At dawn, Julian made one last visit to the Hale residence.

He shared his decision with Jeffrey, who was visibly stunned.

Setting down his teacup with deliberate care, Jeffrey slowly spoke. “Julian, I’ve always held onto the hope that you and Fran might find your way back to each other. But now you’re leaving with that Caldwell girl, of all people. If this gets out, how will it look? You’ll never be able to explain your way out of it. Fran... just thinking ...