Chapter 23

I fell to the ground. Julian, still reeling from my divorce announcement, was struck by Rita’s words.

Julian, darling, she’s unclean. Last night, she slept with eight men; one of them had AIDS. She’s filthy, rotten, a complete slut! Do you still want her?” Rita’s venomous words, fueled by jealousy and resentment, completely overshadowed the fact that her words exposed her crime–a crime punishable by imprisonment. She only wanted to humiliate me in front of Julian.

The

guests were stunned. Eight men in one night? One with AIDS? Was this true? But they immediately noticed a key detail: how did Rita know this? Seraphine seemed to realize something; her body swayed; her face went ashen.

I got to my feet, looking at Rita with utter disdain. I haven’t even gotten around to settling the score with you, and you’re already exposing yourself–stupid and wicked!” Turning to Seraphine, I added, “This is your prized daughter–in–law? A daughter–in–law who can join you in evil, crime, and prison?” Seraphine choked, speechless.

Julian’s eyes were dark and terrifying. The Crowes looked uneasy. The guests pieced it together: had Rita and Seraphine conspired against me? This explained the dramatic scene; my injured wrist, the signs of assault. Even the most promiscuous woman wouldn’t sleep with eight men in one night, one of them infected–even if she wanted to die, she wouldn’t self–harm so drastically. If Rita and Seraphine had done this, they were incredibly vicious.

“Why are you looking at me? Don’t listen to her! She’s promiscuous; she has AIDS! Stay away from her; you might get infected….“* Rita, still unaware of the gravity of the situation, shouted, smearing my reputation.

him, his eyes filled with murderous intent. “What did you do to her? What did you do to her?!” He roared, his heart breaking. Rita struggled for breath, terrified; he seemed…

reacted, prying Julian’s hands away

Julian, calm down. My sister might be talking

if it’s true, you can’t accuse Rita without evidence! What if Olivia, unable to resist temptation, went out and got caught, and Rita heard about

but I didn’t immediately retort or argue with him. I knew some people loved to put on a show. Sure enough, Rita immediately put on a pitiful act, tears streaming down her face; she was both helpless and innocent. “Julian, darling, why would I do something like

You have no feelings for each other; we’re the true lovers; she’s the third wheel! She should step aside!” The shameless logic disgusted many. Especially the wives present; dealing with mistresses was their daily routine; they couldn’t relate

no sign of softening.“Can you vouch for what you said?” He meant that she hadn’t plotted

you did, you wouldn’t be silent. Those men were unreachable; even if she was assaulted, would she have the energy to catch them? Olivia Frost, even if you create a scene, even if Julian is angry now, will he still want you

onlookers. Mrs. Crowe launched into a tirade, using every foul word she could think of. Seraphine remained

< Chapter 23

to the center of the ballroom, staring at Rita,

out my phone; Rita’s voice echoed through the

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