Chapter Seven: An Invitation and a Warning

Julianne sat stiffly at the dining table, acutely aware of Adrian's presence.

She wasn't sure why he had invited her to eat with them, but she knew one thing—Adrian Kingston never did anything without a reason.

The air was thick with tension as she reached for her fork.

Across from her, Liam focused on his animal-shaped pancakes, a small, hesitant smile playing on his lips as he took tiny bites.

Julianne's heart warmed. At least he was eating.

Adrian, however, was unreadable as ever. His sharp jaw remained tight, his hands moving with controlled precision as he ate.

But then, something unexpected happened.

A Simple Gesture, A Silent Message

Julianne noticed Liam struggling with his cup of juice. The glass was slightly too big for his small hands.

Before she could react, Adrian reached out and steadied it.

It was a simple, almost instinctive movement.

But Julianne saw the way Liam froze, wide-eyed, as if unsure how to react to the rare moment of attention.

Adrian, seemingly unaware of the effect, pulled his hand away and resumed eating without a word.

Julianne swallowed.

Did he even realize?

Did he notice how much Liam craved his attention?

Something in her clenched.

She wanted to say something—to tell Adrian that his son needed him.

But she remembered Mrs. Collins' warning.

She had to be careful.

An Unexpected Invitation

The meal passed in near silence, but just as Julianne prepared to leave the table, Adrian spoke.

"I have a charity gala tomorrow night." His voice was low, firm. "You'll accompany Liam."

Julianne blinked. "Me?"

Adrian's gaze locked onto hers. "Yes. You'll be his companion for the night."

She hesitated. "I… I thought Mrs. Collins usually—"

"She won't be going this time," Adrian cut in.

Julianne glanced at Liam, who had gone quiet. The way his tiny fingers clenched around his fork told her he wasn't looking forward to the event.

Her chest tightened.

"Alright," she said softly. "I'll go."

Adrian gave a curt nod, as if satisfied.

But then, as he stood from his chair, he turned to her once more.

"And Julianne?"

She looked up, heart pounding.

His dark gaze was sharp, unreadable.

"Stay in your place."

Her breath hitched.

The message was clear.

Yes, she was accompanying Liam. Yes, she was sitting at their table.

But she was still an outsider.

Still not one of them.

And Adrian Kingston had just reminded her of that.

A Warning from Mrs. Collins

Later that evening, Julianne was folding Liam's clothes in his room when Mrs. Collins entered, her arms crossed.

"You said yes to the gala," the older woman stated.

Julianne looked up. "Should I not have?"

Mrs. Collins sighed, shaking her head. "You don't know what you're walking into."

Julianne frowned. "It's just a charity event."

Mrs. Collins scoffed. "Nothing in Adrian Kingston's world is ever 'just' anything."

Julianne sat on the edge of the bed, watching the housekeeper closely.

"Tell me," she said quietly. "What exactly should I be worried about?"

Mrs. Collins hesitated before speaking.

"The last woman who got close to Liam…" She exhaled. "Let's just say she didn't last long in this house."

Julianne's stomach twisted. "She got fired?"

Mrs. Collins' expression darkened. "Fired would've been a mercy."

A chill ran down Julianne's spine.

She had the sinking feeling that tomorrow's gala was more than just an event.

It was a test.

And she had no idea if she was ready for it.