"Glades, you startled me." Julia lifted her head within his embrace, smiling. Her pretty face, illuminated by the streetlight, shimmered with a dazzling charm that captivated Glades Horne. His gaze intensified, locking onto her. His eyes, now filled with deep affection and tenderness, were a stark contrast to the domineering chill he'd displayed to his brothers moments before. He seemed like a completely different person.

It's said that even the toughest steel can be softened, and the strongest, hardest man will show his gentlest side to the woman he loves.

"It's cold outside; I'll carry you in," Glades murmured, bending down to pick Julia up.

"I can walk on my own." Julia automatically wrapped her arms around his neck. The intimate gesture immediately brought his warm breath to her, and her expression naturally softened.

Her voice held a charming hint of protest, as if she were scolding him for picking her up while simultaneously reveling in his arms—a complex mix of emotions, yet undeniably coy.

"Am I heavy?"

When Glades didn't respond immediately, she asked tentatively.

"As long as I can carry you, it's fine."

"So, you're saying I'm actually heavy? Then I can't keep eating like I did earlier; I was practically inhaling my food, a bit like you when you're on a book-buying blitz. Hehe."

"You're not heavy. For your height, you're perfect. And don't think about losing weight; I don't like skinny."

"Well... alright. I don't like skinny either."

"Though... I do have a particular fondness for sweet and sour spare ribs," Julia added, making Glades Horne chuckle and shake his head. Get full chapters from novel{f}ire.net

He carried her as they entered the house, heading straight upstairs and into the bathroom, where he drew a warm bath for her.

Once they had both bathed and were wrapped in warm bathrobes, he held Julia as they stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the night view.

It was actually quite early, just past eight in the evening.

Ordinarily, he would have certainly taken her out. People like them didn't rest so early.

But at this moment, he didn't want to go out. He wanted to savor a peaceful world for just the two of them, without any disturbances from people or events.

His large hand rested gently on her lower abdomen, the touch as tender as if holding a precious treasure, causing Julia to tremble slightly. He's really looking forward to the baby's arrival.

Her heart suddenly felt full to the brim. Julia's hand also found its way to her belly. I really hope I'm pregnant, so I won't disappoint him.

"In the early stages of pregnancy, morning sickness can be quite uncomfortable. If you feel unwell, you can stay at home. Don't worry about the company; the management team is handpicked and competent. Even if you don't return to the company for a year, it won't close down," Glades said in a husky voice, already beginning to plan for her pregnancy.

"I don't want to stop working."

Julia turned to look at him, speaking softly, "I still want to work for the first six months. My job isn't too strenuous, so it shouldn't be a major issue." Besides, staying active and busy during pregnancy could make childbirth easier.

Glades remained silent.

After a long moment, he said indulgently, "Let's talk about this later."

"Mhm."

Julia knew he wouldn't agree right away, and she didn't want to press him for an immediate answer. As long as I'm healthy, truly pregnant, and the baby is stable, I'll stick to my plan.

Her mother-in-law was so eager for her to get pregnant that she had even made her drink fertility tonics. If I stop working and just stay home, I'm afraid she'll overfeed me until I resemble a plump matron.

After all, I still want to look good.

"Glades, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with," Julia said tentatively, leaning her head against his solid, warm chest, a sensation she adored, as she remembered her best friend's request.

"Anything concerning you is my concern too. You don't need to say 'please' to me." For her, he was willing to brave any danger.

"Well, it's not exactly my concern. It's Rachel wanting to test your Assistant. You know Rachel comes from a plain background, while your Assistant, like you, has a formidable status. They're clearly from different worlds. It's normal for Rachel to doubt Hansen Ruiz's intentions. I want her to stay with us. Then, you can use your influence to block any news of her and see how Hansen reacts. If he becomes frantic, ready to drop everything to find Rachel, then she'll surely believe he truly loves her. She'll naturally accept him, and they can give each other a chance. If not, then Rachel can't be blamed for not wanting to be played with; that's perfectly understandable."

Glades Horne frowned slightly, but Julia's reasoning made sense. It would be good to test Hansen Ruiz, he mused.

There was just one thing he wouldn't agree to, though. This house is ours, and I don't want outsiders living here, not even my wife's best friend.

So, while agreeing to help Julia, he stipulated one condition: Rachel Bailey could not move in with them. Instead, he would arrange for Rachel to stay elsewhere. He would also ensure all information about her was blocked, so Hansen Ruiz's people wouldn't be able to find her quickly.

The night sky was oppressively dark. A cold wind howled, and the temperature had plummeted to ten degrees.

The night was extremely cold, yet the streets were bustling with even more people.

Everyone had pulled out their warmest clothes from the depths of their closets, strolling along the streets as if to defy the heavens, unafraid even if it snowed.

Inside the Bluen Family mansion, Ruby Bluen curled up in her room, unwilling to go anywhere. She had just taken a hot shower and, dressed in a warm robe, climbed into bed. She was just about to call Marcel Horne.

Who knew that just as she picked up her phone, Marcel would call her first.

A smile immediately blossomed on her pretty, round face, and her bright eyes curved into crescents, crinkling with delight. Marcel and I are truly on the same wavelength! I was just thinking of calling him, and he called me first!

After Marcel was transferred back to T City, the vast distance that once seemed to span mountains and rivers had finally shortened, bringing the two closer together. Even though both their families disapproved of their relationship, Ruby still found ways to visit Marcel at his military base. Marcel hadn't been back for long, yet everyone in the unit already knew that Ruby Bluen was Marcel Horne's girlfriend.