hapter 211 A Solemn Vow 

Ignoring Harlan’s sarcasm, Julius kept his eyes on Quinn. “In this life, the only person I want by my side forever is you, Quinn. There has never been anyone else, and there never will be.” 

“Easy to say,” Harlan snorted. “Feelings change. You’ve known her only a few months. If the day comes when you break up, are you telling me you’ll never date another woman?” 

Julius answered calmly, “There will be no one else. Besides, Quinnie and I will never break up.” 

The final words rang out like nails driven into wood. 

If they ever parted, he knew every day afterward would be nothing but a hollow, walking death. 

Harlan started to retort, but Quinn cut in, “That’s enough. We’ve seen most of the sights–let’s head back. Harlan, I’ll return to Jexburgh in a couple of days. If you plan on staying in Yarburn…” 

“You’re going back to Jexburgh?” Harlan asked. 

“Mm–hmm. Everything here is nearly wrapped up. Tomorrow, I’ll visit Great–Grandpa at the old house, then I need to arrange the trip home,” Quinn explained. 

“Fine, I’ll go with you,” Harlan said at once. 

That night, in the bedroom, Julius told her, “I’m going back with you too.” 

“But your work…” 

“The island development project here is basically settled. The branch manager can handle what’s left,” Julius said. 

He refused to be separated from her; distance only bred trouble. 

Besides, she merely liked him right now, and that was far from enough. He wanted her to fall in love with him soon. 

“By the way, tomorrow Great–Grandpa wants to see what Rowan looks like. I’ll bring those photos of my brother that you found,” she told him. 

“Of course,” Julius replied. 

The next day, Julius accompanied Quinn to the Bridger residence. Because Murren’s health was fragile, Julius waited in the reception hall while Quinn went alone to the old man’s bedroom. 

As she entered, she saw Marley bent over the bed, fussing attentively with the covers. 

Marley’s face darkened the instant she spotted Quinn. 

“Quinn, you’re here,” Murren said, sitting up. He looked even more gaunt than he had at the Bridger Group office. 

“Great–Grandpa, how are you feeling?” Quinn asked softly. 

“Same as always. I’m an old man; this comes with the territory,” he said with a thin smile. Then, he glanced at Marley. “Marley, give us a moment, will you? I’d like to speak with Quinn alone.” 

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Chapter 211 A Solemn Vow 

Resentment flashed in Marley’s eyes. She had served him for years, yet he still favored Quinn! 

Was it just because Quinn came from the fifth branch, because her parents were fallen heroes? 

It wasn’t fair! 

Still, she managed a strained smile, murmured assent, and slowly walked out. 

+10 Free Coins 

No sooner had she left the room than she overheard a maid mentioning that Julius was waiting in the reception hall. 

Marley’s expression shifted. Life had grown harsher these days; once her friends learned she no longer enjoyed Whitethorn’s backing, their attitude toward her had spun a full one–eighty. 

The more lavishly they once praised her, the more mercilessly they belittle her now. 

If I can make Julius soften, I can still cling to this life of silk and diamonds. 

With that thought blazing in her chest, Marley hurried into the parlor and, just as she’d hoped, found Julius already inside. 

Marley stepped forward. “Julius, I’ve been desperate to see you again. I know I was wrong that day in the restaurant–1 never should have said those things. Will you forgive me, please?” 

Julius’s gaze rested on her with icy detachment. “There’s nothing left between us, Marley. There’s nothing to forgive.” 

Marley bit down hard on her lip. No–there’s no way it can be over! 

“Is it really because I ran away when we were kids? Because I was terrified? I was only a child then! Abandoning you was nothing but instinct!” she argued, her voice trembling. 

Yet, Julius’s eyes stayed remote, as though whatever she said meant absolutely nothing to him. 

“What about Quinn?” Marley snapped. “If she were in real danger, are you telling me she wouldn’t leave you behind?” 

“She wouldn’t.” At the mention of Quinn, a fleeting tenderness softened Julius’s otherwise indifferent eyes. 

Marley’s hatred deepened. “You trust her that completely?” 

“I do.” His stare turned glacial. “And unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t appear in front of me again. The Whitethorn family and I have repaid you for that eye of yours for nearly twenty years–surely that’s payment enough.” 

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