CHAPTER 141: CHAPTER 141: SOME MEN CAN’T STAY AWAY FROM LUST EVEN FOR A MOMENT

Rosalind Linton looked at her, her gaze gradually becoming surprised.

"The Langley Family? The one that claims to rank third in Kenton, and aside from Evan Grant, no one dares to claim second place?"

Stella nodded, "Has your adopted daughter not told you anything?"

Rosalind covered her mouth and laughed, "She would like to, but where could she have such luck? Marrying Evan Grant is already reaching a high branch, and she has to handle all of the Grant Family’s dirty laundry."

Speaking of this, Rosalind deliberately lowered her voice.

"Your cousin is truly indiscriminate, even relishing in what’s tainted. My Juliana really finds him filthy, and even divorce seems impossible, isn’t that infuriating?"

Stella struggled to maintain her composure, keeping her mask from cracking.

Rosalind seemed to realize her words were inappropriate, paused, and forced a smile, "Sister, you won’t be mad at what I said, will you?"

"No." Stella forced a smile.

Rosalind seemed pleased and escalated, "His stepsister... I’ve never seen such a shameless woman, clearly taking ethics as a game. Those two brutes should be locked up to avoid disgusting normal people, don’t you think?"

Stella couldn’t listen any longer, "Auntie, I still need to go pay respects to my mom, I’m leaving now, let’s talk another day."

With that said, she hurriedly vanished beyond a few rows of tombstones.

Until her figure disappeared, Rosalind’s smile grew wider.

"Little bitch, you think I don’t recognize you? Trying to harm my Juliana, not a chance!"

...

Juliana went to the cemetery in the afternoon.

She had just placed a bouquet of white chrysanthemums in front of Old Man Linton’s grave when she looked up and saw Adrian Langley.

She didn’t greet him warmly but merely gave a cold smile, "Didn’t you decide to leave two or three days ago? Suddenly can’t bear to leave your father?"

Adrian’s expression was calm, his fingers unconsciously pinching the sleeve of his coat, "Father handed the company’s strategic project to me. It was always Jared in charge before."

"Oh," Juliana chuckled lightly, "Ultimately, you can’t let go of the Langley Family’s wealth and glory."

"Juliana, it’s not that." Adrian’s voice carried subdued emotion.

Juliana shrugged, "The Langley Family can offer the ’man’s dignity’ you’ve always wanted; it’s understandable you’re reluctant to let go."

Finishing her words, Juliana bowed to Old Man Linton’s gravestone and turned to leave.

Adrian watched the distant mountains but still didn’t immediately tell her the truth.

Firstly, not knowing what means Mrs. Langley might use against Juliana.

Secondly, she already had enough troubles; he didn’t want to add to her pressure.

But thinking of something, he shouted, "Juliana."

Juliana stopped in her tracks.

Adrian said, "Don’t associate with Jared anymore; the Langley Family is no place for a person."

Juliana turned and looked at him, "Don’t worry, I want nothing from the Langley Family, including the people."

Adrian, "..."

Juliana returned to Aetherflame around six o’clock.

Summer Shaw came to discuss with her, holding an invitation card.

"Tomorrow Blackstar Technologies is launching an intelligent home experience system at the convention center. I’ve heard they’re staging it with several rooms in a 1:1 real scene display. They invited Aetherflame, but I have a client to entertain tomorrow, can’t make it. Can you represent the company?"

Juliana took the invitation card and asked, "How come you always have a client at just the right time?"

"It’s true," Summer held her, "Who turned our Juliana into someone with upturned corners of her mouth?"

Juliana calmed her emotions, leaning on her, "Living a normal life is so hard."

Summer raised an eyebrow, "Our family is quite ordinary, so marry my brother?"

Juliana, "?"

Summer, "Honestly, I once thought of introducing you to my brother. You know, he bullied me since childhood, sending you into ’enemy lines’ would be like cheating for me! But at that time, you were with Aidan Linton, and later you even married Evan Grant... sigh!"

She blinked and changed the subject, "But if you want to turn back now, I’m still willing to set you two up~~"

Juliana got up, poking her on the forehead, "Your abacus beads are bouncing off my face, keep dreaming."

...

The launch event was at half past two in the afternoon.

Juliana planned to go just in time but received a text from Jared at noon.

He asked her to go to Blackstar Corporation, not explaining the details.

Recalling how he helped her last time, Juliana informed Summer and left without even having lunch.

This time, after she reported her name, the receptionist dutifully escorted her to the 17th floor, right to Elias Langley’s office, then left.

Juliana wasn’t sure if she should go in, so she called Jared, but it was busy.

She gently pushed open the door.

Inside was a large office, oppressively silent.

Juliana glanced around, realizing no one was there.

Just as she wanted to retreat, she heard a woman’s voice.

She instinctively took a few steps inside, noticing a half-open hidden door on the wall next to the desk.

In a room resembling a lounge.

Jared lay half-naked on a white bed.

And his secretary hadn’t worn her jacket, the contours of a black bra visible beneath her white silk shirt.

The woman sat at the edge of the bed, her black pencil skirt clinging to Jared’s strong waist, but Jared seemed unfazed.

Juliana was momentarily surprised, intending to quietly leave, but her injured foot couldn’t exert force.

Afraid to take a step and create noise that would alert them, she stood stiffly.

"President Langley, although the smart home is not the Group’s main business, Chairman Langley’s consent for you to promote it loudly is evidently granting you a chance. As long as you can prove yourself superior to the Vice President, the Project Helios will eventually return to you."

But Jared remained silent, letting the secretary’s hand soothe the pain caused by dressing his wound.

Juliana looked away.

Workplace ambiguity is merely a transaction for mutual needs.

The secretary uses her body for security and a high salary.

And people like Jared know best how to balance benefits with desires.

Juliana inexplicably thought of Evan Grant, a mocking smile appearing on her lips.

These four years of marriage may count as a "clean" period in his life. At least other than her and Stella, he hadn’t turned his mind toward female secretaries.

Some men can’t stay away from the boudoir for a moment.

While the conversation continued from within the lounge.

"The Vice President is just an illegitimate child, no match in education or experience..."

The secretary spoke while leaning down seductively.

But Jared suddenly raised a hand to make a stopping gesture.

"Enough," Jared’s voice was low but carried an undeniable coldness, "No matter how my brother is, it’s not up to outsiders to comment. My secretary should better understand boundaries."

"I’m sorry, President Langley."

Jared pushed her away and sat up himself.

As he looked up for a moment, he suddenly saw Juliana standing outside.