HAPTER 087
JULIAN’S POV
“You’ll receive the funds before the end of today,” I said as I rose to my feet.
The deal was sealed. The papers were going to be prepared and her lawyer would be at my place once the transfer was confirmed. It was all moving faster than I expected, but that was what one million dollars could do–make the impossible very possible.
I walked toward the office door, the old director trailing behind me. The once proud woman now walked with a lighter step, almost as if the weight of her financial struggles had been lifted with a single offer. She didn’t speak much, probably still in shock over how quickly she had agreed to hand over a place she once protected like her life depended on it.
As soon as we stepped out of the office, Mrs. Lambert appeared like a moth to flame. The second she saw the director walking behind me, she darted forward, her expression lined with disapproval and curiosity.
“Ma’am, there was no need for you to have come outside because of him. I would’ve handled everything myself,” she said, her voice filled with pride as she shot me a not- so–subtle glare.
But the director waved her off with one sentence that flipped the entire atmosphere.
“As a matter of fact, there was a need. And I want to inform you that as of today, he will be your new director.”
The color drained from Mrs. Lambert’s face like she had seen a ghost. She took a few uncertain steps back, blinking repeatedly as if that would change what she just heard. It didn’t. And I couldn’t help but enjoy every second of her stunned silence. After how rude and dismissive she had been, this moment was a win I wasn’t letting slip.
Olivia appeared beside me, her brows furrowed in confusion. “What does she mean?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“I bought the orphanage,” I replied simply.
“You what!?” Olivia gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. Exactly the reaction I was expecting–maybe even hoping for.
“That’s great, right?” I said with a small grin. “Now we don’t need to jump through hoops or beg anyone for permission. We can access anything we want.”
“Well, I mean…yeah, but…” She looked around as if trying to catch up with everything that had just unfolded.
Successfully unlocked!
“Shhh.” I gently cut her off. “Let’s jug out the truth about your parents. That’s what matters.”
She gave me a small nod, though her expression still held traces of disbelief. The
orphanage was now ours–no more barriers, no more delays.
I turned toward Mrs. Lambert, who still hadn’t fully recovered from the news. “Some men will be coming over later today,” I said, my tone firm. “Let them in. Give them access to anything they need. No questions, no delays.”
Her lips parted slightly. “But… what about the kids?” she asked hesitantly.
“Whatever we’re doing here won’t interfere with the children. Their well–being comes first,” I replied, my voice softening just enough to make it clear I wasn’t here to destroy the place I was just here to get what we needed.
She hesitated, then said, “Alright.”
I raised an eyebrow, “What was that?”
She straightened up and said more clearly, “Alright, sir.”
“Better,” I muttered with a smirk, then turned my full attention back to Olivia,
“This is where the real work begins,” I said, placing my hands gently on her shoulders.” You’ve done more than enough for today. And am sorry to send you back to that hellhole but you need to get some rest”
“I need to be here,” she said, determined. “I want to know everything the moment we find it.”
Of course, I should’ve known better than to think Olivia would just walk. away. Obedience was never her strong suit–not when she was emotionally invested. And right now, she was fully in this.
“I get it. But even the best people I know wouldn’t be able to solve this mystery in a day,” I told her. “You need rest. You and the baby both.”
I saw the resilience in her eyes–burning, stubborn, and painfully determined. Olivial didn’t want to leave, not when we were so close. But I could also see the weariness on her face. She’d pushed herself too hard today.
Hell, I wasn’t even sure she’d eaten anything all afternoon. Her body was already under enough pressure with the pregnancy, and this stress wasn’t helping. I knew I had to be firm, for her sake.
“I promise we’re gonna find them.” I said gently, my hand brushing her shoulder, “but to meet them, you have to h
alth. So please, Olivia… go back and get some rest. For my sake
She stared
heart w
bro
ent. The internal struggle was clear in her eyes–her Dody was begging her to pause. Finally, she let out a
y, “but whatever your guys find, you better keep me updated. here first thing in the morning. No excuses.”
erce spark again. I gave a small smile. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll order a ride for
CHAPTER 087
you right now.”
We walked together toward the exit. The sun was beginning to dip, casting golden rays over the cracked pavement in front of the orphanage. Her ride arrived a few minutes later. She climbed into the car, then paused to look at me through the open window.
“Keep me updated,” she said one last time before the vehicle rolled away.
1 stood there, watching as the car disappeared into the street. Only when I could no longer see its taillights did I turn and head back inside.
My real work was just beginning.
I pulled my phone from my pocket, staring at the screen for a few seconds. I was about to call someone
This was why I had avoided going through with Plan B in the first place–because it required dealing with her.
But I was already too deep.
With a sigh, I tapped the contact name: MOM.
The phone barely rang once before she answered, her voice sharp and stunned.
“Julian? You called me? Was this a mistake?”
“No, Mom,” I replied calmly, even though I was bracing myself for her dramatics. “I didn‘ t call by mistake. How are you and Dad doing?”
There was a piercing scream on the other end of the line that nearly blew out my eardrum.
“Ay Dios mio!” she yelled, sounding like she had just won the lottery. “José, tu hijo. llamó hoy para saber cómo estamos!”
I heard her calling my father from across the room, her voice still laced with excitement. Apparently, he was home today–which was rare.
I rolled my eyes and paced a few steps before speaking again. “Mom. Mom, listen. I’ll talk to Dad later, okay? I actually called to speak to you, and it’s important.”
There was a beat of silence. When she spoke again, her tone had shifted. She could tell I wasn’t just calling to catch up.
“Talk to me, son. What’s going on?” she said, voice lower, more serious.
“I signed a deal today. I bought a small organization… technically, an orphanage,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “And I need some money to finalize the payment.”
