Chapter 401: Two Witnesses Upstairs

Sloane Bennett and Mrs. Palmer stood on the second-floor hallway, their gazes fixed on the striking couple below.

"Look at those two. Perfect match!" Sloane beamed, unable to contain her delight.

Mrs. Palmer nodded eagerly. "When has Julian ever been this attentive to a woman?"

"Clara has both beauty and grace. That boy finally came to his senses." Sloane rubbed her chin in satisfaction.

"Julian has always had sharp instincts. Never falters when it matters."

"If only I could hold a grandchild soon, my life would be complete."

"Hmm? Why does Julian look a bit off?"

Sloane narrowed her eyes. "Why is Clara so stiff?"

Despite being close, there was an inexplicable tension between them.

Downstairs, Julian Cross lowered his voice. "Don't move. My mother is watching."

Clara's heart skipped a beat. "Since when has your mother been here?"

"Since you took that phone call."

Clara immediately felt like needles were pricking her back.

Sloane's murmur carried clearly. "Why are they just hugging? No affection?"

Clara took a deep breath and met Julian's gaze. "Kiss me."

Julian's pupils dilated.

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up!"

His Adam's apple bobbed, dark intensity swirling in his eyes.

The next second, he gripped her waist and crushed his lips against hers.

Clara shuddered.

Their breaths grew scorching as their mouths tangled.

"Oh! They're kissing! Let's go, let's go. Don't disturb the young ones." Sloane quickly pulled Mrs. Palmer away.

Slap!

A sharp sound echoed.

Julian held his cheek. "You hit me?"

Clara's legs trembled. "Who told you to take it seriously?"

"You asked for it."

"I told you to fake it!"

"My mother is sharp. It had to look convincing." Julian crossed his arms. "Besides, I'm the one at a disadvantage here. Do you know how many women—"

Clara scoffed. "Funny. The line of men chasing me stretches all the way to France."

Julian was rendered speechless.

After a pause, he murmured, "Are they better than me?"

"You're just average." Clara deliberately provoked him.

Julian's expression darkened instantly.

"Clara—" Sloane's voice floated from upstairs. "The esthetician is waiting."

"Coming!"

Clara turned to leave but remembered her phone on the couch.

As she reached for it, Julian snatched it first.

"Give it back."

"Playing with your phone during a spa session?" Julian said sternly. "Focus on entertaining my mother. Don't blow our cover."

Clara eyed him suspiciously before heading upstairs.

Julian stared at the phone in his hand, his knuckles turning white.

* * *

At dawn, Clara Whitmore stepped out of her home with a backpack.