Julian wondered what on earth Arthur might be preparing to disclose—something that could shape the rest of his existence. The idea felt ridiculous, yet this exchange carried real weight, as long as Arthur refrained from lunging at him or unleashing a flood of accusations.

He had every justification to react harshly, and Julian could only hope the man would choose restraint.

"Damn, I can't believe I'm actually going through with this," Arthur muttered with a heavy sigh. "I'll probably regret it soon enough."

Julian stared at him, equally puzzled by the encounter. Arthur was behaving strangely.

Arthur looked furious, without question, but the impending revelation did not appear tied directly...