Chapter 399: Sloane Bennett Snatched the Glass from Julian Cross's Hand

"Stop spacing out. Hand me the water glass." Sloane Bennett snatched the glass from Julian Cross's hand.

Julian's lips twitched. "Can we discuss something?"

"Speak." Sloane gulped the ice water, sighing in satisfaction.

"Could you be gentler with me? We're supposed to be lovers, not enemies. My mother will worry."

"Worry about what?"

"That her son is being bullied at home!"

Sloane: "..."

"Sweetheart~ Is this tone better?" She suddenly pitched her voice higher, batting her eyelashes. "Will Auntie like this dress? I picked it out just for her"

Julian shuddered, goosebumps rising. "Never mind. Just be your usual self."

The affected sweetness made his skin crawl.

"Say 'usual' one more time. I dare you."

Julian backtracked instantly. "Gentle. Extremely gentle."

Sloane rolled her eyes, finishing her makeup in record time.

"Let's go."

Julian studied her face. "That makeup..."

"No-makeup makeup. Designed to fool clueless men like you." She smirked. "Can you even tell I'm wearing any?"

The veteran of countless such deceptions, Julian: "..."

He sensed hidden mockery.

At the Cross villa, Phoebe Cross waited eagerly.

Spotting her son's car, she rushed forward—completely bypassing Julian—to warmly embrace Sloane.

"Sloane, darling! Come inside quickly. The sun's too harsh today."

Julian: "..." Was he adopted?

"Auntie, I'm so sorry for being late. I worked late last night and overslept." Sloane's voice dripped honey. "Choosing the outfit and doing my makeup took forever."

Julian, entering just then, gritted his teeth at the saccharine act.

She was absolutely doing this on purpose!

Phoebe patted her hand sympathetically. "All-nighters ruin your complexion. Mrs. Palmer—"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Prepare Sloane some bird's nest soup. And book a mobile spa—the anti-aging recovery package—for 3 PM."

"Of course~" Sloane's eyes lit up.

Rich women truly knew how to live. This deal was paying off already.

She glanced at Julian, suddenly finding their arrangement slightly more tolerable.

* * *

Lunch was extravagantly lavish, with even Julian's father, Leonard Cross, returning from the office specially.

Afterwards, Phoebe mysteriously led Sloane to the bedroom, presenting an embroidered box. "Open it."

The lid lifted—Sloane's breath caught.

A museum-grade emerald bangle, flawless in clarity with minimal inclusions, its rounded band glowing richly.

This quality could headline an auction.