NovelApexChapter 1688:
The instant the coffee cup toppled, Jules sprang into action. He thrust his arm forward, shielding Rachel from the
steaming liquid before it could reach her.
“Are you okay?” they asked simultaneously, their voices overlapping. While Jules remained composed, Rachel's
face had gone rigid with alarm.
Her eyes darted to his hand—already flushed an angry red—while he calmly pinched the edge of her soaked
dress, lifting it slightly to inspect the damage. “Do you want to change into something dry first?” he asked, his
voice even.
Just a few feet away, Franco watched the exchange with subtle curiosity flickering in his gaze.
He had been skeptical ever since Rachel announced she would marry Jules. Skeptical enough to dig deep into the
man’s past.
The findings were impressive. Enlisted at eighteen. Promoted to lieutenant by twenty. At twenty-four, he wore
the rank of colonel—the youngest in his class. A military prodigy.
He had been a sniper with perfect aim. The kind of marksman who left behind legends in his wake, his records
untouched even years later. After retiring, he had wasted no time. Within a year, he built Blue Core Technology
from the ground up, and within two, he had carved out a domain in the tech industry that no one dared
challenge.
Men like that did not flinch at blood or death. How could they possibly hold affection in high regard?
Franco had once believed Rachel's marriage would be one-sided, all sacrifice on her end and indifference on
Jules’ part. But now, watching him gently tend to her, Franco began to reconsider.
Even the hardest men had their vulnerabilities.
Perhaps Rachel, in time, might reach Jules’ heart.
Rachel’s gaze lingered on Jules’ hand, now swollen and pink from the burn. A pang of guilt twisted her stomach.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“This is all my fault...” she murmured, biting her lower lip.
Jules gave a slight shake of his head, dismissive. “We should get you into something dry first.”
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Five minutes later, in her room, Rachel had changed into a fresh outfit. She spotted Jules seated on the sofa, his
posture relaxed yet firm.
“I asked someone to bring burn ointment,” she said gently. “Wait forin the room. | will check on my
grandparents first.”
Jules rose to his feet. “I will cwith you.”
A flicker of anxiety crossed her expression before she could stop it. She forced a smile, trying to wave him off.
“No need. It's not that serious.”
“Do you truly believe they will see you?” His voice was casual, but it landed like a hammer.
Rachel froze.
She knew he was right. Deep down, she had no illusions—her grandparents had not forgiven her. Why would
they see her?
When she stayed silent, Jules continued, “Did you think | wouldn't find out how this union cto be?”
Her breath caught. She looked up at him, stunned. Her face lost its color, and panic clouded her eyes. “You...”
Her grandparents had turned their
backs on her, not merely because
she had threatened to sever ties with
the family—but be #eshe tad
ER er PEARY wind. She
had claimed she once devoted
herself to Jules, body and soul.
Declared she belonged to him in life
and would remain his in spirit. She
had gone as far as to damage her
own name, spreading rumors of an
intimacy that never existed. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Though the Astley family was not
particularly old-fashioned, they
placed immense val gn koawi And
Reel Hitry of code. She
had known her grandparents well
enough to predict the outcome. She
won the marriage—but lost her
family. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Her disgrace had becthe talk of their social circle. She had no one to confide in; the situation was shameful,
no matter how she tried to frit.
Franco had once told her—her
grandfather, Michael, had personally
investigated Jules, Andyruth Be'tord,
ppting Bid Yh family background,
Jules was a stronger match than
most of the idle aristocrats in their
circle. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Initially, Michael had hesitated. He had only ever wanted one thing: a secure, respectable match for Rachel.
Nothing more.
But Rachel had defied all expectations. She had acted recklessly, concocted lies, and gifted their rivals
ammunition to mock the Astley name.
Michael—proud and principled—could not tolerate such a stain.
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