CHAPTER FIFTY THREE – BAD LUCK CHARLOTTE

"Julian, Charlotte, so glad you could make it," Victoria said, her voice warm but her eyes guarded. Julian nodded, shaking his father's hand. "Of course, Mother. We wouldn't miss a family dinner." But even as he said the words, Julian could feel the tension in the room. His father's grip was a little too tight, his smile a little too forced. As they made their way to the dining room, Julian couldn't help but notice the way his parents' eyes kept flicking to Charlotte, as if they were trying to read her expression. The dinner itself was a somber affair, with little conversation and even less laughter. The only sound was the clink of silverware on china and the occasional murmur of polite small talk. But as the meal drew to a close, Edward cleared his throat and fixed Julian with a steely gaze. "Julian, we need to talk about what's been going on at the company." Julian nodded, his heart sinking. He had known this moment was coming, but he had hoped to avoid it for a little longer.