Before, she would never have dared to fight back against Julian.
But now, with that over–the–shoulder throw, she hadn’t hesitated for a second.
Julian was left completely stunned.
He lay flat on the floor, motionless.
Blinking up at the ceiling, it took him a moment to even register where he was.
At first, Lily felt a flicker of regret, but the rush that came after was almost addictive.
So, this was what it felt like to have the upper hand over a man.
How had she never realized it before?
Well, better late than never, especially now that she’d remembered who she was.
“Alright, are you ready to talk to me properly now?”
Hearing that, Julian had no fight left in him and simply nodded blankly.
“Fine. I’ll do whatever you say.”
A satisfied smile lit up Lily’s striking features.
Arms folded, she nodded. “That’s more like it. Whatever happens, we should be able to talk things
through.
“I don’t want to use force on you. It’s you who pushed me to it.”
Julian clambered up awkwardly, showing little reaction to her words.
He only asked dully, “If you truly don’t hold a grudge, then I’m willing to believe you.”
Lily nodded. “Of course I don’t hold a grudge.
“Honestly, before, I just couldn’t stand seeing you live so well. But now, it’s obvious you’re worse off than I am–what’s the point of me holding anything against you?”
A faint, bitter smile curved Julian’s lips.
He understood exactly what she meant.
Clearly, she had once thought he lived far too well, too polished and untouchable.
But now, with such a stark contrast, she could see it clearly.
Chapter 1076
+15 BONUS
“So, what do we do now?”
Once Julian understood what Lily meant, he was no longer as resolute as before.
After all, they both knew this was a matter of mutual benefit–there was no shame in it.
They were adults; they understood the nature of give–and–take.
Lily lowered her head, motioning toward the chain on her ankle.
“Aren’t you going to take this off? Or do you plan on sending me out like this?”
At her words, Julian quickly moved to unlock it.
“So, Lily–ah, no… Your Highness, should we go straight back to Westford to find your father, the king?”
He corrected himself quickly.
After everything, he knew only one thing was genuine–mutual advantage.
In the adult world, nothing was ever simple.
Since both sides were willing to use each other, there was nothing to condemn.
Julian prided himself on recognizing the tide and moving with it.
She’d claimed to be a princess, and her unintentional poise and presence were nothing like before.
Changing how he addressed her cost him nothing, and there was no loss in it for him at all.
In fact, it was the smartest move for both of them.
Once the chain was off, Lily’s presence rose another notch.
She rolled her ankle, a delighted expression brightening her face.
It had been far too long since she’d felt this kind of freedom.
The rare ease almost felt strange to her.
Julian watched her movements without comment.
She had earned this.
After all, anyone locked up for so long would carry some resentment in their heart.
Chapter 1077
