“What do you want, Julian? An apology? Save it. I’m not interested.” Madeline yanked her hand away.
“Just give me a few minutes.” Julian’s voice was stubborn, and before she could protest, he was already guiding her into the car.
Miles started the engine right away. The Grayson family’s bodyguards stepped back, watching as Julian’s car pulled away. Cody didn’t hesitate. He jumped into his own car. “Follow them.”
It was late autumn, and the wind outside felt sharper than usual. Inside the car, the cold seemed to settle around Madeline. Her eyes had a distant, frozen look as she stared straight ahead. A partition quietly slid up, separating them from the driver.
“Do you really have to leave?” Julian’s deep voice finally broke the silence.
Madeline didn’t bother looking at him. Her answer was flat, almost numb. “Yes. You promised me. You said you’d let me and the kids go, that you’d never bother us again.”
Julian’s hands clenched so tightly his knuckles went pale.
He gave a bitter little laugh. He’d hurt her so deeply. Of course she wanted to go. Of course she wanted to take the kids. He understood that. Still, the thought of losing her felt unbearable.
“What if I changed my mind?” His voice was quiet.
Madeline’s brow furrowed. “Are you really going to try and stop me?”
He wanted to beg her to stay, wanted to ask for another chance, but the words just wouldn’t come. They felt ridiculous. After everything he’d done, how could he possibly ask her to stay?
“I just want a normal life. I just want Noah and Oliver to grow up safe and happy.” For a moment, her voice wavered, sounding tired and sad. “You don’t get to stop me, Julian. You don’t have the right.”
She was right. He had no right.
Julian’s eyes were full of regret. If only he’d seen things more clearly from the start. If only he’d trusted her. Maybe then he wouldn’t have hurt them all so much.
He’d failed as a husband. Failed as a father.

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