Chapter 67: Frederick Doesn’t Trust Julian

Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Frederick Doesn’t Trust Julian

~Reynold’s POV~

I immediately turned to Julian. "Are you going to ride home with me, follow me in your car, or just come to my house later?"

Julian thought about it for a moment. "I’ll ride with you. I can come back for my car later."

"If that’s what you want, alright. Let’s go."

We packed our things, stepped out of the hall, and waved goodbye to a few classmates who called out to us as we headed toward the parking lot. When we reached my car, I clicked the key fob to unlock the doors. Julian slid into the passenger seat, and I got behind the wheel.

Before starting the engine, I pulled out my phone. "Just a second."

I quickly opened my messages and texted Frederick.

Mr. Corvin, I’m done for today and heading home now.

I didn’t expect an immediate reply, but the moment the message went through, my phone vibrated.

It was an incoming video call from Frederick.

Julian’s eyes immediately snapped toward the screen.

"Is that Frederick?"

I hesitated for a moment, surprised by the unexpected video call. Without answering Julian, I accepted it, and Frederick’s striking, authoritative face filled the screen.

Julian sat stiffly in the passenger seat, craning his neck to get a better look.

I didn’t want to call him "Mr. Corvin" in front of Julian, so I quickly switched to the pet name I usually called him. "Daddy, how is everything going with you?"

A soft, fond look crossed Frederick’s face. "Everything is going well, little pet."

"That’s good to hear," I said.

"Are you okay?" Frederick asked, his sharp eyes studying my face.

"I’m a little tired from the lectures."

"I’m sorry," he murmured. Then his expression softened further. "Should I book you a spa appointment so you can get a massage?"

I smiled, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. "I really wouldn’t mind."

As I continued talking to him, I found myself glancing toward Julian every now and then, suddenly conscious of the fact that he was sitting right beside me. Frederick noticed my distracted looks almost immediately.

"Who is there with you?" he asked, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

"My friend is here with me," I answered carefully. "He’s coming home with me."

Frederick’s expression hardened slightly. "You didn’t tell me about this."

"I’m sorry, I just—"

"It’s fine," Frederick interrupted smoothly, clearly noticing my awkwardness. "Let me know when you’re alone, so we can talk properly."

"Alright. I’ll call you back when I get home."

Frederick nodded slightly before returning to the earlier topic. "Now, about that relaxation session... do you want the massage at home, or would you rather go to a spa?"

"Choose for me. Whatever you choose, I’ll take it."

A faint smile touched Frederick’s lips. "Alright. Drive safely, okay?"

"Alright." I hesitated for a moment before suddenly feeling bold enough to ask, "Can I get a kiss before you go?"

Frederick chuckled softly, the deep sound rumbling through the speakers. "You’re a spoiled little pet."

"It’s not my fault. You spoil me too much and leave me with no choice."

Frederick’s smile deepened. "Alright."

He leaned closer to the camera and pressed a warm kiss against the screen.

I smiled and kissed the screen back. "Alright. Bye-bye."

With that, the video call ended, and the screen went dark.

Julian’s voice immediately broke the silence. His eyes were wide with curiosity. "You guys seem really in love. He even called you ’little pet’?"

I slipped my phone into my pocket, keeping my expression neutral. "Don’t read too much into it."

"Is that why you couldn’t ask him to say hello to your best friend?" Julian pressed.

"I’m sorry, but he only wanted to talk to me," I explained. "You saw what happened. As soon as he realized you were with me, he said we’d talk later because he doesn’t know you. But don’t worry. When he comes around properly one of these days, I’ll invite you to meet him. How about that?"

Julian’s expression softened, and the tension in his face gave way to a pleased smile. "That would be perfect."

"Alright, let’s get going."

I put on some soft music, started the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot, heading toward the estate.

Julian sat beside me during the drive, occasionally singing along to the music or chatting about random things. We talked normally, but I could still feel a faint tension lingering between us.

A short while later, we arrived at the massive iron gates of the estate. The moment we passed through the entrance, Julian’s jaw dropped as he stared out the window, taking in the sprawling manicured lawns, towering trees, and sheer scale of the property.

I pulled up to the main entrance and parked the car. We both stepped out, and I grabbed my bag from the back seat before we walked side by side up the grand stone steps and into the house.

As soon as the heavy oak doors opened, the maid hurried over and greeted us with a polite bow.

"Welcome back, sir. Mr. Corvin sent a package for you. It’s waiting upstairs in your room."

