Chapter 3 - THE PERFECT FAMILYThree days later, Julian Vance returned home.
The front doors opened just after sunset.
Julian stepped inside wearing a charcoal suit, his tie loosened, exhaustion visible beneath his eyes.
Seventy-two hours of corporate negotiations had left him barely recognizable.
He was the young CEO of Vance Enterprises.
To the outside world, Julian had everything.
Money.
Power.
A beautiful wife.
A newborn son.
A dynasty behind his name.
But as he entered the foyer, he had no idea that his family was already collapsing.
“Julian, darling!”
Evelyn appeared immediately.
Her expression transformed.
The coldness disappeared.
She became the loving mother the world believed she was.
“You look exhausted.”
She embraced him.
“I had the kitchen prepare your favorite dinner.”
Julian smiled weakly.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Then he looked upstairs.
“Where's Clara?”
Evelyn's smile remained perfect.
“She’s resting.”
“Is Leo okay?”
“Oh, he's wonderful.”
A pause.
“Clara, however…”
Julian's face tightened.
“What about her?”
Evelyn sighed.
“She’s struggling.”
She lowered her voice.
“She becomes emotional over everything. She barely speaks to anyone. I'm worried about her.”
Julian looked toward the staircase.
Guilt settled heavily in his chest.
He had spent weeks solving problems worth billions while failing to notice the woman he loved was drowning inside his own home.
Evelyn touched his arm.
“You can't blame yourself.”
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Behind her sympathetic smile, something darker flickered.
Because Julian was beginning to believe the story she had carefully constructed.
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