Chapter 299:
Julie's POV
My brows knitted for a moment, my features setting into absolute bewilderment and shock. It was utterly improbable in fact, from the seventh impossibility in my mind that a man like Mike could be infatuated with me or harbor romantic emotions in his heart.
After all, he was my brother Steve's closest friend for long years, ever since they were together in this town in the past. Surely, he only viewed me as the sister of his lifelong companion and would never actually fall for me. I dusted my palms with a swift, firm motion to rid my fingers of the remnants of fresh leaves and stray stems, turning toward Madam Sophia as I spoke with a coldness laced with helpless surrender: "Madam Sophia, please cease these speculations. Mike is like a brother to me; he is Steve's closest friend."
