CHAPTER 023 OLIVIA'S POV The morning light streamed through the sheer curtains , casting a soft glow over the room . I stretched my arms above my head , feeling the stiffness in my muscles from another restless night . My mind had been running in circles ever since my conversation with Julian . Finally telling him everything lifted some weight off my chest , but a new heaviness had taken its place - a gnawing uncertainty . Adrian . I should be done with him . I want to be done with him . But I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something I was missing . I sighed , rubbing my temples before sitting up in bed . That was the logical next step . But when I reached for my phone on the nightstand , I hesitated . What if Adrian retaliates ? Let's not forget that he's a huge investor in my parent's company , and I wouldn't want things to go sideways I shook my head , frustrated with myself . I was overthinking . Maybe Julian's paranoia was rubbing off on me . Deciding not to dwell on it , I pushed the thoughts aside and headed to the bathroom . A quick shower helped clear my head , but the moment I stepped out , that same feeling of unease returned . I needed to talk to Julian again . 3 P v WW The smell of fresh coffee and spaghetti filled the air as I made my way to the dining room . Julian was already there , seated at the long wooden table , casually scrolling through his phone as he sipped from a steaming mug . His injured arm rested on the table , still bandaged but looking much better than yesterday . His eyes landed on me as I walked in , and he offered a small smirk . " Good morning , I see you took your time in bed today . " I rolled my eyes as I slid into the seat across from him . " It's not that late . " " A little past nine , " he pointed out . A maid promptly set down a plate in front of me , spaghetti for breakfast , that's new . As I took my first bite , Juljan leaned forward slightly . " So tell me, how was your night ? " I had another nightmare again but I wanted to keep that to myself I guess he must have noticed my eyebags " Not the best ," I replied Julian didn't respond right away . He just observed me , as if waiting for me to say more . 1/4 CHAPTER 023 I placed my fork down and sighed . " What's on your mind this time ? " He tilted his head slightly . " I still can't get what happened last week off my mind " " Which one , your divorce with Adrian or the kidnappers ? Julian asked jokingly I gave him a serious look before replying " Both . " Julian set his phone aside and laced his fingers together on the table . " I've been thinking about everything you told me . And honestly , Olivia ... I don't think this is just about a bad marriage or a controlling husband . Something isn't right . " I frowned . " Julian , I know Adrian isn't a good person , but ... " " This isn't about whether he's a good person ," Julian cut in . " It's about whether he's dangerous . " I froze for a moment , my heart skipping a beat at his words . Julian continued , his voice steady but firm . " You said yourself that the moment you left , Adria hasn't even tried to contact you ? " I shook my head . " No. Not once . " Julian leaned back , exhaling . " Exactly . That doesn't make sense ." I clenched my hands together in my lap . " Maybe he just doesn't care anymore . Maybe he's relieved I left ." " Or maybe he wanted you gone , " Julian countered . " Maybe he was waiting for you to run . " The weight of his words settled over me , sending a shiver down my spine . " You don't have any proof of that , " I said quietly . Julian sighed , rubbing his jaw . " No , I don't . But I don't like coincidences , Olivia . And right now , there are too many of them . I think there's something we're not seeing . " I wanted to argue , to brush off his concerns , but deep down , I knew he had a point . Something about all of this did feel off . " We also haven't figured out who sent those guys , who knows Adrian might be involved in this ," Julian said " I have lived with that man for years , I know the things he can do and can't do , he has other things to worry about trust me ," I said Julian then picked up the tablet beside him , his'blue eyes sharp . He showed me the tablet where live video footage was playing and the building looked familiar , it looked a lot like my apartment " It's been more than 24 hours and no suspicious van has parked at your place , " Julian said " wait , you planted cameras at my new apartment ? When did you have the time to do that ? " I asked confused , because throughout yesterday I was with him 2/4 CHAPTER 023 " I hired guys to do it . " He said taking a sip from his coffee A confused look appeared on my face " Anyway that's not the main issue , they haven't returned here so it's either I scared them off or they know you're no longer staying there , " Julian said " I think they must have figured out , " I said " You don't think I can scare them off ? " Julian said jokingly " I didn't say you can't inspector , but those guys were hired so I don't think they would give up easily , " I said " You think Dora might be behind the hiring ? " Julian asked And then I started to think , could it be that she wanted me kidnapped ? Pushing me out of the house wasn't enough " Well maybe ," I said not sure " Ok then she should be on our top list of suspects ," Julian said I blinked , caught off guard . " Wait ... you want to investigate her " " Yes . " I hesitated . " Julian , I appreciate you wanting to help , but this ... this could be dangerous . " He shrugged . " I can handle myself . " I narrowed my eyes . " Says the guy with a wounded arm ." Julian smirked . " Fair point . But that doesn't change my mind . " I exhaled , running a hand through my hair . " Julian ... I don't want you getting dragged into this . You've already done enough by letting me stay here ." He shook his head . " Letting you stay here isn't enough . Not if there's a real threat . " " I don't know ..." I admitted . I swallowed hard . He was right . Things might have gotten calm since the day we caught them , but what if they come after me again when I leave , I can't stay in Julian's house forever I nodded slowly , " Okay . But promise me something . " " let me hear it ." I met his gaze . " Promise me you won't do anything reckless . " A small smirk played on his lips . " You do know me , right ? " " Julian , " I warned . His expression softened . " Alright , alright . I promise I won't be reckless . " I wasn't sure I believed him , but for now , it was enough . Julian leaned back , a determined look settling over his face . " Good . Because I have a 3/4 CHAPTER 023 feeling they're just getting started . " 4/4