Chapter 94

Julius walked in briskly, wearing his heart on his sleeve. "Sorry for the delay. I had a small setback," he said.

Arlen was painting behind a desk. He dropped the brush and approached his friend. “Jules, were you crying?” Arlen tilted his head, concerned as he reached for Julius' mildly swollen face.

“Do not touch me!” Julius jerked away, eyes wide with scorn. But he blinked, returning to his lovable state. Julius walked forward, willingly resting his cheek in the omega's palm. He sighed. “Forgive me, Arlen. I've been on edge these days. I can't help it.”

“No, forgive me. I have burdened your mind far too long. It's bound to take a toll on you. I promise to end your suffering soon. Did you find out anything about Uncle?" Arlen asked.

"No. Unfortunately, there have been few leads, but my men are working hard," Julius said. He briefly glanced over the painting but did not comment. He did not have the soundness to argue about the man brightly shaded on the canvas.

"If you're having troub