The thought solidified in my mind as I instructed the cab driver to stop. Stepping out of the car, I immediately received a call. Marcus Caldwell, Julian’s best friend and a renowned rake, was on the line.
“How’s Julian?” Marcus asked, his voice smooth but tinged with curiosity.
“He’s asleep. Don’t worry,” I replied. Then, feigning hesitation, I added, “He kept calling for someone named Chloe. It seemed like he wanted to see her. Do you happen to know this Chloe?”
Marcus chuckled on the other end. “Olivia, you’re quite the clever one. Ever considered working for me instead? I’ll double your salary.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “That’s generous of you, Mr. Caldwell, but I don’t think it would be appropriate given your friendship with Julian.”
Marcus laughed again, clearly amused. “Fair enough. But if it’s Chloe you’re curious about, let me enlighten you.”
What followed left me stunned.
Chloe Grant. The name wasn’t unfamiliar, but I had no idea she was Julian’s former love. According to Marcus, Chloe was the one woman who truly matched Julian in every way. They had been childhood sweethearts, the golden couple of their social circle.
“Their families have been close for generations,” Marcus explained. “Julian and Chloe were inseparable until they went abroad for university. Then, something happened—no one knows what—but they broke up. Rumor has it Julian cheated. Who knows? All I can say is, after that, he changed.”
I listened intently as Marcus described how Julian had been before Chloe left. “He was a saint back then,” Marcus said with mock disdain. “Didn’t even look at another woman. He was so boring we didn’t want to hang out with him.”
But once Chloe was out of the picture, Julian transformed. He discovered the joys of freedom—and women.
“In my opinion,” Marcus continued, “that breakup was the best thing that ever happened to him. Look at him now—living the dream, drinking fine wine, surrounded by beautiful women.”
“And Chloe?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“Oh, she’s engaged to some documentary filmmaker. A real nobody, if you ask me,” Marcus replied dismissively. “Her family’s been against it, but she’s stubborn. Got engaged recently, I think.”
That revelation set the wheels turning in my mind. I thanked Marcus for the information, but my thoughts were already elsewhere.