceful figure.

That skirt... wasn't it exactly like the one I was wearing today?!

And her back looked so much like Sera!

At this thought, Rhys felt his temples throb twice. He instinctively took a step to follow.

Chloe, who was nearby, saw him and happily ran into his arms.

"Rhys, you came to pick me up!"

He paused, then looked up again, but our figures were already gone.

Rhys averted his gaze, affectionately ruffled Chloe's hair. "Let's go. I'll take you to dinner, then drop you home."