CEO Ex-Husband, Don't Bother Me-Chapter 15: Moving Out (1)
Julian Donovan stood there, his eyes narrowed and his face expressionless. He hadn’t softened in the slightest at Naomi Shaw’s recent concern. When you don’t love someone, everything they do for you—all their kindness—is met with disdain.
Ian Shaw glanced at Julian Donovan and said,
"Julian, come with me for a moment!"
"Yes!"
After answering, Julian Donovan followed Ian Shaw inside. He walked away with cold indifference, not even sparing a glance for Naomi Shaw, who was standing off to the side.
Naomi Shaw watched his rigid back, a faint sorrow flickering in her eyes. ’How did I end up such a failure? It’s bad enough that he doesn’t like me, but now I’ve also offended Tyson.’
In the study, Ian Shaw mulled things over for a moment before saying to Julian Donovan,
"Julian, as a doctor, you must be well aware of my condition. I don’t have much time left!"
Julian Donovan remained silent. Ian Shaw’s condition was indeed poor; he had stomach cancer, and the cells had already begun to metastasize widely. Still, he advised Ian Shaw,
"I suggest you undergo surgery to remove it first. There might be some improvement!"
’In reality, there would be no real improvement. It would only buy him a little more time.’
Ian Shaw nodded.
"Yes, I’ve already told them to make the arrangements. Don’t tell Naomi about my illness. When the time comes, just say I’ve gone abroad on business!"
"Okay!"
Julian Donovan agreed, and Ian Shaw continued,
"From your performance these past few days, I can tell you’re exceptionally capable and quick-witted. I want to hand The Shaw Dominion over to you in the future. That kid Tyson has been with me for many years, but he doesn’t have what it takes to be the boss. He’s all brawn and no brains!"
Julian Donovan was surprised.
"The Shaw Dominion is your life’s work. You should leave it to Miss Shaw’s future husband!"
Ian Shaw waved his hand dismissively.
"I’m not so old-fashioned as to insist on passing it down to my own child. Whoever is most capable should be the boss. Besides, I believe you will bring our brothers a better future!"
As Ian Shaw spoke, a look of worry crossed his face.
"The only one I worry about is Naomi. She’s my only family. You know how she feels about you, and I know you have someone you love, too. I’m not forcing you to accept her. I just hope that after I’m gone, you’ll treat her well. Just look after her like a little sister. Find a good, caring man for her so she won’t have to suffer!"
An image of her delicate, gentle face flashed through Julian Donovan’s mind, and something inside him softened.
"You can rest assured. I will take good care of her."
’Treating her like a little sister... that, he could do.’
Ian Shaw looked immensely relieved.
"Your words have put my mind at ease!"
Julian Donovan hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"Godfather, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you!"
"What is it?" Ian Shaw asked. Julian Donovan said,
"I’d like to move out. I prefer living alone..."
’He wanted to move out, partly because he genuinely preferred the quiet, but also to completely avoid seeing her. If he stayed here, they would inevitably run into each other, and incidents like today would only happen again. He didn’t want to make things awkward for everyone.’
Ian Shaw saw through his intentions. He considered it for a moment, then said,
