CHAPTER 017 OLIVIA'S POV The sound of Julian's car horn startled me awake from my short sleep . Blinking a few times , I quickly sat up , realizing I had been resting my head against the car window the entire ride . I wiped the corner of my mouth with the back of my hand , making sure there was no embarrassing trail of drool . But that wasn't the shocking part . As fully opened my eyes and took in the sight before me , my mouth nearly dropped . This ... was Julian's house ? No , scratch that - this was a freaking estate . The car rolled past towering iron gates that opened automatically , welcoming us into a pristine , high - security neighborhood . The road leading in was lined with perfectly trimmed trees , and the warm glow of classic - style street lamps gave the place an elegant touch . " Is this your estate ? " I asked , my voice still heavy with grogginess . A small smirk played on Julian's lips as he casually replied , " Kind of ." Kind of ? That wasn't an answer . We finally came to a stop , and before I could process everything , a man dressed in a suit - yes , an actual butler - looking servant - approached and opened the car door for me . Another did the same for Julian . I hesitated before stepping out , my eyes darting around in disbelief . There were luxury cars lined up in the driveway , each one looking more expensive than the last . My mind immediately drifted to the car Julian had been driving all this time- a simple , decent ride , nothing extravagant . Why the hell was he using that when he had these high - end beauties just sitting here ? I turned my gaze to Julian , who was already making his way up the grand set of stairs . leading to the entrance . Quickening my steps , I leaned in and whispered , " You have some explaining to do . " Julian let out a low chuckle but didn't respond . The moment we stepped inside , my breath hitched . The place screamed luxury . From the massive , gold - framed paintings on the walls to the high ceilings with . intricate carvings , everything was Successfully unlocked ! gant . The furniture alone looked like something out of a billionaire's catalog - an expensive Italian sofa set , a glass coffee table with golden edges , and a crystal chandelier hanging proudly above the dining area , 1/3 CHAPTER 017 I was convinced that this place could give Adrian's mansion a run for its money " Welcome to my place ," Julian said casually as if we had just entered some basic apartment . I turned to him with a raised brow . " You never told me you had such good taste ... let alone that you were rich . " Julian covered his mouth , stifling a laugh . " Technically , it's my family's wealth , so I'm really not that rich . " That didn't make sense . He lived here . He clearly had all of this at his disposal . " Still , this is amazing , " I said , my gaze still wandering around . As we moved further inside , a few maids approached Julian , bowing their heads slightly as they greeted him . Then , another woman , who I assumed was the head maid , arrived with a first - aid box in hand . We sat in the living room , and Julian slowly took - off his shirt . I swallowed hard . Julian wasn't just fit - his body looked like it was sculpted . Defined abs , broad shoulders , toned arms . The dim lighting from the chandelier only emphasized the sharp lines of his muscles . quickly shook my head , forcing my eyes to focus on the wound instead . The gash on his arm looked deep , the dried blood making it seem worse . One of the maids brought over a bottle of whiskey , and without hesitation , the head maid poured the alcohol directly onto Julian's injury . Julian let out a low groan , his jaw tightening as he exhaled sharply . I flinched at the sight . That must've burned like hell . After cleaning the wound , the maid carefully sewed the gash with a medical needle . I found myself gripping the edge of my seat , watching each precise movement . Once she was done , another maid came forward with a fresh shirt . Julian put it on but left it unbuttoned , his toned chest still slightly visible . He cracked his neck before standing up . " Now that I'm done with that , let me show you to your room . " I followed him down a long hallway until we stopped in front of a door . " Okay , this is where you'll be staying ," Julian said , pushing the door open . The room was spacious bigger than I expected . The furniture was elegant but had a comfortable feel to it . However , there was a thin layer of dust on some surfaces , as if it hadn't been used in a while . " Ignore the little dust . No one has used this room for a while . It belonged to my sister ," Julian said . 2/3 CHAPTER 017 I turned to him , surprised . " You have a sister ? " He gave a small nod . " It's a long story . I'll send the maids up to clean and bring you some clothes . " I simply nodded in response . There was so much I didn't know about Julian . All this time , I thought I knew him well - he was a good friend , after all . Yet , here I was , standing in his massive estate , realizing just how little I actually knew about his life . " Alright , I need to go talk to security to make sure everything is tight . I'll be back in a bit . " He gave me a small nod before closing the door behind him . I sat on the bed , staring at the ceiling trying to digest what happened earlier today , why does bad luck always find its way to me , hopefully , it doesn't spread to Julian *** ADRIAN'S POV The sound of ice clinking against my whiskey glass was the only noise in the room as I stood by the poolside , staring at my own reflection in the water . I swirled the glass in my hand before taking a slow sip . Behind me , Dan and his men stood in a stiff line , their heads bowed , the tension thick in the air . 1 I turned , slowly walking toward Dan . He kept his gaze lowered , avoiding my eyes . Without warning , I grabbed his chin and forced him to look up at me . Then , I slapped him . Hard . Dan flinched but remained still , his breathing heavy . " You had one job ," I said , my voice eerily calm . " Just keep track of her location . " Dan swallowed hard . " We're sorry , boss . Some guy came out of nowhere and ruined everything ." His words made my blood boil . I gritted my teeth , then , in one swift move , grabbed the whiskey bottle and smashed it against the ground . Shards of glass scattered across the floor . " One guy ? " My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper . " One guy beat all four of you ? Why the hell am I paying you then ? " I said with rage in my voice . 3/3