Julien Baker Partner の小説・ストーリー

“Let us discuss the campaign. This partnership with Couture Collective will be a game-changer for Paragon.” I nod with a polite smile, taking the seat next to my husband. My mind is a storm, but I am determined to stay in control. Julian is a business partner. That is all. I repeat the words in my head, forbidding myself from remembering the dark bar or the sound of his voice late at night. Julian sits across from me, and from the corner of my eye, I see him looking my way. That arrogant smirk is still there. I can feel the heat of his gaze, a silent dare to acknowledge our secret.

I whispered. Julien shook his head. “No. I’ve already contacted two potential replacement investors. One of them is interested and wants a presentation in the next two days.” I sighed, feeling a bit relieved. “Why didn’t you say that earlier?” He smiled slightly. “Because I didn’t want to spoil our dinner. But I also couldn’t hide everything from you. This is our project.” I looked at him, and for a moment, I felt so connected to him. Julien didn’t just come as a coworker or a travel companion; he was someone who made me feel involved, valued, and trusted.

Carter gives a salute and exits the house. I follow Julian to the stairs, becoming increasingly intrigued. “What do you mean business partner? Is he really leaving SEG? You said he’ll be judging the competition, right?” “Not until he established his own firm. And, yes, he is still a member of the panel. Other departments are also competing this year. Carter is looking for new talents, preferably singers, actors, and dancers.” “Interesting. More opportunities, then.” “That’s right.” Julian walks into his bedroom and opens the door. He instantly cups my face, inhales my scent, and crushes his mouth onto mine, passionately bruising me. “You’re still here right in front of me, but I already miss

“And Julie, this is Mr. Lucas Martinez, the CEO of Couture Collective, our newest partner.” Holy shit.

Julien said firmly. Although Lyra was feeling uncomfortable, she did not dare to say much anymore. She nodded and said, "Okay. How about my dad, Julien? Did he lose his position as the main cooperation partner?" "The plan he submitted was horrible. I’ll decide what to do with him later," Julien answered with a tone of indifference. "But… But he's my dad. Julien, can you…" "No." Julien cut her off mid-sentence.

“A few years before the fire.” His answers were short. Direct. Controlled. It irritated me more than it should have. “What did he do?” I pressed. Julian didn’t answer immediately this time. His fingers tapped once against the desk before going still again. “He wasn’t just an employee.” My chest tightened. “Then what was he?” “A partner.” The word landed harder than I expected. I blinked, trying to process it. “That doesn’t make sense.” “It doesn’t have to make sense to you,” he replied calmly. “It’s still true.”

And he had found the mother, some low-rent girl he’d clearly been hiding in the shadows of his past. "She’s a baker, apparently," Julian added, almost apologetically. "From a working-class neighborhood. No pedigree. No standing." I let out a short, sharp laugh. A baker. Larry Trent, a man who demanded perfection in every line of code and every contract, had been brought to his knees by a woman who smelled of yeast and desperation.

"Julian offered. Did you know that? My best friend. He thinks you're a 'catch.' He thinks because I'm letting you go, and it's a fair game for any wolf with a pulse." "Julian is a good man," I said, mostly just to see the muscle in Lucian's jaw twitch. "He's loyal. Stable." "He's no Alpha!" Lucian snapped, taking a predatory step toward the bed. "You wouldn't actually consider him, would you? Or what about that business partner of yours? Kaleb?" "Why do you care, Lucian? You have Abbie. You're fast-tracking the dissolution. Why does it matter who holds my hand once you've let it go?"

"The Bakers threw an engagement party for Janet, even without Charles there. So now, Janet's been parading around as Charles's fiancee ever since." Jade snapped out of her recounting, a realization dawning on her. "This has to be Janet's handiwork." Julian shook his head, not quite convinced. "I wouldn't jump to conclusions. Janet's just a small player. She doesn't have the clout for this kind of drama." "Then what are you suggesting?" Jade's curiosity was piqued. If not Janet, then who was behind it all? "Have you totally forgotten about Janet's dad, Milo Baker?" Julian snapped to attention. "Who else would dare to spill the beans and trash-talk Winter, while Charles just sits back and does

“Madam Baker is the largest shareholder of Imperial Media right now.” “Mm.” Liam nodded with a complicated gaze flashing in his eyes. “I hope this company shows its value under Madam Baker.” Even when he had conflicts with the Bakers in the past, he was definitely able to still be tactful with how long he had been in the business world. Moreover, the interests of the Hamertons and the Baker Group were intertwined and complicated. Zephyr was Janine’s son, and that meant that it would be impossible for the Hamertons to cut contact with the Bakers.