Chapter 27
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Chapter 27
By the time Scarlet arrived, the host was already delivering the eulogy.
Everyone in attendance was dressed in black-men in identical black suits, women in black dresses. From a distance, the crowd merged into a single sea of black. A heavy atmosphere of grief hung over the entire hall.
Justine spotted Scarlet immediately, frowning with an unmistakable look of reproach. Others followed the direction of her gaze and turned to look as well.
Not wanting to draw attention or disrupt the memorial, Scarlet kept her head down. She caught sight of a tall male figure seated not far from Justine and quickly bent forward, slipping into the seat beside him.
The moment she settled, she felt the man next to her stiffen slightly.
Justine’s gaze didn’t waver. If anything, it sharpened, pinning Scarlet in place. More heads began to turn their way.
Scarlet froze, realizing the atmosphere had shifted. She instinctively glanced at the man beside her, and then went completely still.
This wasn’t William. It was his older brother, Julian.
The two brothers were similar in build and features. From behind, it was easy to mistake one for the other.
But Julian, the eldest, carried himself with quiet authority and restraint, the result of years of discipline. William, by contrast, was more relaxed-sharper-featured, with an effortless charm that had drawn attention since childhood.
Scarlet immediately felt unbearably self-conscious. At such a solemn, formal occasion, she had rushed straight to sit beside her husband’s brother in full view of everyone. No wonder Justine had been glaring at her.
Perhaps sensing her unease, Julian said in a deep, steady voice, “We’re family. There’s no need to be nervous.”
Scarlet’s expression softened, a trace of apology in her tone. “I’m sorry, Julian. I thought you were William.”
Both brothers wore custom wristwatches gifted by their family elders. The designs were identical except for the initials on the dial-WC for William, and JC for Julian.
Julian had been on a business trip and hadn’t returned until now.
Rushing in earlier, combined with Justine’s deathly glare, seeing the familiar build and watch had made Scarlet assume it was William. A careless mistake, especially embarrassing for an ophthalmologist.
“When did you get back, Julian?” she asked.
“Today at 6:00 am,” he replied.
“Oh,” she said, realizing he had probably come back specifically for the memorial.
Julian added, “William is sitting behind us.”
Scarlet turned and suddenly came face to face with William. He was seated one row behind them, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his tie immaculate. One leg crossed over the other, his handsome face was expressionless, his eyes distant
and cold.
Scarlet’s gaze stalled for a brief moment when she noticed the woman beside him.
Nicole wore an elegant black dress, and the silk scarf at her neck added a subtle touch of color. She looked composed and tasteful.
She smiled at Scarlet. “It’s been a long time, Scarlet.”
“It has,” Scarlet replied, returning a polite but strained smile before looking away.
X CLOSE
Chapter 27
2/2
The eulogy was eloquent and moving, but Scarlet didn’t register a single word.
The deceased, August Hayes, had never been someone close to her. She had met him only once or twice, during holiday gatherings at the Cooper residence. Aside from a few respectful greetings out of courtesy, they had never interacted.
She had heard August had practically raised William and that they’d shared a deep bond. But to Scarlet, he was little more than a name. She had never received even a trace of warmth from him.
By the end of the memorial, when grief swept through the room and sobs filled the air, Scarlet couldn’t force out a single tear.
End of the Contract,Start of His Obsession
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