Chapter 266

Julian Valdemar pushed open the gates of Westmount Villa with a face dark as storm clouds.

Only when his phone buzzed with the confirmation of a transferred sum did his tense shoulders relax slightly. He immediately dialed Jasmine Keane's number, arranging to meet at the newly opened French restaurant downtown.

Inside the elegant dining room, their heads bent together over a travel website on Jasmine's phone.

"How about the Maldives?" Her slender finger swiped across the screen. "It's perfect for your birthday next week."

Before Julian could respond, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Julian?"

His head snapped up, the smile freezing on his face.

Tiffany Sinclair stood by their table in a simple white blouse and jeans. Surprise flickered across her round face as her fingers twisted unconsciously around her purse strap.

Adrian Valdemar shoved his chair back with a loud scrape.

"What's with the attitude?" He stalked over, eyes sharp. "You own this place now?"

Julian's eyes narrowed. "Mind your own business, Adrian."

"Making it my business." Adrian shoved hands in pockets, looking down his nose. "Cut the righteous act."

Nearby diners turned to watch the scene unfold.

Tiffany tugged gently at Adrian's sleeve. "Perhaps I interrupted..."

She turned to Julian, voice soft. "I just saw you and wanted to say hello."

A cold smirk twisted Julian's lips. "We're not that close."

Jasmine leaned into his shoulder, blinking wide innocent eyes at them both.

From a nearby booth, Sophia Laurent observed the exchange silently.

Tiffany's lashes lowered, casting shadows across her cheeks. But she quickly summoned a polite smile. "I understand."

As she turned to leave, Adrian caught her wrist.

"That's it?" He looked incredulous. "He treats you like that and you just walk away?"

Tiffany's eyes widened. As the Sinclair heiress, proper decorum had been drilled into her since childhood.

Yet his words warmed her unexpectedly.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Adrian faltered. He'd expected fireworks, not this quiet grace.

"You better mean that." He raked a hand through his hair. "Don't let him ruin your appetite. Join us?"

He quickly added, "Not just me. My sister-in-law's here too."

Following his gaze, Tiffany saw Sophia give a slight nod.

After a brief hesitation, she accepted.