He looked defeated, but nodded. He'd never been able to deny me anything. "If anything happens to you or Wanwan, I'll handle it. Just come home."
"Thank you, Julian."
He was my adoptive brother, but he loved me the way my parents had—wholly, unconditionally. He was my safety net.
When I returned to the villa, Connor was waiting.
A fresh scratch marred his face—likely from his grandfather—but the hostility was gone, replaced by chilling calm.
"Where were you?"
"The hospital. Severe dehydration."
"The nanny said Julian took you." He crossed the room and seized my wrist, grip bruising.
"He's my brother. He didn't want to watch me die."
"He should know his place. Have you seen the headlines?"
So that was it. Not concern—fear for the Delgado reputation. He could burn down the house, but I wasn't allowed to light a candle.
"I won't do it again," I murmured, head lowered.
He sneered, tilting my chin up. "Tell me, Sam. Once we divorce, is Julian going to pick up my scraps? Marry you?"
"Connor, stop. I love you. I won't divorce you unless you force me to."
He chuckled darkly. "You really are pathetic for me, aren't you?"
