Chapter 428

The words would have rolled off Vivian's shoulders like water on a duck's back if Julian had spoken them weeks ago. But now, with the revelation of their familial ties hanging between them, his praise landed differently—too gentle, too patronizing, like he was soothing a skittish kitten rather than addressing an equal.

Her mind involuntarily conjured Adrian's image. The man wielded criticism like a surgeon's scalpel, precise and merciless, leaving others emotionally bare. Yet when it came to compliments? He fumbled worse than a penguin attempting ballet.

Julian, by contrast, was like dawn breaking after a hurricane. Where Adrian left destruction in his wake, Julian planted gardens. His optimism was contagious, his perspective always angled toward hope.

Adrian was all thorns and venom, beautiful but dangerous to touch. Julian? He was the hearth in winter—steady, comforting, impossible to resist drawing nearer.

Their conversation carried them to an interrogation room door. An officer approached. "Ms. Hartley?"

Vivian nodded, her attention snagging on the figure inside. There sat the greasy supplier who'd once signed contracts with Dawson Enterprises, now slumped in a metal chair.

"Suspect in a kidnapping case," the officer confirmed.

Julian smoothly interjected, "I spotted him driving erratically, noticed bound limbs in his backseat. Didn't realize it was your stepsister until the police arrived." A deliberate pause. "Though it wouldn't have changed my actions. Justice isn't ours to mete out."

The officer's approving nod was immediate. "Commendable ethics, Mr. Montclair. These days, too many confuse vengeance for justice."

"Lawfulness is my compass," Julian replied, serene as ever.

His assistant, Vincent, bit his tongue hard enough to taste copper. The sheer audacity of Julian—whose hands were far from clean—speaking about lawful conduct without blinking was nothing short of breathtaking. Then again, in Northshire, even wolves wore sheep's clothing when convenient.

Vivian's brows arched. "Natasha's condition?"

"Minor injuries, mostly shock," the officer said. "She's giving her statement separately. We brought you in because this connects to your own abduction. Your cooperation would be invaluable."

"Of course," Vivian agreed.

After providing her account, the officer walked her out, his expression apologetic. "Ms. Hartley, we may lack sufficient evidence to charge Natasha directly."

Vivian's smile held quiet steel. "Karma has its own courts. If she's guilty, justice will find her."

The officer looked impressed. "Admirable perspective. Rest assured, we'll pursue every lead. The innocent won't be punished, nor will the guilty escape."