OLIVIA'S POV I saw how Julian's expression changed the moment I mentioned Adrian's name . His relaxed posture stiffened , and he slowly raised a brow , setting his laptop aside as he turned his attention fully to me . " Adrian called you ? " he asked , his tone laced with suspicion . " Yeah , a few minutes ago , " I replied , shifting slightly under his gaze . " And what did he say ? " I hesitated for a brief moment , choosing my words carefully . " He said he wants to talk to me . " Julian's eyes narrowed . " All of a sudden ? " I nodded . " I was shocked when I saw his call too . He leaned back against his chair , crossing his arms . " And what did you tell him ? " For a moment , I considered telling Julian everything - how Adrian had threatened to pull his funds from my parents ' company if I didn't meet him . But I knew that would only make things worse . Julian would never let me go if he knew the full extent of Adrian's manipulation . So instead , I straightened my shoulders and said , " Well , he's still my husband , and I want to hear what he has to say . " Julian's expression darkened instantly . "Are you serious ? " " Yeah , I am , " I said , holding my ground . " This is the same guy you've been doing everything to stay away from , and now you suddenly want to hear what he has to say ? " His voice had an edge to it now , a mix of frustration and concern . -I sighed . " I know what I'm doing , Julian . I have my reasons . " His jaw tightened , and I could see he was struggling to keep his emotions in check . " Liv , what possible reasons could you have for willingly walking into a conversation with him ? " I glanced away , trying to think of a way to ease his concerns without revealing too much . " Look , just trust me , okay ? I wouldn't do this if I didn't think it was necessary . " Julian studied me in silence for a few moments before finally exhaling sharply " Alright . If you say so . " Successfully unlocked ! i ... That was easier than I expected . ught commy him would take longer . Maybe he realized there was no point in arguing with me about it . " So , when are you going to see him ? " he asked . 1/4 CHAPTER 131 " By 7 p.m. , " I replied . Julian frowned . " Tomorrow ? " " No , " I said , shaking my head . " Tonight . " His gaze snapped to me . " Tonight ? That's in less than an hour , Liv . " I nodded , checking the time on my phone . " I should probably get ready . " I walked over to my room and brought out a casual top and shorts jeans , and white sneakers I Not like I was trying to impress him or anything . I I About 20 minutes later I was done , I walked down to inform Julian I was leaving . Julian didn't say anything for a few seconds , but I could tell he was thinking . Then , as ! turned to leave , he spoke again . " My driver will take you there . " I hesitated . " Are you sure that's a good idea ? " " It's safer , " he said firmly . I hadn't thought of it that way , but he was right . If I took an Uber , I'd be completely alone once I arrived . With Julian's driver , at least someone would be waiting for me . " Okay , " I agreed . " I'll escort you outside ," he said , closing his laptop as he stood . As we made our way outside , I saw the black Mercedes - Benz already parked in front of the house , the driver waiting . Julian stopped beside me before I could get in . " If he tries anything , my driver will call me , " he said , his voice low . I nodded , appreciating the concern . " I'll be fine . " Julian's eyes searched mine for a moment before he finally pulled me into a brief hug . Then , without another word , I slid into the car , and the driver started the engine . The ride was quiet . I kept my gaze fixed on the window , watching as the city lights . blurred past . Despite my earlier confidence , I couldn't shake the feeling of unease creeping up my spine . What did Adrian really want ? Was this just about our marriage , or was there something more ? Before I knew it , we arrived at the location Adrian had sent me . I stepped out of the car and took in my surroundings . It was one of Adrian's favorite bars , a place he often visited with James when he wanted to drink and clear his head . But something felt ... off , The bar was empty . Usually , this place was packed , buzzing with the sounds of conversation and music . But tonight , there was nothing . 20 CHAPTEROOTT I swallowed hard , my instincts screaming that something wasn't right . As I walked inside , my footsteps echoed in the silence . My eyes scanned the space , searching for Adrian , and sure enough , he was there - in the VIP lounge , seated comfortably as if he had all the time in the world . The bouncer at the entrance gave me a brief nod before stepping aside , allowing me to pass . Adrian looked up as I approached , his dark eyes unreadable . " You're late , " he said . I glanced at my watch . 7:02 p.m. " It's just ... " " Two minutes is a lot of time , " he cut me off , his tone sharp . I bit back a retort . He hadn't changed . Still obsessed with control , still unwilling to let anything slip beyond his grasp . He flicked his hand , and within seconds , the bouncer returned with a bottle of wine , pouring him a glass before stepping away again . " I noticed thes place is empty , " I said , crossing my arms . " That's because I rented the whole place , " he replied , taking a slow sip from his glass . I suppressed a shiver . He'd planned this meeting carefully , ensuring no one else would be around . " Good to know , " I said , keeping my voice steady . " Now that I'm here , can you tell me what you wanted to talk about ? " Adrian set his glass down and leaned forward slightly . " What else would I want to talk about if not our marriage ? " I scoffed . " I've told you before ... there's nothing left between us . -Instead of responding , he reached into his suit and pulled out a tablet , placing it on the table between us . The screen lit up , revealing a photo . My breath caught in my throat . It was a picture of Julian and me , standing outside his house hugging . I felt the color drain from my face . This was taken just earlier today . " How did you get this ?" I asked , my voice barely above a whisper , Adrian smirked . " Don't underestimate me , Olivia . I have eyes where you think I don't . " A cold shiver ran down'my spine . Was he behind the men who tried to kidnap me ? Did he lure me here to bait me ? This wasn't good at all .