Chapter 204 Secrets Scattered Across The Floor 

Julius’s complexion turned even more deathly pale. 

Quinn now stood right in front of him; even if he wanted to hide the material, it was already far too late. 

“What’s wrong–are you feeling sick?” Quinn didn’t so much as glance at the mess on the floor. She darted forward in a single stride, her eyes fixed on Julius’s ashen face, worry etched between her brows. 

Julius’s lips quivered; he tried to say something, yet no words came. 

Quinn raised a hand to his forehead and muttered, “No fever… Have you just not been getting enough rest lately?” 

“Maybe I’m just a little tired,” Julius murmured. 

“Could be. Look, everything’s spilled everywhere.” With that, Quinn bent down to gather the scattered files and photographs. 

“Don’t–I’ll do it myself…” Julius hurried to stop her, but he was already too late. Quinn had lifted the documents, and when her gaze landed on the photograph lying on top, a soft “Huh?” slipped from her lips. 

“This photo…” Quinn’s eyes locked onto the image. 

At that instant, Julius went completely rigid; it felt as though the blood in his veins had frozen solid. 

He wanted to snatch the photograph from her hand, to make her stop looking this very second! 

Or at least think of a believable explanation–quickly! But should I… lie to her? She’s already told me how much she despises deception, and I promised her I would never lie! But once she truly uncovered certain truths, would that not also signify that any possibility between the two of them was gone forever? 

“How do you have pictures of my brother?” Quinn rifled through the photographs she had just scooped from the floor; every single shot featured Rowan, and the scattered documents she gathered as well- every page centered on him. 

“I…” Julius opened his mouth, yet his mind went utterly blank. 

“Is it because you’re helping me look for him?” Quinn asked while lowering her head again, eyes gliding over images even she had never seen. “Julius, thank you!” 

That single word of thanks jolted him back to himself. 

Yes, he was helping her search for Rowan, yet these files were never prepared for her alone. 

“By the way, could you make me another set of these photos?” Quinn asked. 

“Of course… you can,” he replied. 

Lifting one particular picture, Quinn murmured, “I don’t know when I’ll be able to see my brother again. I miss him so much, you know? The scar on his shoulder–he got that while protecting me.” 

Julius froze; the hand hanging beside him clenched so hard it trembled. 

At that moment, he could only think, Thank goodness she’s still staring down at those pictures; she has no idea 

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Chapter 204 Secrets Scattered Across The Floor 

how frightened I am. 

+10 Free Coins 

“Back then, Rowan and I were overseas with Dad and Mom when a terrorist assault broke out. Amid the shelling, he shielded me with everything he had, pressing me into his arms until he nearly lost half his life. If it hadn’t been for him, I might have died.” 

Staring at the picture that revealed the scar on her brother’s shoulder, Quinn felt her eyes sting and turn 

red. 

“You really love him,” Julius muttered. 

“Of course I do, and that’s why I have to find him!” she declared. 

“What… if you can’t?” he asked. 

“No matter how many years it takes, I’ll keep searching until I do,” Quinn answered without the slightest hesitation. 

Julius fell silent, then murmured, “Quinn, if someone once wronged Rowan, would you forgive that person?” 

Quinn lifted her eyes, giving Julius a puzzled glance. “What kind of question is that? If someone wronged my brother, it’s up to him to decide whether to forgive.” 

“And you? Would you forgive?” he pressed, uncase hiding in his tone. 

“It depends on what they did. If it threatened his life, I would never forgive–no matter what,” Quinn replied. 

Julius’s Adam’s apple bobbed; the words that remained felt wedged in his throat, impossible to voice. 

Setting the photos aside, Quinn noticed the pallor on his face. “You really don’t look well–go back to your room and rest.” 

“Mm.” The low sound left his throat just as she reached out and clasped his hand. 

“Your hand is ice cold!” Quinn exclaimed softly, cupping his fingers within both of hers. 

It was autumn, the air comfortably mild, and the indoor climate control kept the room pleasantly warm, yet his hand was shockingly frigid. 

“Are you cold?” she asked. 

“A little,” he admitted. 

She bent her head, rubbing his hands between her own and breathing warm air over them, hoping the heat of her palms and breath would chase away the chill. 

Julius stood dazed while, under her gentle kneading, his fingers slowly warmed.