Page 126 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

“You’d better.”

His hand settles at my waist.

“I will.”

I glance toward Clive and the staff nearby. No one is staring, but everyone has suddenly become very interested in luggage, doors, and anything other than us.

That almost makes me laugh. Julian doesn’t appear concerned. He slides one hand along my jaw and kisses me. It is not rushed, despite the car waiting outside. His mouth lingers against mine just long enough to make me forget that we have an audience, and when he pulls back, his thumb brushes once across my cheek.

“We’ll talk soon,” he says.

“Soon,” I repeat.

His eyes stay on mine for another moment. Then Clive clears his throat discreetly.

“Mr. Blackwell, they’re ready for you.”

Julian nods. He gives my waist one final squeeze before releasing me.

“Enjoy breakfast.”

“I plan to.”

“And take your time.”

“I heard you the first three times.”

That earns the faintest smile.

Julian reaches for his jacket, then turns toward the doors as Clive walks beside him. He doesn’t look hurried. He never does. Even with New York waiting for him and a helicopter sitting somewhere beyond the grounds, he moves with the same calm certainty he carries into every room.

At the threshold, he looks back at me once. I lift my hand. His gaze holds mine briefly before he turns and walks outside. The doors close behind him.

I remain in the foyer for another few seconds, staring at the place where he was standing, before finally turning toward breakfast.

By early afternoon, the estate feels different without Julian in it. I spend the remaining hours slowly rather than trying to fill them. I eat breakfast on the terrace, take one last walk through part of the garden, then return upstairs to shower again, finish packing, and change for the trip back to Milan.

When I finally pick up my phone from the charger, the screen fills with notifications. I have two missed calls from Grace, several texts from Maya, and a handful of emails. I glance at the time and decide that I can sort through everything once I am in the car. The chauffeur will be here any minute, and my suitcase is still open across the bench at the foot of the bed.

I finish packing, check the room twice, and zip the suitcase closed just as Lucia knocks. When I open the door, she says, “Your car has arrived, Ms. Callahan.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

One of the staff members takes my luggage while Lucia walks downstairs with me. At the entrance, I stop to thank everyone who has taken care of me during my stay. Clive joins us from the adjoining hall and shakes my hand.

“We hope you enjoyed yourself,” he says.

“I did. Very much.”

“Safe travels back to Philadelphia.”

“Thank you, Clive. And thank you for everything.”

Lucia gives me a warm smile.

“You must come back someday.”

The words catch me unexpectedly, and I tell her, “I’d like that.”