Julian's POV
The final year of a business degree was supposed to be a formality for someone in my position. My father had already carved out my office at the Foundation, and my future was a series of predetermined meetings and handshakes. But as I walked across the university quad toward the senior lounge, the weight of the previous forty-eight hours made the air feel heavy. Every step reminded me of the drug-induced haze, the cold shower in Catherine's bathroom, and the trap Richard had set for me in his office.
I was distracted, my mind replaying the moment Catherine had chosen to ride with Gabriel. The look of utter indifference she had given me before sliding into his car made me feel jealous. I used to be a man in control, but Catherine turned me into a whole different being.
As I entered the student lounge, the atmosphere changed instantly. Heads turned, and the usual low hum of conversation spiked into a flurry of whispers.
