Clearing my browsing history , I immediately put on a hat and mask and arrived promptly at the unassuming coffee shop . ) 82 11:57 Sat , Oct 18 M ... < at the unassuming corree shop . : Become SVIP ! Read all SVIP stories 07 82 Julian was already there . He'd chosen the most secluded corner , a untouched coffee in front of him , his expression tense as he watched the door . " You came . " He saw me , his voice hoarse for some reason . I didn't speak , just sat opposite him and took off my mask . " I'm sorry ." Julian hung his head , hands clasped , looking uncomfortable and avoiding my gaze . " That day in the study , what I said , none of it was true ." My heart stirred , but my face remained expressionless as I quietly watched him . " Oh really ? It didn't look that way to me ." " I had no choice ! " He suddenly looked up , his eyes red . " Aspen , believe me ! I did it all to protect you , to protect our family ! " I didn't reply immediately , instead , I scoffed and leaned back in my chair . " Pushing me out of the country , giving my scholarship to an outsider - that's what you call protection ? " " She's not an outsider ! She's ... " Julian stopped , a flicker of light suddenly in his eyes . 11:58 Sat , Oct 18 M < : . 82 " It's just like what you found ... " He lowered his voice , leaning forward , and quickly told me everything . It turned out that before Serena showed up , Julian had accidentally overheard Richard , our dad , on the phone with Mr. Davis , his business rival . The rival had been gloating on the call , saying he had a " secret weapon " that could ruin the Blackwood family's reputation . Julian hadn't paid much attention at the time . It wasn't until Serena appeared that everything suddenly clicked into place for him . He suspected Serena was that " secret weapon ," but he had no proof . " Mom and Dad were completely blinded by blood ties . They wouldn't have believed anything I said . I had to pretend to side with Serena , to gain her trust , so I could uncover the truth !" " I suggested you go abroad because I was afraid they'd get desperate and do something to harm you! Mr. Davis is capable of anything! " Julian grabbed my hand , his grip surprisingly strong , making my hand ache faintly . " Aspen , trust me . How could your brother ever hurt you ? Don't eighteen years of love mean anything ? " I looked at his red eyes , and the hardest ice in my heart slowly began to melt . It turned out I wasn't fighting alone . It turned out someone was still standing with me . " I found a five hundred thousand dollar transfer from the Davis Group to Brenda Hayes's account, three months ago ." 11:58 Sat , Oct 18 M < : Hearing my words , Julian's expression finally calmed, and he slowly sat back in his seat . " That five hundred thousand is proof of their deal ! " " Not enough . " I shook my head , frustrated . " With just a transfer record , they could claim it was a loan . We need more powerful evidence , something undeniable , to ensure they can never rise again . " Julian looked at me , his eyes shining . " So , you have a plan ? " I curved my lips into a smile , leaning forward slightly , and slowly outlined my idea . After listening , Julian gasped , looking at me like I was a monster . " Aspen , are you ... are you sure you want to do this ? It's too risky ! " " Can a play be brilliant without a climax ? " I picked up the lemon water in front of me , took a sip , the cold liquid sliding down my throat . " Julian , you just need to do as I say . The rest , leave it to me ." I smirked , my gaze slowly shifting to the window . The day of the National Physics Competition Finals had finally arrived . My " departure abroad " was also scheduled for this very day . Early in the morning , I pulled my suitcase downstairs . 82 11:58 Sat , Oct 18 M F:. 82 The whole family was there . They planned to drop Serena off at the competition venue first , then take me to the airport . Eleanor grabbed my hand , tears welling up again . " Aspen , take care of yourself over there . Remember to call Mom often ." Richard patted my shoulder , looking like he wanted to say something , but in the end , didn't . Serena stood nearby , wearing a brand new dress , her face alight with poorly disguised excitement and triumph . " Sister , take care . When I win the gold medal , I'll send you pictures . " I smiled , my expression indifferent as I looked at her . " Alright . I'll be waiting . " Julian walked over , taking my suitcase with practiced ease . " I'll take Aspen to the airport . You guys go to the competition venue first , don't be late . " My parents nodded and left with Serena . As the car drove out of the mansion , Julian immediately hit the gas , turned the wheel , and sped towards the competition venue . I turned to him and asked , " Everything arranged ? " " Don't worry " Julian handed me a tiny earpiece , an irrepressible smile playing on his lips . " Equipment's been tested , signal jammer's ready . If she dares to use it , we'll catch her red - handed . " 11:58 Sat , Oct 18 I put on the earpiece , leaned back in my seat , and closed my eyes . Serena , Brenda Hayes , Mr. Davis . Your elaborately staged drama is about to end . And I , Aspen Blackwood , am the director who decides the finale . 7