Chapter 10
Julianne stormed into Tony’s living room, her heels clicking sharply against the polished hardwood floor. She had barely shut the door behind her before she turned on him, her face flushed with anger.
“You’re dumping me?” she demanded. “After everything I’ve done for you?”
Tony, sitting stiffly on the edge of the couch, ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression a conflicted mix of guilt and determination.
His knee bounced slightly, betraying his nerves as he struggled to find the words.
“Julianne, this… this isn’t working,” he said at last, his tone low but resolute. “It’s more than just…well, it’s time.”
“More than what?” she echoed, her voice rising. “What the hell does that mean, Tony? We’re engaged! You don’t just break off an engagement with some vague excuse!”
Tony squirmed uncomfortably, unable to meet her glare directly. “Max doesn’t approve,” he admitted finally, the words heavy with finality.
Julianne blinked, stunned into brief silence. Then her fury returned tenfold. “Max?” she spat, crossing her arms. “Max doesn’t approve? Since when does Max dictate your personal life?”
Tony stood, towering over her, but his discomfort was clear. “Since always,” he admitted reluctantly. “Max’s opinion matters. To me, to my family, to everyone in the organization. If he doesn’t think we’re a good match—” He shrugged helplessly. “Then we’re not.”
Julianne’s lips curled into a sneer. “You’re dumping me because Max Diatras doesn’t like me? Did he even say anything, or are you just assuming?”
Tony hesitated, his jaw tightening. “He didn’t have to say anything,” he said quietly. “I just… know.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Julianne snapped, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “You’re seriously telling me you’re ending this because of a vibe you got from your boss? What does he even have against me?”
Tony’s silence was damning. He didn’t need to spell it out for her.
Max’s disapproval had nothing to do with her as a person and everything to do with what she wanted.
Money. Power. Influence. Julianne had thought she was smart enough to play the game, but apparently, Max had seen right through her.
Julianne let out a bitter laugh. “You’re pathetic, Tony. I thought you had a spine, but clearly, you’re just another one of Max’s puppets.”
“Don’t do that, Julianne,” Tony warned, his tone firming. “You don’t understand how this world works.”
“Oh, I understand perfectly,” she shot back, grabbing her purse from the arm of the couch.
“I thought you were my ticket to the top, but clearly, I hitched myself to the wrong star.” She paused, letting her gaze move up and down his body, a sneer curling her lip.
“I don’t need you, Tony, and I sure as hell don’t need Max’s approval. ”
She spun on her heel, storming toward the door. Pausing only long enough to glare at him over her shoulder, she added, “You’ll regret this, Tony. I promise you that.”
With that, Julianne slammed the door behind her, her mind racing as she strode down the sidewalk. I need a new plan, she thought, her fury fueling her determination. If Max won’t let me in through Tony, I’ll find another way. There’s always another way.
Her jaw tightened as she glanced at the sleek cars lining the street. Tony might have been the easiest route to wealth and power, but he wasn’t her only option. She had ambition, and she wouldn’t let anyone—not Tony, not Max, not anyone—stand in her way.