Lindsay stared in surprise at Julie’s flushed, furious face. Then, suddenly, she threw her head back and burst into loud, mocking laughter. Julie’s chest rose and fell sharply as she glared at her. She hadn’t been this angry even when Lindsay had humiliated her moments ago—but insulting her was one thing, insulting Arthur was something else entirely. It took a long while before Lindsay finally stopped laughing. “Julie,” she sneered, “you actually have the nerve to call Arthur your brother?” Julie’s expression faltered, paling slightly. But Lindsay wasn’t about to let up. “Everyone knows how the Gray family treated Arthur when he was young. And you were one of the ones who mistreated him! Now that he’s successful, you suddenly claim him as your brother? Trying to cozy up to him, is that it?” Julie’s face turned ashen. She shook her head instinctively, but no words came. Every time she thought back to the things she had done to Arthur, her heart twisted with shame. She couldn’t understand how she could have been so cruel, so blind. Even after learning the truth—that Arthur had been wronged and Zac was to blame—she had still fallen for the You family’s lies and doubted him again. She had never once thought of using him. She only hoped Arthur and Ashley could live well, without her disturbing their lives. But she would never tolerate anyone slandering him. Julie closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again, her gaze was sharp and unwavering. “Lindsay! I do owe Arthur, but no matter what, I will never let you insult or slander him!” Not even behind his back. Lindsay stared at her in disbelief. “Have you lost your mind? You’re yelling at me? Do you know who I am?” Lindsay wasn’t just Julie’s direct superior—she was also the daughter of Lund Corp’s chairman. Even if her father didn’t value her much, her identity alone let her throw her weight around in the company without consequence. No one dared talk back to her. But Julie lifted her chin stubbornly, her eyes unyielding. “I don’t care who you are. I won’t let you insult Arthur. He’s walked an upright path, saved countless children from bullying—he’s a man who can face the world without shame. What gives you the right to speak about him that way?”Julie, who had always swallowed her pride at Lund Corp, now stood her ground without a flicker of hesitation because it was about Arthur. Lindsay slammed her palm on the table, livid. “Julie! You dare talk to me like this? You’ll regret it!” With one last glare, she turned on her heel and stormed out. Julie exhaled slowly as she watched her leave. She knew she had just lost her job. But thinking of Arthur, the corner of her lips lifted faintly. She owed him too much—this wasn’t much of a gesture, but it eased her heart just a little. Later, in a cramped rented apartment in Seacity, Julie walked in with a termination letter in hand, her head hung low. Rosie hurried over. “What happened?” She caught sight of the paper and snatched it up. “They fired you?” Julie gave a small, noncommittal nod. Rosie frowned. “Was it Lindsay again?” Julie shook her head but didn’t hide the truth. “She insulted Arthur. I couldn’t take it, so I—” Rosie understood without needing to hear the rest. She fetched a glass of water for Julie, then hesitated before speaking. “Today, I joined the Anti Bullying Force Arthur started.” The words hit Julie like a thunderclap. “You… what did you say?!” she asked in shock. Rosie, startled by her reaction, instinctively began to explain.