Chapter 151
Julian Winston flicked the ash from his cigarette.
I owe you one for that hotel incident.
I always pay my debts.
Even though you and Ethan are done, a debt is still a debt.
He stood in the corridor for over ten minutes.
Sophia Sullivan hadn't even considered contacting him directly.
Charlie Lowell clearly said the resources were with him.
Top-tier resources, at that.
Why was this woman so stubborn?
Julian let out a soft, derisive snort.
Looking for a reliable editor, right?
I'll refer one to you right now.
Sophia was never one for false pride.
If resources were handed to her on a silver platter, only a fool would refuse.
Thank you.
Repaying my debt.
The call ended.
Julian found the editor's WeChat.
He prepared to forward it to Sophia.
He paused abruptly.
He didn't have Sophia's WeChat.
He dialed her number again.
Add me on WeChat.
Don't worry, I'm not like Sebastian Evans.
I have no interest in my friend's ex.
If it makes you uncomfortable, you can delete me after I send the contact.
Request accepted.
Okay.
Contact card successfully forwarded.
Julian put away his phone and returned to the private room.
Charlie grinned mischievously.
Took you so long. Did you fall in?
Get lost.
A woman giggled and pressed herself against him.
Julian, why did you abandon me earlier?
Should I have taken you to the men's room? Julian lightly patted her cheek.
The woman pouted and shot him a playful glare.
Julian, book me for the night, please?
Julian looked her over with a wicked smile, saying nothing.
Her smile faded, unable to hide her disappointment.
These rich boys were generous, that was true.
But when it came to emotions, they were utterly heartless.
Cold as ice.
...
The party ended in the early hours.
The three men walked to the bar's entrance.
Julian raised an eyebrow.
How are you two getting back?
Ethan Roscente: Designated driver.
Charlie Lowell: Taxi. You?
Julian Winston: Staying at a hotel.
That's not like you. Going to a hotel without a woman?
If I wanted one, it's just a phone call away, isn't it?
Charlie's mouth twitched. Take it easy. Don't catch anything.
Don't worry, I know my limits. My ride's here. I'm off.
Wait. Charlie grabbed him. You said you'd refer an editor to Sophia...
Already did. Julian waved his hand impatiently.
When? How? Charlie was instantly alert.
Just now.
You aren't even contacts. How did you refer her?
We added each other just now.
Charlie narrowed his eyes. Since when are you so helpful? You're not turning into another Sebastian...
Stop! Julian cut him off, glancing sideways at Ethan.
Damn, his face was like thunder.
Helping Sophia is repaying a debt. Don't accuse me of that.
One Sebastian is more than enough.
There are plenty of women in the world. Why focus on a friend's?
Even an ex is off-limits.
Charlie relaxed. That's more like it...
Let go. I'm getting in the car.
Fine. Charlie released him.
Ethan spoke suddenly.
You helped her because of me?
Julian's hand on the car door stilled. He turned and smiled. Actually, no.
You... Ethan's gaze swept over Charlie, scrutinizing. You've been contacting her unilaterally since the breakup?
Charlie nodded openly. We talk often. Problem?
Julian's eyes narrowed. I know what you're asking.
You think whether we contact her or help her, it's because of you.
Let me be clear. It's because of Sophia herself. It has nothing to do with you. Same for Charlie.
Ethan frowned.
Why?
Julian snorted. Relationships are about reciprocity. Give and take, that's how connections are built.
You think Sophia was just your shadow for six years? We hung out two or three times a month. Plenty of chances to interact.
Take Charlie. Sophia fixed your computer, wrote programs for you, right?
Charlie nodded vigorously. Sophia's coding is amazing. That time my project investment nearly got messed with by finance, she wrote a program to untangle the mess.
And that other time...
Charlie went on and on.
Ethan grew more and more confused.
Was the Sophia they described the same woman he remembered? The one who stayed home waiting for him, arranging every little detail?
Charlie: And you, didn't Sophia help you too...
Ahem! Julian interrupted. That's enough. I'm leaving. You two head back.
He got into the taxi.
Driver, let's go.
...
Sophia received the contact Julian forwarded.
She sent a friend request.
It was accepted instantly.
An auto-reply popped up.
[Hello. If you are an author, please leave your submission and contact info. For business inquiries requiring immediate attention, please call 1372324...]
Sophia chose one of Isabella Sullivan's suspense novels from last year.
She sent the Word document and left her phone number.
It was late. There was no immediate response.
She didn't mind, expecting a reply in a couple of days.
The night was deep.
Ethan arrived home.
Isabella Langley was still standing at the door, smiling like a greeter.
He had to admire her persistence in this regard.
Isabella reached out to steady him.
Before she could touch him, she wrinkled her nose at the smell of alcohol.
Ethan called for Martha to help him upstairs.
He had only had two drinks today. He wasn't drunk at all.
But if he was drunk, Isabella wouldn't pester him with endless chatter.
So it was better to play drunk.
Martha helped him to the master bedroom and came down to make sobering soup.
Miss Langley, is there something you need? The kitchen isn't safe. Please wait in the living room. Martha's tone was cool.
Isabella's smile didn't falter. Martha, I heard you watched Ethan grow up?
You must have made him sobering soup often, then?
Martha: When Miss Sullivan was here, she handled it. The young master preferred hers.
...
While Martha's back was turned getting a bowl, Isabella quickly poured a packet of powder into the pot.