The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 354

He rolled the name around in his mouth. "Lavinia Gilmore. It's perfect. Judith, this was destined."

Julian paced the study, already mentally drafting the guest list for the Ancestor Recognition Ceremony, figuring out which elites needed to be notified that the true Gilmore heiress had returned.

"Julian," Judith said gently, leaning back in her armchair. "Lavinia was raised by the Joplins. Latham loves her like his own flesh and blood, and Saul protects her like a true brother. We have to respect Lavinia's and the Joplins' wishes on this matter."

Julian stopped pacing. He looked at his great-aunt's serene face and, after a moment, nodded.

"I understand. I'll have Charley arrange a meeting with her cousin Saul tomorrow to get a feel for where the Joplins stand." He paused, then added, "But no matter what, she is my cousin, and I'm claiming her."

***

Charley called Saul and invited him to dinner without mentioning the occasion. Saul showed up without a second thought, only to push open the private room doors and find a third person at the table.

Charley stood up to introduce them. "Julian Gilmore. He's the eldest son of the Marina Island Gilmores, and a good friend of mine."

Julian offered a warm smile and extended his hand. "Saul, it's an honor. Charley speaks highly of you all the time."

Julian was elegant but unpretentious, while Saul had an intellectual charm mixed with a rugged edge. The two hit it off immediately.

After a few rounds of drinks and easy conversation, Julian gently steered the topic toward the truth about Lavinia's parentage.

Saul sat frozen. He slowly turned his head to look at Charley. "You knew about this too?"

"I only found out last night," Charley said. "Didn't you notice how distracted she was yesterday?"

Saul opened his mouth, but no words came out. When Lavinia had solemnly set up those memorial candles last night, he had honestly just thought she was informing her late parents about her divorce.

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