From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 201

Jade was a sharp woman; she craved independence and the grit to handle whatever life threw at her.

As for being a "clinging vine" who lived in the shadow of a man...

Julian didn't want to see her turn into that, and he knew it was the last thing she wanted for herself.

Jade tilted her head to look at Julian, her amber eyes clear enough to see the bottom.

"Julian, what is it that you actually want?"

Their eyes locked.

The air and the scenery around them seemed to blur into a haze, leaving only the two of them in focus.

Julian's lips curled into a faint smile as he countered with a question.

"What do you think I want?"

A profound tenderness began to spread through his dark eyes, like an invisible net closing around her.

Jade's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, her fingers curling into her palms with a sudden awkwardness.

Julian didn't wait for an answer; he simply kept talking.

"When things settle down here, come to Harbor City with me. My grandfather hasn't stopped asking about you."

Jade gave a polite nod.

"I'd love to. He gave me that exquisite emerald hairpin last time, and I haven't even thanked him properly."

A flash of genuine surprise crossed Julian's face.

"He gave you a emerald hairpin?"

"Yes, the day I finished the restoration project and left Harbor City," Jade said, noting his shock.

"Is there a problem with that?"

Julian studied her for two long seconds before shaking his head.

"No. It's nothing."

His tone said it was definitely something, but Jade didn't push.

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Julian began walking toward the parking lot, his stride long and confident.

"Besides visiting my grandfather, I actually need a small favor from you."

Jade matched his pace.

After dropping Julian at Oakwood, Jade returned to Grandview Estate.

The villa was silent. Hudson wasn't back yet, and only Rosa was in the kitchen prepping dinner.

She gave Rosa a quick greeting, went upstairs for a shower, and checked in with Anthony about the studio's schedule. She sat on the edge of the bed, hair damp and loose, leafing through restoration techniques.

Too much had happened lately.

Her work at the studio hadn't suffered yet, but if she wanted to reach the next level of her craft, she had to push harder.

Anthony didn't text back; instead, he called her to walk through the upcoming projects.

Jade took meticulous notes in her leather-bound journal.

Her reputation for restoration was growing rapidly.

Almost every high-stakes commission for the studio was being funneled to her now.

The workload was staggering.

She had to manage her time perfectly—gathering evidence against Amara while maintaining the absolute highest quality in her professional life.

Her skills were her leverage; she couldn't afford to let them slip.

Once the business talk was done, Anthony asked a sudden, quiet question.