Chapter 361
Julian Winston set down his teacup.
His gaze settled on Olivia Lopez's face.
"My mother mentions you often lately."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "What does she ask?"
She had always respected Sophia Winston.
After all, the woman had gifted her an imperial green jadeite bangle.
That bracelet was still locked in her safe.
Julian cleared his throat. "She asks why you never visit."
"She suspects I've upset you."
Olivia picked up her coffee. "What did you tell her?"
"I said..." He paused deliberately. "I accidentally got you pregnant."
Olivia's hand trembled.
Coffee nearly spilled.
"Are you insane?!"
Julian grinned mischievously. "Just kidding."
His smile faded. "I said I've been too busy with work."
"I neglected you."
"Then got angry first."
"And made you furious."
Olivia snorted softly.
At least he knew to take the blame.
Julian saw her expression soften.
He seized the opportunity. "How about we continue our arrangement?"
He laid out his points logically. "First, if news of our breakup spreads, both our mothers will demand answers."
Olivia fell silent.
Sophia Winston wouldn't yell.
But she'd deliver the most cutting remarks with perfect elegance.
That was the hallmark of an old-school socialite.
Julian continued his analysis. "Second, the endless pressure to marry and have children will follow."
"Neither of us can escape it."
Olivia frowned.
Every word hit its mark.
"Third, finding a new partner is time-consuming and exhausting."
"There aren't many suitable candidates in our circle anyway."
"Maintaining the status quo is simpler."
Olivia had to admit.
He made sense.
But—
"My principle stands." She stated firmly. "No intimacy with business partners."
Julian choked on his tea.
This woman was always so direct.
"Simple." He set his cup down. "We end our business arrangement."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"
"From now on, we change our relationship."
"Open partners."
"Or more plainly..." He smirked. "Friends with benefits."
Olivia laughed softly. "Quite the scheme, Julian."
"Weren't you enjoying yourself that night?" Julian leaned closer. "My skills aren't bad, are they?"
"Confidence is good." Olivia gave him a cool glance. "Overconfidence is just pathetic."
Julian suddenly gripped her chin.
Forcing her to look at him.
"You were sober that night."
"Why didn't you refuse?"
"Admit it, Olivia." His gaze burned. "You feel something for me."
Olivia was about to retort.
Sophia Winston and Isabella Sullivan returned.
They quickly separated.
Sophia sensed the tension. "Were you arguing?"
Julian stared intently at Olivia.
Waiting for her response.
Olivia took a deep breath.
She offered a perfect smile. "It's nothing. We're fine."
Thus, their business partnership officially became an open arrangement.
…
The memory faded.
Olivia pushed away the man clinging to her. "Enough! Drive!"
"One more kiss…" Julian murmured, still craving more.
Olivia sighed. "You're more clingy than Papu."
Papu was her British pony at the stables.
Gentle and affectionate.
Julian had visited it once.
He'd secretly kicked its hindquarters.
Papu kicked back.
The bruise on his stomach took weeks to fade.
Julian bristled. "Don't compare me to that beast!"
Olivia's gaze dropped.
Lingering on a certain part of him.
"Be grateful Papu isn't fully grown yet."
Julian instinctively crossed his legs. "You wouldn't dare."
Olivia turned to the window. "I can always find a replacement."
Julian fell silent.
"Starting the car now!" He quickly fastened his seatbelt. "Please sit comfortably, Your Highness."
…
Olivia spent three days with Sophia Sullivan.
Julian followed her for all three.
"What's with him?" Sophia sipped chicken soup, glancing at the sulking man in the chair.
Olivia replied calmly. "Sexually frustrated."
Sophia choked coughing.
Julian remained oblivious to their conversation.
He just glared at the soup thermos.
This thing.
It got him kicked out of bed last night—
"Oh no! I forgot to turn off the stove!"
Olivia dashed to the kitchen, leaving him behind.
Julian was completely bewildered.
After lunch.
Sophia set down her bowl. "Can I be discharged today?"
Olivia consulted the doctor.
She received confirmation.
Julian was happier than the patient.
Olivia shot him a warning look.
Julian grinned foolishly.
Unable to hide his thoughts.
Sophia watched, utterly confused.
Something felt off about these two.
After two days resting at home.
The swelling in Sophia's ankle finally subsided.
She retrieved the Entada seeds from the plant base.
Examining them closely.
The pods were damaged.
But the seeds remained intact.
Their dark brown surfaces bore clear patterns.
Extremely rare.
It was a pity she couldn't bring back a whole pod.
Their one-meter length made them impossible to carry.
As she pondered.
A knock suddenly sounded at the door.
She hopped over on one foot to answer.
And froze in surprise.
"Professor?!"