Chapter 76
Sharon paused for a moment, then told Julliard everything-just as it had happened, without leaving anything out,
He listened in silence, considering her words. When she finished, he lifted his gaze to her.
“You’re right,” he said. “That’s a possibility. But it’s also possible your friend got herself into trouble and doesn’t want to worry you, so she’s laying low for now. Have you thought about this-what if Carter didn’t take her? You’re his wife, and yet you stormed in ready to blame him without proof. How will you face him if it turns out he had nothing to do with it?”
The question landed heavily. Sharon hesitated.
She hadn’t thought that far. She had no real evidence-just instinct and suspicion.
Julliard saw the change in her expression and knew she wasn’t sure.
“You should head home for now,” he said gently. “Let me look into this first. If it wasn’t Carter, I’ll help you track her down. If it was… I’ll do what I can to get your friend out.”
Sharon looked at him, uncertain. “Why are you helping me?”
Something flickered in Julliard’s eyes, something quick and unreadable.
“Carter and I have been best buds since we were kids,” he said finally. “Helping you is helping him. And besides…” He lowered his voice slightly. “I’ve never liked Kelly. To be honest, I’ve always felt like she was faking her illness.”
Sharon’s eyes snapped to his. “You think so too?”
He nodded slowly. “But that’s just my own suspicion. No proof. And without proof, it’s better to stay quiet.”
He paused before continuing, “If you want to confront Carter, you need something solid. Right now, you’ve got nothing. Let me handle this. I’ll get to the bottom of it.”
Sharon was quiet for a beat, then nodded. “Thank you, Julliard.”
Julliard was born into a wealthy family. He didn’t have Carter’s imposing air, nor Nate’s wild arrogance. He was the kind of man who carried himself with gentle dignity, refined and respectful.
Even when others had turned their backs on her, he had never spoken against her. In fact, he had often urged Carter to wait until the truth was clear before making any judgments.
To be honest, Sharon had always held a good impression of him.
“I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything,” he said, his voice reassuring.
“Okay. Then I’ll head out now.”
After Kelly fell asleep, Carter ordered someone to stay by her bedside, just in case she did anything extreme again.
As he stepped out of the room, he spotted Julliard standing in the hallway.
A flicker of surprise passed through Carter’s eyes. “What are you doing here?”
Julliard turned. “Did you take Wendy?”
“That’s why you’re here?”
“I ran into Sharon just now,” he said calmly. “She told me.”
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Chapter 76
Carter’s eyes darkened.
“Carter,” Julliard said quietly, “I know Kelly means a lot to you. But Sharon is your wife. You have to think about her too.”
It wasn’t the first time Julliard had said something like this, but Carter had always held firm to his own views.
“If she finds out you had her friend taken away over Kelly, that’s a blow she won’t forget. And if that happens, the damage between you two might be impossible to fix.”
But Carter didn’t seem shaken. “Don’t let Sharon fool you, Julliard. Just a few days ago, Nate saw her shopping for clothes at the mall… for Theo.”
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