Chapter 30: Misunderstandings and Realizations

Julian sat in the lounge area of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, leisurely enjoying a slice of strawberry cake.

Miss Ross wheeled herself over, a sweet, bright smile on her face. "Hello, Julian! My name is Maya Ross, and I’m your fiancée."

"Mm," Julian nodded slightly, taking a small bite of his cake.

Seeing his distant, lukewarm reaction, Miss Ross felt a pang of confusion.

Didn’t Leo say that Julian was completely enamored with me and begged the family to arrange this marriage? Why is he acting so cold? He doesn’t look like someone in love at all.

Julian set down his dessert fork, wiping his fingers with a napkin. "Miss Ross... did my dear brother Leo tell you that I insisted on marrying you because I was secretly obsessed with you?"

He knew these plot points inside out from the novel’s original storyline. In the original web novel, Leo Vance was a minor antagonist whose scheme was written in detail to create drama before the true male protagonist entered the picture.

"That’s right," Miss Ross admitted, blinking in surprise.

"Leo lied to you," Julian stated plainly, leaning back. "When you were injured in that accident, he lost interest in marrying you. But he was terrified you’d resent him, so he framed it as me stealing the arrangement out of jealousy. That way, he could wipe his hands clean."

He wanted Miss Ross to harbor deep resentment toward Julian, ensuring that once Julian married into the Ross family, she would make his life a living hell. In the original novel, the previous owner of this body fell right into that trap.

"Think about it rationally, Maya Ross," Julian added smoothly. "We’ve never met before tonight. How could I possibly be hopelessly in love with you?"

Miss Ross’s face stiffened.

Recalling how Leo had gradually distanced himself after her accident, the pieces suddenly fell into place. Her fists clenched against her armrests.

How could Leo be so hypocritical?!

She felt sickened by how much she had previously adored him.

"Well, it doesn’t matter anymore," Miss Ross quickly recovered, offering Julian a starry-eyed look. "I don’t care about Leo at all now. The person I like is you, Julian!"

Julian’s lips twitched slightly. Are all these heiresses this quick to change their minds?

"Julian," Miss Ross declared earnestly, "don’t worry! Once we get married, I’ll take wonderful care of you. I’ll never let you suffer a single grievance!"

"Thanks, but no thanks," Julian smirked internally.

He was destined to shatter her expectations in just a few minutes anyway. Though, if he hadn’t transmigrated into this world, the original Julian would have suffered horribly under her family’s thumb. Miss Ross was certainly no pushover.

"Miss Ross," Julian advised calmly, "I suggest you don’t waste your affection on me."

"It’s no waste at all, Julian!" Miss Ross replied, unable to take her eyes off his striking face. "I’m more than happy to give you all my attention."

Julian sighed. "Miss Ross, I am not getting engaged to you tonight."

Miss Ross giggled softly. "Julian, you’re so considerate! You think you’re holding me back because you assume I don’t like you. But I told you, I’ve fallen for you completely, and I’m more than willing!"

Julian stared at her in dead silence. Is this girl completely deaf to logic?!

Shaking his head, he gave up trying to explain. She would understand his true intentions soon enough.

Arthur Vance stepped onto the raised podium at the center of the grand ballroom, tapping the microphone to gather the room’s attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the engagement celebration between the Vance and Ross families!" Arthur announced with a broad, professional smile.

"Eight years ago, I brought home an adopted son and raised him as my own. He has kept a low profile and rarely attended high-society gatherings, so many of you have not yet met him. Tonight, I am honored to officially introduce my son, Julian Vance!"

Arthur gestured toward the lounge area, nodding approvingly at Julian.

Julian’s tailored designer suit and immaculate posture reflected exceptionally well on the family, giving them immense face.

"Julian, come up to the stage so everyone can get to know you properly," Arthur called out, his tone warmer than it had ever been.

"Sure," Julian replied, stepping forward effortlessly.

Miss Ross watched him walk toward the podium, her heart fluttering. A man that ridiculously handsome is about to become my fiancé! Thank goodness Leo broke off our agreement, or I would have missed out on Julian!

Nearby, several young heiresses whispered in jealous frustration.

"Miss Ross is so lucky... even with her mobility issues, she manages to land a guy who looks like a literal god!"

"If I knew Julian Vance looked like this, I would have pursued him weeks ago!"

On the other side of the room, group of socialites watched Julian with wide eyes.

"I used to think Leo Vance was the handsomest bachelor in the city, but compared to Julian, Leo looks completely average!"

"Right?! Standing next to Julian, Leo looks like an awkward country bumpkin trying way too hard to act noble!"

Hearing the hushed conversations around him, Leo Vance clenched his fists so hard his knuckles popped.

Julian had returned to the Vance family, threatened his standing with their parents, and now he was stealing every ounce of spotlight in the room!

Don’t get arrogant, Julian! Leo thought, his eyes burning with venomous hatred. One day, I will crush you into the absolute dirt!

Elenor Vance leaned over, patting Leo’s arm reassuringly. "Leo, ignore those superficial fools. Once they learn how uncultured and rebellious Julian really is, they’ll see he doesn’t hold a candle to you."

"Mom," Leo put on a forced, virtuous smile, "I’m just glad Julian is being accepted by everyone."

"You silly, kind-hearted boy," Elenor sighed fondly. "You’re far too soft. Julian has done nothing but disrespect you and steal your spotlight, yet you still defend him! I’m going to make sure he never bullies you again."

Up on stage, Julian took the microphone. "Good evening, everyone. I’m Julian Vance."

His smooth, magnetic voice echoed clearly through the speakers, causing several young heiresses in the front row to swoon softly.

Arthur Vance took the microphone back with a proud smile. "As I was saying, although my eldest son grew up in the countryside before returning to us at age ten, I have always loved and raised him as my very own biological son.....;