Out of Control: Into Your Everything-Chapter 71: Well Raised, Yet Still Runs Away

The stranger’s voice was like death’s whisper. Scarlett Shaw instantly felt overwhelming shame, forcefully pushed Julian Ford aside, tidied her clothes, and swiftly leapt onto the window sill and out.

Fortunately, it was the second floor, with greenery below and tall trees for cover. Scarlett only twisted her ankle when she landed.

As for Julian Ford.

The man was now standing by the window, his gaze lowered, leisurely watching the person who just jumped hobble back to the restaurant.

His attractive lips curled slightly, "Really thinks she’s a cat."

The waiter came with the key, ready to open the door.

The door opened from the inside, and Julian Ford walked out impeccably dressed.

The waiter gaped, "Mr. Ford, what are you doing inside?"

Julian Ford fastened the button at his collarbone, glanced at the waiter, who immediately closed his mouth and hurried to lead the guests inside.

Scarlett encountered Julian Ford again when she reached the stairs on the first floor.

He looked calm and composed, his shirt and trousers impeccably neat, appearing exactly as he did when they met in the corridor earlier.

Even leaving the private room, he was bold and confident, nobody dared to ask, and nobody dared to utter a word.

In contrast, she was not only emotionally turbulent but had sprained her ankle too.

Really unlucky.

On the second floor, Ryan Ford exited a private room, coincidentally witnessing Julian Ford and Scarlett Shaw ahead, one looking composed, the other with reddened ears just fading, her steps slightly awkward.

"Scarlett?" Ryan Ford approached with concern, "What happened to your foot?"

Scarlett moved aside, "It’s none of your business."

Ryan Ford: "I know it’s none of my business, I’m asking how you got hurt."

Scarlett: "..."

Ryan Ford was about to crouch down to check when Julian Ford’s voice rang out, "Still making mom and dad wait?"

Ryan Ford paused, ceasing his action.

Scarlett walked away without looking back.

In the private room, Freya Pierce saw Julian Ford return and playfully chided, "Why did it take so long just to go to the restroom."

"Work call."

Julian Ford replied succinctly, looking disinterested.

Freya Pierce: "A few days ago, your father and I also talked with the Walsh family about you and Lynn. The wedding should be on a good date, no rush, but the engagement can be settled first."

Julian Ford picked up the teapot, pouring a cup for Freya, "You can arrange it."

Freya showed a contented smile.

Suddenly recalling something, she became more serious, "Since you’re getting married, all other relationships should be severed. You bear the responsibility and image of the Ford family; don’t let any inappropriate news get out and make us a laughingstock."

Julian Ford: "Sure."

Freya smiled faintly.

It seemed her last hospitalization profoundly impacted her son; he was much more compliant on the marriage issue. Clearly, he cared deeply for her as his mother and didn’t want to see her upset.

The topic often revolved around Julian Ford. Ezra Ford glanced at Ryan and suddenly asked, "Didn’t you say you were going to bring that long-term girlfriend to meet us? Why no progress?"

Ryan Ford smirked lightly, "She’s been sulking with me lately, haven’t coaxed her back."

Ezra Ford nodded, "If you’re patient enough to coax, clearly you care."

"Of course."

Ryan Ford leisurely sipped his tea.

Scarlett’s boyfriend being Aaron Carson posed no threat to him.

It only depended on when he decided to act.

"Julian!"

Freya suddenly exclaimed, bringing Ryan and Ezra’s gaze over.

Julian Ford’s hand was spilled with scalding tea, turning bright red.

Elsewhere.

When Scarlett returned to the private room, Skyler Miller and President Lawson were both flushed red from drinking, quite inebriated.

Skyler, being quite the drinker, had two empty bottles of white liquor on the table and was still sober, told Scarlett, "Get a driver for President Lawson."

Scarlett nodded, took out her phone to do so.

President Lawson looked quite drunk, unsteady. Scarlett and Skyler helped him to the door, and as the driver brought the car over, President Lawson’s large hand suddenly touched Scarlett’s back, instinctively she flinched, and he had already boarded the car.

Scarlett’s back stiffened.

Skyler didn’t notice these details, and after everyone left, she remarked, "This Roman Lawson is really tough."

Scarlett nodded, "Seems like he won’t be swayed."

Skyler pinched her brow, looking somewhat troubled.

After seeing off Skyler, Scarlett called a taxi to return home.

She wasn’t great with alcohol, and tonight, mixing red and white had taken its toll, leaving her dizzy. As she reached home, struggling to unlock the door, someone embraced her from behind.

Scarlett was startled, her self-defensive instincts kicking in, she swung her bag at the person.

The bag didn’t hit the person; her wrist was caught.

"It’s me."

As the lights came on, Julian Ford calmly closed the door, looked down, and rubbed her ear, "Just kissed you a few hours ago, and you can’t recognize me?"

The warm orange lights reflected in Julian’s eyes, softened.

Scarlett was momentarily dazed.

Julian’s hand slid down from her ear, rested on her waist, and with one hand lifted her upstairs, he placed her on the bed, then continued downward to hold her ankle.

"Still hurt?"

"Hurt."

Scarlett didn’t actually feel pain but inexplicably lied and said it did.

Julian Ford: "Knowing it would hurt, you dared to jump?"

Scarlett didn’t respond.

People are just like that, many things, knowing they’re impossible, still heading for a wall, either for the faint hope or to let themselves give up completely.

Julian’s palm carried the winter night’s coolness, penetrating her skin. Scarlett only felt her whole body burning, she withdrew, back against the headboard, gaze lowering, her voice resolute and calm:

"It’s over, Julian Ford."

A reminder for him, and herself.

Julian didn’t press her further but sat by the bed, casually remarking, "You’re pretty bold now."

Scarlett touched her nose, grumbled softly, "Means you raised me well." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Julian chuckled lightly, "Raised you well, yet you still run?"

Scarlett: "..."

Scarlett had considered, if she and Julian were equal in status, without any engagement, even without feelings, with her nature, she might still fight a little. But the gap between them was as vast as heaven and earth, she couldn’t afford it.

Though she always believed life is about experiences, she wouldn’t knowingly leap into the abyss.

Julian stared into Scarlett’s large, clear eyes, one leg resting on the bed, as he leaned in to kiss her. Scarlett wanted to push him away, but before she could lift her hand, Julian turned away and released her.

"Exactly how much did you drink."

His tone was entirely disdainful.

Scarlett: "I was working tirelessly."

Julian was put off by the smell of alcohol, unable to kiss her, so he simply held her on his lap, casually said, "Take it easy. The company won’t miss a person like you. Drinking more doesn’t pay."

Scarlett lightly hmmed, "You surely know how to be a boss."

Julian pinched her waist, "Didn’t you not treat me as ’boss’, hmm?"

Running faster than a rabbit.