Chapter 6: Art of Controlling Men
After Julian Faulkner noticed Vivian Lowell’s round little head had disappeared from his line of sight, he closed his laptop and sat up slightly straighter.
The sofa blocked his view; he still couldn’t see Vivian.
Driven by curiosity, Julian stood up and subconsciously took a step toward the sofa, but he quickly stopped himself.
He wondered why he even wanted to check on her. She had barged into the room without a word and seen him right after his shower, before he even had time to dress properly. And she had the nerve to look at him with such a critical, judgmental gaze!
Julian was not pleased.
She had been frowning at the time. Did she actually think he had some kind of flaw? Impossible!
Julian pursed his lips, deciding to ignore Vivian and go to bed.
Just then, a breeze blew in through the window, sweeping right over the sofa. Vivian sneezed.
"ACHOO."
The sound made Julian stiffen.
Her voice was very soft. When she sneezed, it sounded like a little kitten gently scratching at him, making him feel ticklish and somewhat uncomfortable.
He decided he might as well go take a look. She really was a fool for lying right across from an open window. It wouldn’t hurt for him to be kind and help her out.
On the sofa.
After putting down her phone, Vivian had dozed off in a daze. Woken by the cold breeze, she sleepily opened her eyes and glanced toward the window, intending to get up and close it.
Aethelburg had central heating in February. However, staying cooped up in the room felt a bit too hot and dry.
Just as she looked up, Vivian saw that Julian was already standing by the window, shutting it. With the cold wind cut off, she instantly felt much warmer.
"Thank you," Vivian said instinctively.
Julian turned around and gave her an inexplicable look. It was a look that was both aloof and arrogant.
Vivian suddenly felt a bit awkward. She wondered if she had misunderstood. Hadn’t he closed the window because he heard her sneeze and worried she’d catch a cold?
Actually, that was highly unlikely. He had just made her sign a contract to guard against her, after all.
"Um..." Vivian scratched the back of her head and offered Julian a silly smile. "Mr. Faulkner, Grandma wants us to sleep together, but we’re barely acquaintances. It’s definitely not a good idea! I’ll sleep on the sofa tonight, and you can take the bed!"
After she finished speaking, Julian walked over to her. He scrutinized her with a profound gaze that she couldn’t decipher, remaining completely silent for a long time.
He was playing the brooding type again.
Vivian rolled her eyes inwardly at him, though she maintained a polite smile on her face. After all, she had just received a five-million investment from him. Naturally, she needed to treat her boss with a bit more courtesy and patience!
She was almost moved by her own professionalism when the cold-faced Julian suddenly spoke. "No need."
Huh? Vivian was taken aback.
No way! Could it be that this damned capitalist wouldn’t even let her sleep on the sofa?
"I’ll take the sofa," Julian said. He walked into the bedroom, brought out a quilt, and placed it on the sofa opposite Vivian. "You take the bed," he added in an unquestionable tone. He then sat up straight and looked at her.
Vivian was even more surprised. To think this greedy capitalist actually knew how to be a gentleman!
"Are you sure?" she decided to ask once more, but Julian had already turned his face away, clearly not planning to engage with her any further.
"Hmph, playing the aloof card again!" Vivian muttered under her breath. However, when she turned her head and saw his massive king-sized Simmons bed, she immediately caved.
It looked so soft; it was bound to be incredibly comfortable!
A peaceful night passed.
Early the next morning, Vivian was woken up by her alarm. When she finished washing up, put on her slippers, and stepped out into the living area, Julian was no longer on the sofa.
When did he get up? Had he already freshened up? It was only seven o’clock!
She was slightly astonished. She had always been a light sleeper. The kind who could be jolted awake if a passing bird chirped twice outside her window in the morning! She hadn’t expected Julian to be so quiet when he got up!
Lost in thought, Vivian pushed the door open and headed downstairs. She planned to have breakfast and then visit the Lowell family’s home. While she was at it, she would ask Eleanor Rhodes to help her look for a suitable place to rent for her studio.
In the first-floor dining room, Julian was already eating breakfast. In front of him were a sandwich, a glass of milk, and a portion of steamed egg—a highly nutritious and light meal.
Just as Vivian arrived, the nanny brought over her breakfast. Grandma Faulkner also emerged from her first-floor bedroom, smiling brightly as she greeted them.
"Vivian, Julian, it makes me so happy to see you two coming down to have breakfast together!"
Julian instantly paused his movements with the steamed egg. They hadn’t come down together at all! Wanting to object, Julian turned to look at Grandma Faulkner.
His grandmother’s complexion looked excellent today. Her beaming smile was as warm and gentle as the spring sun. In a flash, Julian felt as though he had been transported back to his childhood, before everything had happened, when such a smile had constantly graced his grandmother’s face.
The soft spot in his heart was touched, and he said gently, "Grandma, sit down and have some breakfast first."
Vivian was also secretly observing Julian. She never expected that the usually icy Julian could be so tender when treating his grandmother! That look in his eyes had nearly electrified her! Thank goodness she had strong self-control!
Vivian conveniently poured a glass of hot milk for Grandma Faulkner and placed it at the seat next to her. "I woke up late today," she said. "Next time, tell me what you’d like to eat, Grandma, and I’ll make breakfast for you!"
Vivian actually knew how to cook many dishes! For breakfast, she could whip up homemade fruit salads, oatmeal, sandwiches, and the like.
Grandma Faulkner was thrilled to hear this. After giving her granddaughter-in-law a gratified look, she patted Julian on the shoulder. "Did you hear that? Your wife is so sweet and well-behaved, so you need to cook for her more often!"
Julian was speechless. He suspected his grandmother was biased! And he had proof!
"Ahem, no need, no need." Seeing Julian’s face darken by the second, Vivian feared he might murder her with his glare. She hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Mr. Faul—Julian is very busy normally. He doesn’t need to cook for me!"
But Grandma Faulkner wouldn’t listen. She rolled her eyes at her eldest grandson and protectively stood by Vivian. "A man who doesn’t cook for his wife isn’t a good man. Vivian, listen to me, this is the Art of Controlling Men! You just keep Julian in check from now on, and I’ll back you up!"
The Art of... Controlling Men?
Vivian nearly choked on her milk. However, seeing Grandma Faulkner looking so radiant and energetic, she had no choice but to nod in agreement. It seemed as if the older woman was recalling something very happy when she said those words.
"Okay, okay, I’ve noted it down. I’ll definitely learn it properly from you later, Grandma!" Vivian patted her chest in assurance, and Grandma Faulkner instantly broke into a delighted smile.