Chapter 289 Conversation At The Grave
The next morning brought a cold, slate–gray sky over the cemetery.
A black sedan rolled to a halt at the gates, and Julius stepped out with unhurried grace.
Fabian hurried after him. “Mr. Whitethorn.”
“Stay here. Wait at the foot of the hill,” Julius said coolly.
“Yes, sir.” Fabian and the bodyguards stopped where they were.
Alone, Julius climbed the long stone steps that wound through the graves.
Today was his birthday, but it was also his mother’s death anniversary.
+5 Free Coins
Every year, on this date, he could count on meeting one other person, and sure enough, when Joaquin’s silhouette appeared, Julius felt no surprise at all.
Julius had banished his father to an island owned by the Whitethorn family and seized almost every strand of family power, but exile never meant Joaquin lacked contingencies. When it came to his wife’s memorial, the old man would break through any cage to attend.
Joaquin turned, smiling as though they were any ordinary father and son. “There you are–come pay your respects to your mother.”
Julius said nothing. He stepped to his mother’s headstone, the black–and–white portrait showing a woman driven to death yet still wearing a blooming smile. He bowed three times; whatever her failings, she had still given him life.
“I hear you and Quinn have parted ways?” Joaquin asked, his voice cutting through the hush.
Julius pressed his thin lips together. He had sent men to spy on his father, so it stood to reason the old man had spies of his own.
“That is none of your concern,” he said quietly.
Joaquin said casually, “Of course it concerns me. You are still my son. Since the girl once struck me, it would hardly be excessive if I took both her hands.”
Ice flashed in Julius‘ eyes. “Touch her and you sign your own death warrant.”
“So you’re planning to kill your own father over a woman who no longer wants you?” Joaquin lifted one eyebrow.
“Touch her and I will.” Julius‘ voice showed no hesitation.
If she left this world, nothing else could hold him back.
Joaquin burst into laughter. “Is it worth it? All this for a woman who walked away so easily?”
Julius shot back, “And you–worth going insane over a woman who never loved you?”
O
1/3
3.307
Chapter 289 Conversation At The Grave
Father and son locked eyes, cold disdain mirrored on both faces.
+5 Free Coins
After a silent beat, Julius turned to leave. Before stepping away, he said, “Touch her and, dead or not, I will never let your ashes rest beside Mother’s.”
Joaquin narrowed his eyes. “You dare threaten me?”
“I’m just telling you the consequences of your actions. Harm her, and I will grind you to dust.”
Joaquin fell silent.
Julius walked out without looking back.
Their confrontation ended there.
Joaquin turned toward his wife’s headstone once more.
He murmured, “Our son will end up like us.” A bitter laugh slipped out. “Grind me to dust, huh? I was already grinded to dust the day you died.”
With her trip to Doria approaching, Quinn hurried to wrap up work and shop for travel essentials.
After work, Laura slung an arm around Quinn’s shoulders. “Bar time. Tonight we drink until we drop.”
The bar Laura chose served food, and she had even reserved a private booth.
Yet when they entered, they found not only Harlan but Weston waiting inside.
Laura frowned at Harlan. “Why did you bring him?”
Harlan rubbed his temples. “I’d love to know that myself.”
He had been on his way here when, during a call with Laura, his uncle overheard and insisted on coming along.
Laura sighed, facing Weston. “Why are you here? Tonight is supposed to be Quinn, Harlan, and me.”
Weston replied in perfect deadpan, “I’m worried you’ll get drunk and assault my nephew. You do have a
record.”
Laura’s cheeks burned. “I told you, that was a misunderstanding!”
Quinn’s curiosity sparked. “What record?”
“Nothing, it’s just a misunderstanding,” Harlan cut in, then glared at Weston. “Uncle Weston, if you want to see Laura, fine, but leave me out of it.”
He was no fool; Weston’s real reason for being here was Laura.
His uncle had never cared for social outings otherwise.
Weston gave a small nod. “Fair enough,” he said, his voice steady.
That sounded like an indirect way of admitting he did come here just to see Laura.
2/3
538%
Chapter 289 Conversation At The Grave
Laura frowned. Is he still unwilling to give up? I already turned him down.
+5 Free Coins
To keep the evening from turning awkward, Laura changed the subject. “Let’s order something,” she suggested. “Line our stomachs before the alcohol does its damage.”.
She flagged down the waiter, reeled off a list of dishes and bar snacks, then added a fresh round of drinks for good measure.
They ate and drank, conversation drifting until Quinn mentioned she was flying to Doria.
“You’re going to Doria?” Harlan asked, startled.
