The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 87: Are you a billionaire?

He walked through the penthouse to the front door. He looked at the security screen to see who was standing there.

His eyes widened in surprise. It was Eleanor.

​He opened the door and forced a small smile. "Mother, it’s lovely to see you," he said.

​Eleanor didn’t wait for an invite. She stepped inside, her expensive heels clicking on the marble floor. She looked perfect, as always, not a single hair out of place even this early in the morning. She looked around the quiet penthouse.

​"You didn’t answer my calls last night, Julian," she said, her voice smooth but firm. "I assumed you were busy with your... projects."

​Julian tied his robe tighter. He didn’t like her being here so early, especially with Lyvana still in bed. "It’s 7 a.m., Mother. Most people are still asleep."

​"I am not most people," Eleanor replied. She turned to him, her expression turning serious. "And we have things to discuss. Important things. About the family name and the choices you are making."

"Always a pleasure," Julian muttered.

Eleanor walked into the living room and sat down on the velvet sofa.

​"I am here because I want to meet this woman," Eleanor said, her eyes tracking Julian’s every move. "She has you not thinking straight."

​Julian had many flings in the past, and Eleanor had never really cared about them. She usually ignored the models and socialites he brought around. But this was different. Julian was acting differently. It was almost as though he was in love.

​Although Eleanor disliked Catalina, she would not allow any uncouth woman or gold digger near her son. To Eleanor, the family name was a shield that had to stay clean.

​"She is sleeping, Mother," Julian said.

"She is here?"

"Am afraid so."

Eleanor looked at the closed bedroom door. "She must be special then, if you brought her here. Since she is already here, she won’t mind a little morning chat."

With that, she got up and headed straight for the bedroom.

"Mother wait..."

Eleanor did not wait for Julian to finish. She pushed the bedroom door open and stepped inside.

​Lyvana was still lying on the bed, propped up against the pillows, her hair messy from sleep. When she saw the elegant woman in the doorway, her heart began to race. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

​Eleanor stopped at the foot of the bed. She didn’t say anything at first. She just stared at Lyvana with sharp, curious eyes.

​"So," Eleanor said. "You are the one."

​Julian stepped into the room quickly and stood next to the bed. He put a protective hand on Lyvana’s shoulder.

​"Mother, this is Lyvana," Julian said. His voice was firm. "Lyvana, this is my mother, Eleanor."

​Lyvana gave a shy smile, trying to cover herself properly with the cloth. This has become a bit awkward.

​"It is nice to meet you." Lyvana said softly.

​Eleanor walked closer and sat at the foot of the bed.

​"You are very beautiful," Eleanor noted. "There must be something special about you, that’s why my son fell for you."

​Lyvana felt her face grow warm. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Is there something I should know before we take this forward? You know I don’t like scandals."

Lyvana turned to Julian, who gave her a wink.

"We are handling it," he said.

"Handling what."

"Handling whatever it is, and in good time you will know."

"Julian Harrison Grant III," Eleanor snapped. "I hope you know what you are doing."

Lyvana frowned slightly at the name she called him. Was that his real name?

Why did it sound so familiar.

​"I better leave, we will talk later," Eleanor said, her heels clicking toward the hallway. "Bring her over on Sunday to my beach house. I want to get to know her better."

​She was already turning away. There was no room for arguments. Eleanor Grant didn’t ask; she decided.

​"We will be there, Mother," Julian called out.

​The heavy front door clicked shut, and the penthouse fell silent again. Julian let out a long breath and sat down on the edge of the bed next to Lyvana. He looked at her and saw the confused look on her face.

​"Julian?" she asked softly. "The name she called you... was that your real name?"

​Julian stayed still for a moment. He ran a hand through his hair and looked at his lap. He knew this moment would come. He had been hiding behind a simpler life, but his mother’s visit had cracked that mask.

​"It’s my real name," he said. "Very few know it." freewebnøvel.coɱ

​"Who are you really, Julian?" she whispered.

​Julian leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I’m the man who loves you. I’m the father of your babies. That is the only part that matters."

Lyvana picked up her phone. She typed a name into the search bar: Julian Harrison Grant III.

​"What are you doing?" Julian asked with a grin. He looked relaxed, leaning back against the pillows.

​Lyvana didn’t answer. She watched the screen as the results loaded. There were not many recent photos of him. He clearly liked his privacy. But the ones she found were definitely him.

​In the photos, Julian looked younger.

​The news called him the Heir to a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire.

Julian’s grin softened, turning into something more serious, more guarded. "I’m still just Julian," he said quietly.

​Lyvana looked back at the phone. There were titles like ’Born a billionaire’ and ’The Grant Dynasty’s Golden Son.’ It felt like she was looking at a stranger.

​"The news says you own half the city and beyond."

​"They exaggerate," Julian said, though he didn’t deny it. He reached out and gently took the phone from her hand, setting it face down.

"Wait... so you are like a billionaire?" she asked. "I know we agreed not to talk about our personal lives but... I guess am curious."

Julian sat up. There was no reason to lie to her.

"I suppose I am," he said quietly.