Chapter 173
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Julia was somewhat oblivious. She could never guess Harry’s thoughts, so she didn’t take his suggestion to heart. Without the capability to carve out her own path, she wasn’t inclined to take any action lightly.
Her daily life seemed to follow her initial plans, routine work, coming home, and occasionally joking with Harry. If it weren’t for Donald’s family causing her trouble, she thought life would be quite comfortable with her friends and her job.
Of course, a peaceful life was often disrupted by trivial matters, and people who disappeared tended to reappear at some point, shattering the current tranquility.
On her way home from work, Julia saw a familiar figure flash before her eyes. She initially thought she was seeing things. ‘How could someone far away in Mestoura suddenly appear in Cromont City?‘ she wondered. Besides, Harry had assured her repeatedly that Arya would never show up in Cromont City again.
Arya stepped out of the car and adjusted her sunglasses, looking at the café in front of her. The air in Cromont City made her feel invigorated. Being back here was the happiest thing for her at the moment. As long as Harry was around, this was where she wanted to be.
Arya took a deep breath of the fresh air and slowly walked into the café.
Cecilia arrived ten minutes early and waved eagerly when she saw Arya at the entrance. Arya walked over and removed her sunglasses, a faint smile on her lips, just as the waiter handed over the menu. “One iced Americano.”
Seeing Arya made Cecilia feel a sense of warmth because she knew Arya was her best partner. They shared a common enemy, Julia.
“When I got your call, I couldn’t believe it,” Cecilia said.
Arya gracefully accepted her coffee and smiled. “I thought I’d never come back to the place I grew up. Compared to Mestoura, Cromont City suits me better.”
“Are you planning to leave again after this?” Cecilia asked cautiously, then quickly added, “Does Harry… know you’re back?” Cecilia had heard quite a bit about Arya and Harry’s affairs through the grapevine. She had never told anyone that her ideal partner was Harry, so her feelings for him were unknown to everyone. Even in front of Arya, she never let it show.
“I don’t know,” Arya said, her expression changing slightly at the mention of his name, which she found particularly grating. Cecilia quickly changed the subject. “If Harry doesn’t know, where are you staying now?”
“My affairs are none of your concern. We should keep our contact to a minimum for now. I’ll reach out when I need you. Just keep an eye on Julia for me,” Arya replied, taking a sip of her coffee, savoring the slight bitterness that she had grown to like.
Cecilia discreetly observed Arya, who was also watching her in return. Both had their own agendas, and there was no way they would unconditionally trust each other.
“I can’t stay here long. Let’s communicate by phone when necessary. There’s no need to meet unless absolutely necessary to avoid being discovered,” Arya said, standing up and glancing at Cecilia before walking out of the café.
This time, she had no intention of leaving. She was determined to take Harry away from Julia and reclaim everything that rightfully belonged to her, no matter the means or the cost.
Half an hour after Julia returned home, Harry arrived, looking travel–worn. He saw Julia curled up on the sofa on the balcony, lost in thought. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her, making her fair skin look delicate and her smooth hair
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Chapter 173
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Harry stood at the door, mesmerized. He wished time could freeze this beautiful moment, reluctant to disturb the serene
scene.
However, Julia sensed the intense gaze from behind. She snapped out of her reverie, turning around and meeting Harry’s deep, captivating eyes, causing ripples in her calm demeanor.
Her reflection in his eyes was so vivid, so bright. Every expression on her face was clearly visible as if she was locked in Harry’s gaze.
“How long have you been spying on me?” Julia asked with a smile. “Mr. Wright, I didn’t know you had a habit of peeking at others.”
“The scene was too beautiful to disturb,” Harry replied softly, walking toward Julia. He couldn’t resist reaching out and gently caressing her delicate cheek in the light of the setting sun.
At that moment, the quiet Julia was an irresistible temptation, deeply attracting Harry, making him want to lean in and kiss her rosy lips.
Julia remained still, and the affectionate Harry was equally a fatal temptation for her. She felt her body and mind slipping beyond her control. She knew better than anyone that Harry, standing so close, was someone she could only surrender to.
Her heart raced with anticipation as Harry leaned in. When their lips gently touched, Julia’s heartbeat quickened, and her hands and feet became frantic. Her heart raced with anticipation as Harry leaned in.
When their lips gently touched, Julia’s heartbeat quickened, and her hands and feet became frantic. She stared wide–eyed at Harry, whose eyes were filled with a smile, and felt that surrendering was her best option at that moment.
Harry, however, didn’t push further and released her.
Her sensuous, rosy lips nearly made Harry lose control. “If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to control myself.”
Julia’s cheeks flushed. She wasn’t a child and understood perfectly well what Harry meant. She averted her gaze awkwardly and couldn’t tell Harry that she was actually looking forward to what might happen next.
She cleared her throat. “Do you act like this with other women too?”
“Never.” Harry pulled a chair over and sat beside her. “You’ve been preoccupied since you got back. Is something bothering you?”
“Nothing,” Julia shook her head and turned to watch the setting sun. The sky was covered with fiery clouds, transforming from blue to a blood–red hue. It was a spectacular and captivating sight, and this was her favorite time of day.
“Harry, have you been in touch with Arya lately?” Julia asked cautiously. She couldn’t be sure if the person she saw was Arya, so she didn’t want to ask Harry directly. She hoped to get some answers subtly, like whether Arya was in Mestoura or had returned to Cromont City.
“I’ve left Arya’s matters to Alden,” Harry said, puzzled. “Why do you ask about Arya all of a sudden?”
Julia never brought up Arya unless she had encountered her or Arya had done something. Harry’s gaze stayed on Julia’s face, but she remained too calm.
“I’m just asking.” Julia smiled. “Don’t be so tense. I know you haven’t been in touch with Arya recently.”
Harry had been so busy with the company that he was rarely seen. Even Julia believed he was truly dealing with something tricky.
