Chapter 2

Melanie Johnson POV

Moira's return was like a blade suddenly severing my previously smooth life.

Julian never mentioned remarriage to me again.

He even asked me to temporarily move out of our marital home.

"Why should I move out? You already proposed to me yesterday. What's wrong with me living in our marital home?"

I stood blocking Julian and Moira, who stood beside him. My gaze was calm, but my feet didn't budge an inch.

"Melanie, don't be so unreasonable." Julian's expression darkened.

"Moira barely survived, not to mention she just returned to the country. She has nowhere to stay. Provide her some help. Why are you being so petty about it?"

"Besides, can't the Johnson family even provide you with a place to live? If that's the case, I don't mind personally calling your father to ask."

Julian spoke vaguely, but I still turned pale.

He clearly knew that the Johnson family now only got a small share of the energy industry from the Rivers family. If Julian really abandoned the Johnson family, what could I do?

Moreover, if not for fulfilling the contract terms, perhaps I wouldn't have gotten involved with Julian again at all.

I stopped talking.

It was only three months. As long as I endured until Julian completed the equity transfer and the new year in January arrived, I could leave...

"I can agree to everything else, but moving out-no."

My attitude remained firm, but I no longer mentioned remarriage.

"Since you want to stay here so badly, you can't just freeload without doing anything."

Julian pressed his lips together, thinking for a moment.

"How about you stay by Moira's side, help her get familiar with the environment, and make her some pancakes and sandwiches."

Hearing Julian's words, my whole body stiffened slightly.

What did he mean? Make me Moira's personal maid?

What did he take me for?

My lips moved, but for a long while I couldn't speak.

Finally, I nodded as if compromising.

In that moment, Julian looked at me with a strange expression in his eyes.

But ultimately he said nothing more, just lowered his head and spoke gently to Moira beside him.

"Where do you want to go today? I'll come with you."

Moira, standing beside Julian, naturally didn't hold back when he spoke. She turned and raised her chin at me.

"Melanie, I just returned to the country. I don't know what's changed here."

"Why don't you be the driver today and take Julian and me to that club we used to frequent?"

"...Okay."

I agreed, then got the car and drove Julian and Moira to New York's largest premium private club.

I thought Moira was just acting on a whim, wanting to have some fun.

But when I followed them into the private room, I realized Moira had already called all their mutual friends from before.