Neb Group reserved four floors of the Gloriosa Hotel and had their annual year–end banquet there. However, things were different this year. Tyler, Karen, Liam, and Mnie were all here.

    Julian was uncharacteristically low–profile tonight. After he had given the opening speech, he’d basically stepped out of the spotlight.

    It might’ve been because he was still wearing a wedding band or the photo released by the public rtions department. In any case, nodies flirted with him, even though he was single, which gave him a moment of peace.

    With that said, Julian still had to socialize with certain people. Various shareholders of Neb Group aimed to marry their daughters into the Ziegler family and elevate their family status.

    At first, Mnie swapped pleasantries with them, but Liam shot her a lookter. He was hinting to her that Julian and Willow might get back together. So, Julian wasn’t in the market for girlfriends.

    When they had a private moment, she said softly, “Julian will be 30 years old soon. He can’t afford to wait any longer.”

    Liam red at her again. “Men age like fine wine. The older, the better. You know nothing. Moreover, Willow still has a baby in her belly, and yet you’re already asking Julian to get a new girlfriend.

    “Did it ever ur to you that you’ll make her feel disheartened? What kind of a grandmother are you? Clueless idiot.”

    Tyler also chimed in and said, “Mnie, I have to say that you didn’t think it through this time.”

    She reacted by being overly coy and apologized to Liam. Ever since Dominic passed away, Liam’s words carried authority in the family. So, she didn’t dare to cross him.

    The banquet had gone halfway when Julian summoned Esther and softly asked her something.

    She responded gently, “The driver is waiting for you in the underground parking lot. The stuff you prepared for Madam Harper is in the trunk as well. Everything is in ce now.”

    Julian raised his hand and checked his watch. It was 7:50 pm.

    Turning to his parents, he said something to them. Then, he delegated some tasks to some top management staff and left with Esther. He was going to swing by the southern suburbs to visit Grace.

    It was the day before New Year’s Eve, and he wanted to visit Willow. Esther walked next to him and reminded him dutifully. “Mr. Ziegler, watch your steps. Don’t trip and fall.”

    Julian responded nonchntly, “I’ve merely drunk a couple of sses of champagne. I’m fine.”

    Esther grinned. “But you seem to be in a good mood today.”

    Really? As a matter of fact, she seemed to have a point.

    Julian bumped into Willow today, and he would get to see her againter. Also, he would get to rub Landon through her tummy.

    As for her ears, she was still not in shape for medicines. Once Landon was born, he would search high and low for tamous modern and traditional treatment doctors.

    Julian had made it his mission to cure her hearing so she would have no regrets. If he couldn’t do it, he would be her ears for the

    rest of his life.

    A hint of tenderness shes across his bface/b.

    Esther believed that Julian had changed. He wasn’t as unsympathetic as he used to be. Instead, he was stoic, responsible, and protective.

    Perhaps it was because he had someone he actually lovedb, /band that changed his entire demeanor. bIn /bbany /bcase, bshe /bwas bhappy /bbfor /bhim.

    They chatted casually as they arrived at the car. She opened the door to the backseat and covered the top part of the car with her hand, saying, “Mr. Ziegler, be careful not to bump your head.”

    He was about to step into the car when he heard a tender, female voice from behind him. “Julian.”

    Turning around, he found himself staring at Alicia. She wore thick clothing today, wrapping her scrawny body with a long ck puffer coat, revealing only her red cheeks.

    When she stared at Julian and his elegant attire, there was longing in her eyes.

    “Julian, I’m leaving. I want to go back to Grandsburg and spend thest moments of my life there. My dad, mom, and Dr. Andrew will go with me.

    “Don’t worry. I won’t do anything silly again. I’ll spend whatever is left of my life in peace and quiet. I acted willfully and dragged Willow down with mest time, and I’m very sorry for that

    “Julian, this is goodbye.”

    Alicia’s eyes were misty as she took steps backward, making her way to the exit of the underground parking lot.

    Julian remained quiet the whole time. This would probably be thest time he saw her.

    From this point onb, /bshe would stay in Grandsburg for the rest of her life. When she eventually died, the only thing that would send her off to the afterlife would be the grand cathedral’s bell.

    Julian felt a sliver of pity for Alicia. After all, he used to love her when they were young.

    The listening ck limousine slowly drove out of the underground parking lot. Soon, it was bathed in the neon lights‘ vibrant glows.

    Alicia was standing underneath a brightly lit spot, cupping her cheeks. She extended her hands, trying to g down cabs. However, it was the night before New Year’s Eve, and none of them were willing to stop for her.

    The ck limousine pulled over next to her, and the window was lowered, revealing Julian’s dashing face.

    “I’ll give you a ride. It’s on the way.”

    Alicia felt a surge of joy in her chest and bit her lips. “I appreciate itb” /b

    After she got into the car, she sat timidly across from him and didn’t say anything the whole time. He also acted as if he were trying to avoid suspicion.

    The ck limousine tore through the streets, looking luxurious and dazzling.

    Back in the southern suburbs, Grace would make several baked goods to usher in the New Year.