Julian showed no expression upon learning this. He said: “How about this—I will disable my left hand in front of Xie Muchuan, and he can handle the other one himself.”

Chapter 37

Julian walked alone into the abandoned factory, bearing the fierce glares of Xie Muchuan’s subordinates. His footsteps were light, making almost no sound.

Seeing him, Clara shook her head frantically, begging him not to come closer. Her eyes were filled with tears, looking truly pitiable.

Julian’s heart softened. He walked toward her, soothing her: “Qiaoqiao, don’t cry, I’m fine.”

Xie Muchuan stood behind Clara, holding a knife to her throat, and threw another blade in front of Julian: “Stand there. Start.”

Julian picked up the knife, looked at it carefully for a moment, and said: “Will you really let her go?”

In his desperation, Xie Muchuan knew he had no way out. The only thing he could trust was that he would keep his word.

Julian raised his arm, closing his eyes as he prepared to stab down.

At the last critical second, Clara found a surge of strength. Even with her hands and feet tied, she bounced up with the chair and bit down hard on Xie Muchuan’s ear.

The blade was sharp, grazing Clara’s neck and drawing blood immediately. Julian, already prepared, seized the chance, rushed forward, and kicked Xie Muchuan to the ground.

Hearing the commotion, the guards outside dropped their guard and rushed in to check.

The SWAT team, sharp and swift, surged into the factory with their weapons, subduing them in an instant.

Surviving the ordeal, Julian untied Clara with reddened eyes, and the two embraced tightly.

Xie Muchuan was led away by two officers. Julian’s parents were there, standing far apart like strangers.

Xie Muchuan passed his father without a change in expression, not even giving him a glance, but he paused briefly before his mother.

She was dressed impeccably, her expression indifferent, her voice cold and thin, as if looking at a machine: “Useless thing. You couldn't compete for the inheritance, couldn't secure the government project, and even when you commit evil, you’re so full of loopholes.”

Xie Muchuan hung his head, his expression unreadable. He didn't dare look up as he got into the police car.

Clara’s knife wound was only a surface cut. Julian held her hand tightly the entire time, his eyes red, as if he were the one who had been injured.

Of the Ming family, besides Grandpa Xie’s sigh, the others showed little emotion.

Clara clicked her tongue; no wonder Xie Muchuan seemed so paranoid and sick.

When Mayor Xu had found out Clara was his daughter, he had specifically directed the government to assign the demolition project to Julian. He hadn't expected that this move would nearly cost Clara her life.

Even with his lingering guilt, Mayor Xu lacked the courage to see Clara’s mother—the wife he had abandoned and wronged.

After Xie Muchuan was imprisoned, Julian gained full control of the Xie Group, and his first order of business was to take Clara to register their marriage.

…

Inside a luxurious wedding hall, Julian stood tall and straight in a white suit, anxiously waiting for his bride.

Soon after, the hall doors opened, and Clara walked in wearing a holy wedding gown, her face shy, holding a bouquet.

Julian’s face was filled with smiles. His dark eyes watched Clara walking toward him with such tenderness that he was momentarily dazed.

It wasn't until Clara reached him and smiled, calling his name, that he snapped back to reality.

Julian cradled Clara’s face and placed a kiss upon her—devout, gentle, and sacred.

Time seemed to return to their student days, when that naive young girl stood before him with tear-stained cheeks, and every teardrop that fell landed upon his heart.

The girl he had wanted to marry at eighteen had, after a long wait, finally stood by his side.

————————————

—The End.