Julian's crimson eyes immediately locked onto Grace with intense possessiveness as a slow, elegant smile spread across his face.
"My dear Grace… You've finally come back to me."
His voice was soft, almost affectionate.
"I've missed you terribly. Did you really think you could run from me forever?"
Julian ignored Jake's existence entirely, his attention focused solely on Grace.
Grace's body tensed beside Jake, but she didn't hide behind him this time.
She stood her ground, golden eyes filled with a mix of fear and newfound resolve as she gripped Jake's arm tightly.
Taking a deep breath, she forced her voice to stay steady.
"I'm not yours, Julian," she said clearly, though her voice still trembled slightly.
"I never was. I ran because I couldn't stand being trapped by you anymore!"
She stepped slightly forward, still holding onto Jake.
