A sly smile settled on Lilly's face as she walked into the office and spotted Julia.
"Cousin," she called sweetly, her voice dripping with fake concern. "How have you been?"
Julia didn't even look up immediately. When she did, her lips curved slightly.
"Better than you will ever be."
The words landed clean.
Lilly scoffed, dropping the act instantly. There was no need to pretend anymore—not when she was already standing on the winning side.
"Oh, cousin seems to be enjoying herself," Lilly said, stepping closer, her eyes glinting. "But as your older sister, let me advise you… good days don't last."
Her gaze flickered to James behind her.
"You never know who might stab you from behind."
Julia finally stood, calm, unbothered.
"Then I should thank you for the advice," she said lazily. "But let's be honest… a fool isn't capable of causing real damage."
She tilted her head slightly.
"And you are one."
Lilly's face flushed instantly.
"You—!"
Her voice rose, drawing attention. Staff nearby began to look over, whispering. Just as she wanted.
"I have always respected you!" Lilly continued loudly. "I gave everything to this company and this is how you treat me?!"
Julia almost laughed.
The pity card? Already?
The staff were already shifting toward Lilly's side. Familiarity always wins first impressions.
Julia sighed lightly, then turned to James with a serious expression.
"James, call a psychiatrist."
The entire hall went silent.
"We might be dealing with bipolar disorder here. One minute she's smiling, next she's shouting. It's unsafe."
Lilly froze.
"Julia?!"
All eyes turned to her—this time not with sympathy, but confusion.
"Cousin, I'm perfectly fine!" Lilly snapped, her composure cracking. "How can you say I have a mental disorder?"
Julia shrugged.
"You look like you do."
A few muffled laughs spread.
Lilly's fists clenched. She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"Watch carefully," she whispered. "Your days are numbered."
She turned and walked away, her heels hitting the floor sharply.
Julia watched her leave, then glanced at James.
"Nice acting."
James nodded slightly. "She took the bait."
Lilly had already collected the fake antivirus earlier that morning. Everything was moving exactly as planned.
Julia smirked faintly.
"Let her run to Kelvin."
She turned.
"Prepare for the product launch. With the current hype, we'll double our sales."
"Already in motion," James replied.
Outside, the internet was exploding. What was supposed to destroy Aurexx had instead made it stronger.
Reaching the lobby, Julia stopped.
Michael Kings.
He sat casually, legs crossed, a newspaper in hand like he owned the place.
The moment he saw her, he folded it neatly.
"Bonjour, bella," he greeted smoothly in French, his eyes lingering on her.
James' expression darkened instantly.
"How did he get in?" he asked coldly, turning to the receptionist.
She panicked. "H-he said he was a close friend of Ms. Julia…"
"So you let in anyone who says that?" James snapped.
"Easy," Michael cut in, standing up. "We've had some misunderstandings, but she did say she'd make good use of me. I've been waiting."
"She doesn't need you," James shot back.
Michael's gaze turned cold. "I wasn't talking to you, dog."
James stepped forward slightly. "You wish you were one."
"Enough," Julia cut in sharply.
Silence.
Michael looked back at her. "We need to talk."
Julia studied him for a second. Then nodded.
"In private."
James didn't like it, but one look from Julia and he stepped back.
Michael followed her into the office.
"Talk," Julia said, taking her seat.
Michael didn't sit immediately. His eyes stayed on her—curious, unreadable.
"I owe you an apology," he said finally. "I dragged you into my fight. Used your grief."
Julia didn't react.
"Is that all?"
Her voice was cold.
Michael exhaled. "No. I'll help you."
"How?" she asked bluntly.
"My family," he said slowly, "controls more than you think. In this city… if the Kings don't stand with you, they bury you."
Julia's eyes narrowed slightly.
"My grandfather has taken interest in you," he continued. "If he finds out you're not fighting alongside me, he'll consider you an enemy of the entire family."
Julia leaned back, processing.
"So he doesn't mind you and your brother tearing each other apart… but cares when an outsider steps in?"
"Yes that kings for you."
"Interesting."
Michael stepped closer.
"That's why we're stuck together. You may hate me, but you'd rather be inside the fight… than fight against it."
Julia let out a small scoff.
Of course she knew about the Kings.
The orphanage she grew up in had been funded by them. Their influence ran deep too deep.
But still
She looked at him, eyes sharp.
"You talk like we're equals."
A pause.
"I'm not on your side, Michael."
Her voice dropped.
"And I'm definitely not anyone's weapon."
Michael held her gaze.
"I don't need a weapon."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I need someone dangerous."
Julia's eyes flickered.
Then she smiled.
Cold.
The kings are definitely trouble.
Thanks for they patience i have been getting.have a nice day.