บท 9: CHAPTER 9
"I mean it, Skylar," he said softly. "Anything you need-anything I can do. just say the word."
Skylar looked down and emptied her head. A part of her so wished to believe that he was offering support, but the doubt picked at her, reminding her of the mess Jasper had made of her life. She wanted to reach out, to tell him everything-but something inside of her held back, some warning she couldn't decide to heed or not.
"Thank you, Julian," she whispered, wobbling. "I. I'll think about it."
Julian opened his mouth to say something, but the sharp buzz of her phone broke the silence. Skylar glanced at the screen, her pulse quickening at the familiar, dreaded number-it was her uncle.
But her heart bottomed out because she had never told Julian that her uncle James was now her CEO-or that his influence over her job was starting to feel like yet another leash. She blew out an audible breath and glanced back up to Julian with an apologetic look.
"I. I need to go," she whispered, stepping back toward the hallway.
But as she turned, Julian's hand brushed her arm. "Skylar, should you ever want to talk, just remember. I'm here." His words came steady; his voice was warm, and in that second, a glimmer of hope fluttered in her chest, before reality tugged her back into its unforgiving grip.
---
transformative change to
The next morning, Skylar entered her office at J. Holdings with a determination afresh to be as unnoticed as possible around her uncle. But it would appear that James did not have that same plan in store for her.
"Good morning, Skylar," James's voice cut through the air, strolling toward her cubicle, his tone smooth yet laced with an undercurrent of hostility that tied a knot in her stomach.
She made herself return a courteous smile. "Good morning, Uncle James. Was there something you needed?
Just checking in," he said lightly, though his eyes weren't. He leaned against her desk, folding his arms. "I must say, you've settled in quite well. Impressive, considering. recent circumstances."
Skylar froze; her heart pounded, as it seemed he knew. His words sounded innocuous, but the subtle weight given them made her take a poorer view.
"I'm here to work hard and contribute," she replied more cautiously. "Thanks for the opportunity.
He chuckled low, the sound unsettling. "Opportunity? Don't be modest, Skylar. You wouldn't even be here if I didn't pull some strings. But as long as you keep up the good work, I'm sure you'll continue to enjoy your. position here.
Skylar clamped her jaw on the veiled threat in those words. She'd like to call him out, demand he cease his mind games, but she couldn't afford to make waves.
He moved closer in, his voice low and practically a whisper. "And let's not forget, I think I've noticed a little. difference in you lately. A certain incandescence, perhaps?" He dropped his gaze down, and Skylar felt her insides twist with his innuendo. He knew-or at least suspected.
Skylar swallowed audibly, battling to maintain a neutral expression. "I don't know what you are trying to suggest, Uncle James.
He smiled, but there was nothing friendly in his grin. "I think you know exactly what I mean. I'll be keeping a close eye on you, Skylar. Family should look out for each other, right?"
Before she could say anything, he straightened, cast her with one of those looks again, then turned on his heel and strolled off.
As he disappeared down the hall, Skylar's legs started to buckle. She clutched at the side of her desk to fight for balance. Her uncle knew all too well what put her in such a state, and he took full advantage of the knowledge to use for leverage-twisting her vulnerability into another mode of control. She needed a way out, and fast.
---
The days blurred by in tension and lack of sleep. Skylar threw herself into her work, attempting to smother her anxiety, but James was always watching her. Every time he passed by, he went out of his way to make subtle, insinuating comments that made her feel exposed and powerless.
On one afternoon, while arranging a heap of files, her phone buzzed-a text from Julian:
Hey, free after work? Want to talk.
She stared at the message, waffling. She hadn't told him about the pregnancy, or about her uncle's increasingly overriding pressure on her. She didn't want to further entangle him in her mess, yet she needed some means of escape, a connection to something-or someone-unsoiled by Jasper or James.
She texted back: Yes, let's meet up at that café near the office. 5 pm?
Perfect. See you there.
When work was finally over, Skylar packed her things and made her way to the café, where Julian was already waiting for her. He smiled softly instantly as he saw her, at the same time she felt the flutter of relief that was like a weight taken off her shoulders, at least for a moment.
"Skylar," he greeted warmly, pulling out a chair for her. "Thanks for meeting me."
"No, thank you," she said, hewing a small smile. "It's. good to be out of the office."
Julian's eyes softened. "Rough day?"
She nodded, choosing her words with care. "I'm just. dealing with a lot. Some things are. beyond my control."
He reached across the table, his hand brushing hers in a comforting gesture. "Skylar, I'm here for you; if ever you need to get away from. whatever it is you're dealing with, you know I'll help."
Sincerity was overwhelming in his gaze, and she felt a flicker of trust bloom within her. She could finally open up. But before she could get the courage to, her phone buzzed again.
She looked to the screen and felt her heart sink as her uncle's name came up.
"Remember, we have a family dinner tomorrow night. Don't forget to bring. your appetite."
Skylar ground her teeth as the weight of her uncle's manipulation settled back over her like a shroud. She felt Julian watching her, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Is everything alright?" he asked softly.
She forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed her concern. "Just. family things. It's complicated."
Julian regarded her for a moment longer, seeming to sense her hesitation. "You don't have to explain everything, Skylar. But just know. if ever anything you need, I'm here. And that's not going to change.
The words soothed her like balm on frayed nerves, and for a brief flashing moment, she felt safe. But as they parted ways, she knew her relief was short-lived. That threats from Uncle James would not subside that easily, nor could Julian's support, sincere to the last ounce, protect her against James's tightening hold on her life.
---
The next morning, Skylar walked into the office with every determination to keep her head down and completely avoid her uncle. Indeed, she had kept out of his way through most of the day, but as the afternoon wore on, she was summoned into his office.
She stepped inside, bracing herself, but James sat behind his desk already, thumbing through a stack of documents in sinister calmness.
"Skylar," he said smoothly, without even bothering to glance up. "Close the door, would you?"
She did so, feeling trapped.
"I trust you're. comfortable here," he said finally, after lifting his gaze to hers.
Skylar's expression was stony. "I'm here to do my job, Uncle James."
"Oh, I'm well aware of that," he returned, the slightest trace of amusement threading his voice. "But let's make one thing clear. I expect loyalty, particularly from my family. And if there is something that I feel shows. disloyalty, it's going to become really tough for you, got it?"
Skylar's jaw clenched. "Yes."
"Good," he said, smiling, and sending a chill down her spine. "And one more thing. I couldn't help but notice you've been spending time with Julian. I'd be careful with him if I were you."
Skylar's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
James shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Let's just say he's not as innocent as he appears. I wouldn't put too much trust in him. People have. motives.
Skylar stared at him, her mind racing. Was her uncle trying to turn her against Julian? Or was there truth in his insinuations?
"Why are you telling me this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
James's smile expanded. "Because, Skylar, I'm the only one looking out for you. And it would be a shame if you were blindsided by someone you thought you could trust.
Skylar firmed her fists, battling to keep her cool. Her uncle's words remained in the air, leaving seeds of doubt that she tried to shun. When she left his office, her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear.
Could Julian really be hiding something from her? Or was this another one of her uncle's manipulations?
Her phone buzzed just as she walked out of the building-a text from Julian: Dinner tonight?
She stared into the message, her heart torn between the warmth of his offering and the doubt her uncle had implanted.
Long after, she replied: Yes, let's talk.
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