"Thank you," I replied, offering her a warm smile. "And please, can you get my friend whatever he’d like to eat or drink?"

"Right away, sir.

I turned to Julian and gestured toward the expansive living room. "Have a seat in the living room and make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back."

Julian nodded, his eyes widening as he took in the opulent marble pillars and high ceilings. The maid stayed nearby, politely asking him what he’d like while I turned and headed upstairs.

I quickly made my way up the grand staircase and straight to my room. I tossed my bag onto the bed and noticed the small, sleek package sitting on the nightstand. It must have been the one Frederick had sent.

I decided to check it later, after Julian had gone home. For now, I quickly changed out of my lecture clothes and into something more comfortable. After smoothing down my shirt, I headed back downstairs to join him.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs and walked into the grand living room, I found Julian already settled on the plush sofa. The maid had served him a chilled glass of sparkling water and a plate of appetizers.

I crossed the room and took the seat beside him.

Julian immediately leaned closer, his eyes wandering around the room as he took in the soaring ceilings and luxurious decor. He shook his head in disbelief.

"Damn, guy... you’re really living the baby-boy life," he whispered, looking around in amazement. "Frederick has you living in a place like this while you’re still a student. You’re seriously enjoying life."

I gave him a modest smile, trying to downplay it. "Julian, stop. Your family is wealthy too, and your house is gorgeous."

"You’re right, but I want this kind of treatment from my own man too," Julian sighed, leaning back against the cushions.

I chuckled softly. "You just have to be content with what you have. I don’t have a family like yours either, so don’t worry. You’ll definitely get that kind of treatment soon enough."

"Sure I will," he replied with a grin. Then his expression turned curious again. "So, when does Frederick usually come around here?"

"I don’t know," I answered honestly, keeping my tone casual. "He just shows up whenever he wants. Don’t forget, it’s his house."

"You’re right," Julian murmured, tapping a finger against his chin. "I really want to meet him in person. I’ve only ever seen him from afar, but it would be great to actually shake his hand."

"Don’t worry," I said with a smile. "Anytime he’s around, I’ll invite you over."

"Alright," he said.

We continued talking for a while, catching up on casual things. Eventually, the maid announced that the food was ready, and we moved to the formal dining area and sat down to eat together.

We took our time eating and continued chatting afterward. Julian stayed for a few more hours, but as the evening grew later, he finally glanced at his watch and remembered that he still needed to return to campus to pick up his car. He grabbed his jacket and stood up.

"I should probably head out."

"Do you want me to drive you back to campus?" I offered, standing up with him.

"Nah, I’m good. I can manage." He waved it off, pulling out his phone. "I’ve already texted someone to come pick me up."

A few minutes later, a luxurious car pulled up in front of the estate. I walked Julian outside and stood on the porch, waving as he climbed into the passenger seat. I watched until the car’s taillights disappeared down the long driveway and through the iron gates.

The moment he was gone, a wave of relief washed over me. I pulled out my phone and immediately called Frederick as I turned back toward the house and made my way upstairs to my room.

The phone rang twice before a deep, smooth voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Corvin," I said as I walked into my room and closed the bedroom door behind me.

"Has your friend left?" Frederick asked.

"Yes," I replied. "He left a few minutes ago."

I walked over to the bed and collapsed onto the mattress with a soft sigh. "Good. And what about Lily?"

"She left earlier," Frederick said. "She’s already on her flight back to university abroad."

"Alright," I teased gently, a small smile playing on my lips. "Try not to miss her too much."

A low chuckle came through the receiver. "I won’t."

There was a brief pause before Frederick’s tone shifted, becoming sharper and more inquisitive.

"Tell me. Did you talk to your friend about me?"

"Yes," I answered, sitting up cross-legged on the bed. "I told him everything."

"Alright," Frederick said calmly. "What did he say? How did he react?"

I went on to explain what had happened, telling him how I had shown Julian the photo, how he had reacted, and how he claimed he wasn’t angry with me. I expected Frederick to be pleased that I had finally told Julian the truth and that Julian had supposedly taken it well.

But as I continued, the silence on Frederick’s end grew heavier.

When I finally finished, expecting him to relax, Frederick let out a slow, chilling breath.

"Reynold... listen to me. Stay away from him. He’s not a good friend."

My heart dropped. I blinked in shock and sat up straighter.

"What? No, Mr. Corvin. He is a good friend. Why would you say that?"

"He’s up to no good," Frederick replied, his voice hard and unyielding. "Stay away from him. I’m warning you."

"No, you just don’t know Julian!" I argued...