Colors That Refuse to Fade
Mike Valquin smiled.
"Sis."
"I brought him."
Then he turned around.
Without another word—
He walked out.
The door closed behind him.
Leaving Julian alone with Gwen.
The soft click of the door locking echoed through the quiet suite.
For a brief moment, Julian just stood there.
Then realization struck him like a slap.
His shoulders stiffened.
He muttered under his breath.
"…Damn."
He rubbed his forehead slowly.
"Damn, I let my guard down."
Julian hadn't expected Mike to trick him like this.
He had thought the guy wanted to discuss business matters or the Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Instead—
He had been delivered straight into a private meeting.
With Gwen Valquin.
Julian sighed quietly and walked further into the room.
Across from him, Gwen had already noticed his reaction.
She smiled faintly.
A soft, elegant smile.
The kind that made people forget their surroundings.
Seeing that smile—
A memory surfaced in Julian's mind.
