Chapter 169
The sharp click of high heels faded into the distance.
A mocking smile touched Julian Winston's lips.
The bitterness of love?
Ridiculous.
He never believed in such things.
The bar door swung open again.
A young girl in a pleated school-style skirt emerged.
Her curled hair cascaded over her shoulders.
Her makeup was flawless.
She looked like an expensive doll in a display case.
"Julian…"
She cooed, moving closer.
Julian sidestepped her advance.
His arm snaked out.
He pulled Olivia Lopez, who had been watching, into his embrace.
Olivia stumbled against his chest, caught off guard.
Julian lifted his eyes to the girl.
"Sorry."
"I'm taken."
The girl bit her lip, shooting Olivia a glare.
She turned and left, displeasure evident in her stride.
"Using me as a shield?"
Olivia scoffed coldly, pushing him away.
"Get your hand off."
Julian had been about to release her.
Now he changed his mind.
"No."
Olivia laughed in frustration.
"Fine."
Her hand shot out, twisting his wrist sharply.
Julian hissed in pain.
"Let go! You'll break it!"
Olivia raised an eyebrow.
"Still feeling cheeky?"
"No! I was wrong!"
She loosened her grip.
But then she placed his hand back on her own waist.
Julian was stunned.
Olivia spoke calmly.
"Now you can remove it."
Julian laughed, exasperated.
This woman was doing it on purpose.
It was downright insulting.
The bar door burst open.
A man stormed out, furious.
"Olivia Lopez! You're a full hour late!"
"I thought you'd been in an accident."
"Turns out you're just flirting with some random guy?"
His eyes landed on Julian's hand.
He let out a cold laugh.
"The deal's off."
"I don't do business with people who can't keep time."
He turned and left without another word.
Olivia smacked Julian's hand away.
"Want another lesson?"
Julian quickly withdrew his hand.
Olivia sighed, watching the man's retreating back.
A promising business contact.
Gone, just like that.
"This is your fault."
"Your driving is atrocious."
"Go back to driving school."
Julian stood quietly, accepting the scolding.
"Was that the youngest son of the Chen family?"
"What were you discussing with him?"
Olivia shot him a look.
"None of your business."
"I want to make it up to you."
"Anything he can offer, I can too."
Olivia gave him a strange, appraising look.
"You sure?"
"Absolutely."
Olivia studied him carefully.
The Winston family's influence far surpassed the Chens'.
He was emotionally stable.
Knew how to have fun.
Most importantly.
He was clean with breakups.
Perfect for her needs right now.
"Fine."
"Shall we talk inside?"
Julian raised an eyebrow.
"Let's talk."
A satisfied smile touched Olivia's lips.
She grabbed his tie and pulled him forward.
"Let's go."
Julian stumbled, pulled off balance by her force.
This woman was too rough.
...
Victoria Roscente had been in a funk for two days.
But she soon returned to her usual self.
Not having to cater to Isabella Langley's whims made her life much easier.
Today, the ladies had organized a high tea.
Exquisite floral teas.
Delicate pastries.
Victoria wore a new designer suit.
She sat on a plush leather sofa, enjoying the soft music.
"Mrs. Roscente, you're looking a bit pale."
Mrs. Lee spoke with a sugary smile.
"Trouble at home?"
Victoria's smile tightened.
"The heat is affecting my sleep."
Mrs. Lee pursed her lips.
"Poor sleep is one thing."
"A rotten heart is much harder to fix."
Victoria's grip tightened on her teacup.
She rose gracefully, smiling.
"It's stuffy in here. I need some air."
She exited the private room with poise.
Whispers followed her.
"Who does she think she's fooling?"
"Everyone knows about her family drama."
"That poor girl who miscarried."
"Some people bring it on themselves."
Victoria reached the main hall.
She was about to signal a server.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the reception desk.
"You can't go in without a reservation!"
"Screw the reservation! I'm here to see someone!"
"Step aside!"