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.

eyes filled with murderous intent. “What did you do to her? What did you do to her?!” He roared, his heart

brothers reacted, prying Julian’s hands away

down. My sister

What if Olivia, unable to resist temptation, went out and

“Julian, darling, why would I do something like that? My best friend saw Olivia at the hotel, entering a room. And before Olivia went in, she saw several men entering, one of them

who came first. Being married doesn’t mean anything! 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 to Rita and wanted to spit on her. How could someone be

for what you said?” He meant that she hadn’t plotted against me.

pain and die a horrible death!” Rita’s voice was firm. She looked at me triumphantly. Hah, you have no proof; if 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 when he calms down? The winner is still me!

into a tirade, using every foul

< Chapter 23

Then, I elegantly walked to the center of the ballroom, staring at Rita,

Rita’s voice echoed

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