His Decision

At the very least, he had to make sure Claire Bennett was safe first.

"You... sigh, forget it! I know you keep telling us not to worry and that you must have your own plan, but I still can't stop worrying about you. I just thought it over, and I think we have to strike while the iron's hot, or you'll really end up with nothing!"

Old Master Sterling didn't try to persuade Julian Sterling any further. He only reminded him to keep a sense of proportion.

"Fine. Just rest for a few days, and then remember to come back."

"Mm, I know."

After hanging up, Julian Sterling no longer had any interest in continuing. His brows knit slightly, and no one knew what he was thinking about.

"Julian Sterling..." Claire Bennett wrapped her arms around the man in front of her, her heart aching for him.

From the moment he picked her up from the detention center, she had noticed the big dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept well at all these past few days.

He had been taking care of Grandpa Sterling while also looking for evidence to save her.

The fact that he'd held on until now was no easy feat.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, either. I'll stay with you this whole time. What I said to Ruby Sterling was exactly what I truly felt."

Julian Sterling smiled and reached out to rub Claire Bennett's head.

...

The next day.

Neither of them had slept well the night before. Maybe it was because of everything that had happened during the day. Both of them had things on their minds—one was afraid of making the other worry, and the other was worrying about him.

When dawn was only just breaking, Julian Sterling found that he really couldn't sleep anymore, so he got up and went to the kitchen to make breakfast.

By the time Claire Bennett was awakened by the sounds from the kitchen, it was already seven-thirty in the morning.

Wearing her pajamas, she leaned lazily against a chair in the dining room.

Hearing the sound, Julian Sterling brought out the freshly made sandwiches. The moment his gaze landed on the swath of snowy white exposed on Claire Bennett, his eyes darkened, and he immediately looked away.

Men in the morning were the last people to provoke. Yesterday, the two of them had been interrupted by other matters just when things were getting good, and after a whole night had passed, of course Julian Sterling was in the mood again.

In a low voice, he said, "Claire, put on your clothes. Don't catch a chill."

Claire Bennett looked over at the sound of his voice and saw that her collar was slightly open, revealing a broad expanse of spring scenery.

"Hm? You don't like this outfit? Then I'll go throw it out later."

"..."

How could Julian Sterling not like it? He liked it to death.

At a time like this, he had to prove himself with actions. Before Claire Bennett could even react, he had already scooped her up in his arms.

The two of them didn't even get a chance to eat breakfast before heading back to the bedroom.

All that was left was the half-closed door, and Naonao outside it, barking noisily after being woken up.

Naonao could make a fuss, but its owner was even worse.

The moment the man stopped moving, Claire Bennett felt like her waist was about to break, and she deeply regretted the idea of wearing this set of pajamas last night.

Entwined together, Julian Sterling, afraid her waist hurt, gave a sweep of his big hand and started rubbing it for her.

"I'm not planning to go back to the company. Not in a few days, either."

"Mm..."

Claire Bennett had already guessed this decision of his.

Cast a long line to catch a big fish.

Only this way could Ethan Sterling let down his guard.

Claire Bennett asked, "Are you planning to work elsewhere, or go to Sterling Group's competitor?"

As for his current situation, Claire Bennett had no way of offering Julian Sterling much help. She still had to deal with Ava Bennett. The only thing she could do was support any move and decision Julian Sterling made without condition.

Julian Sterling buried his face in the hollow of her neck. "Neither. I want to start from scratch."

He had already thought it through. Whether he worked elsewhere or went to a competitor, neither would hit as hard as starting up on his own.

Besides, given Ethan Sterling's temperament, he had a feeling something big was going to happen.

If he started a company outside, it could also serve as a precaution, just in case.

Grandpa would support him.

Claire Bennett suddenly understood and murmured, "How did I not think of that? You were forced out by those blind fools inside Sterling Group. Even if you took Sterling Group back, you'd still be constrained by those shareholders. But your business mind is still there. If you go out on your own, it'll definitely be much better than going back to Sterling Group."

Besides, Old Master Sterling definitely still had his trump cards, so he wouldn't need to worry about any problems.

What happened to Julian Sterling this time was actually because some of the shareholders didn't approve of him, even though Julian Sterling was the most capable among the younger generation of the Sterling family.

Sterling Group had already been eroded almost completely.

Julian Sterling chuckled softly. "Claire really is smart."

Claire Bennett had guessed right! She lifted her eyes to look at Julian Sterling and reached out to touch his face, feeling that the more she looked at him, the more pleasing he became.

For other people, as long as the face remains, the kingdom remains. For him, as long as the brain remains, the kingdom remains!