Chapter 81 An Encounter with Adolph
The three women in the kitchen pretended to stay busy while occasionally pecking out to observe Julian and Aurora.
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Every time Aurora glanced their way, they immediately ducked back, pretending to focus on their tasks to avoid being caught.
The atmosphere between Julian and Aurora remained light and
cheerful.
“Mr. Hawke, if you’re free now, let’s go purchase the materials. Even though “The Garden‘ only needs final touches, it’ll still take me at least a month. I’ll strive to finish before Madam Hawke’s birthday celebration.”
Julian nodded, his gaze softening. “At your command.”
Aurora flushed slightly at his words. She glanced at him,
relieved to see his calm expression, and convinced herself she’d imagined any hidden meaning.
Together, they rose and walked out.
Beatrice clapped her hands gleefully. “I knew Julian would adore someone as wonderful as Aurora! Look–they’re going on a date!”
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Chapter 81 An Encounter with Adolph
Ashley chimed in. “I’ve never seen Mr. Hawke act so tenderly toward anyone!”
Daisy felt a swell of happiness for Aurora.
Ever since leaving the Elvador family, Aurora had grown. happier each day. She no longer looked sad and worried like before.
Julian drove slowly into the city. Before long, they arrived at a store named “Embroidery Heaven.” After parking, he opened the car door and shielded Aurora’s head with a courteous hand. “We’re here.”
Aurora, flustered by his courtesy, thanked him, and they stepped inside.
The shop radiated traditional charm.
Aurora’s eyes widened at the dazzling array of embroidery supplies–colorful silk threads, intricate fabrics, delicate needles, and ornate hoops neatly arranged on shelves.
She moved to the racks, carefully selecting materials while Julian lingered behind, watching her.
He watched her focused selection and felt his heart soften.
Aurora occasionally picked up some materials, examined them, and then placed them in the shopping basket.
Chapter 81 An Encounter with Adolph Julian waited patiently, occasionally helping her reach items from higher shelves.
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For thirty minutes, Julian waited patiently, occasionally retrieving items from higher shelves. Once her selections were complete, they paid the bill and exited into the warm, golden sunlight.
The serenity shattered when a familiar voice rang out.
“Mr. Hawke, what a coincidence.”
Julian looked up to see Adolph approaching with measured steps.
His tailored suit and polite smile masked an unreadable gaze. Though addressing Julian, his eyes never left Aurora’s back.
Aurora froze at the voice. Instinctively, she gripped Julian’s arm and looked up at him, her face pale and body trembling.
Julian, recalling Ethan’s intel, understood her fear.
Adolph closed the distance, eyes fixed on Aurora. Her figure seemed eerily familiar, but he hesitated to name her outright- after all, why would Aurora associate with Julian?
He needed a closer look.
Julian frowned, sensing Adolph’s intent. Without hesitation, he pulled Aurora against his chest, burying her face in his jacket.
Chapter 81 An Encounter with Adolph.
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“Is there something you need, Mr. Sherwood?” he asked coolly.
Adolph ignored Julian’s frosty tone. “Nothing. Just want to say hello.”
He tilted his head. “And who is the lady?”
Aurora’s heart pounded. Her nails dug into her palms as she clung to Julian.
“My fiancée,” Julian replied, his voice steady.
Aurora’s heart raced uncontrollably, pounding so fiercely she feared it might burst from her chest.
Pressed tightly against Julian’s chest, she could distinctly feel the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat thudding against hers–his calm pulse intertwining with her frantic cadence.
The atmosphere thickened abruptly, as if the very air had solidified around them.
The world seemed to fall silent, leaving only the synchronized sounds of three sets of breaths and pounding hearts.
Adolph’s face tensed up, his smile turning tight and forced.
He stared at Aurora with stubborn intensity, as if trying to piece something together. The more he looked, the more familiar she seemed, and suspicions started twisting in his mind.
Chapter 81 An Encounter with Adolph
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“I see,” He uttered, after what seemed like forever, “Pleasure to meet you. I’m Adolph Sherwood.”
Aurora’s body locked rigidly against Julian. She dared not utter a sound–even a whisper would betray her identity.
Julian narrowed his eyes in warning. “My fiancée is unwell. She can’t say hello.”
With practiced ease, he tightened his grip and lifted Aurora securely into his arms.
Instinctively, Aurora wrapped her arms around Julian’s neck, burying her face against his chest.
Julian swiftly opened the car door with his free hand.
Adolph stepped closer, straining to glimpse her face, but Aurora concealed herself completely.
Julian carefully settled her into the backseat, using his broad frame to shield her from view.
Their were only inches away from each other–close enough to share breaths. Julian’s warm exhales grazed Aurora’s neck, reigniting the frantic rhythm of her pulse.
Her cheeks burned crimson, eyes wide with panic.
Julian leaned down, his lips brushing her ear as he murmured, “I’m here. Don’t be afraid.”
Chapter 81 An Encounter with Adolph
The gentle yet unwavering words worked like a spell, slowly steadying her tremors.
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Straightening, Julian closed the car door and turned to face Adolph with eyes like frozen steel. “If there’s nothing else, Mr. Sherwood, we’ll take our leave.”
As Julian moved toward the driver’s seat, Adolph glared at the tinted windows, frustration simmering.
The dark film rendered the interior invisible, yet his instincts roared that the woman was undoubtedly Aurora.
Without warning, he lunged forward and jerked the door open.
