Chapter 17
I opened the message. It read:“Ms. Frost, I will accompany Mr. Jones to meet a client at the Hilton on Friday. You might want to have the suit sent over.”
My mind was reeling. Evan wanted to meet me again? At a secluded hotel where a murder could go unnoticed? What was he planning?
I decided not to speculate; it wasn’t cowardice, but an inability to read his intentions. I just wanted my career, not to get entangled in something complex. After thinking for a while, I decided to play it cool. I didn’t reply.
Down in the parking garage, Gary sighed, putting his phone back in his pocket. Although he shouldn’t push it, he sensed his boss wanted to give Ms. Frost a chance. He’d also heard from Zach that she had applied for the job. It was just that there was a misunderstanding between them. That was why he had sent that message.
However, Ms. Frost didn’t seem like a pushover.
The Bentley pulled out of the complex, passing a Ferrari. Julian parked on the roadside. Unable to reach Olivia by phone or text, he was about to explode. Soon, the resident list for Ocean Rose arrived on his phone.
What surprised him was not to see Olivia’s name on it but that the penthouse resident was… Evan Jones. The Jones family was notoriously private; its members rarely appeared publicly. Julian didn’t run in the same circles but had seen him a few times, once at a gala when he was sixteen. At that time, Evan looked aloof and cold, like a jade statue.
So, Olivia had bought a house here without telling him. Evan lived here, too. Was there a connection? Or was it just a coincidence? He recalled the scene at the golf course…
Driving out of the complex, I saw the familiar Ferrari on the roadside and slammed on the brakes. Julian was smoking, a plume of white smoke curling around his brow, his expression menacing. My brain raced. Soon, I planned my
response.
I stepped out of my car and yanked open his passenger door before sliding in.“Why are you here?” My voice cut through the leather–scented air.“Are you following me?”
Julian lifted the cigarette from his lips, snatched the phone off the dashboard, and flung it onto my lap. The screen glared with Ocean Rose Residences‘ ownership registry.“Explain this.”
I calmly returned the phone.“I worked for years, paid the down payment with my own savings. Broke any laws?”
His gaze sharpened.“Olivia, don’t play games with me. Is it about the money? Why did you buy the house, and why did you hide it from me?”
“I didn’t think it was necessary. I wanted a place of my own, in my name. Is it a problem?” The Shaws used to accuse me of being after Julian’s money and had forced me to sign a prenuptial agreement.
Julian froze, then barked a humorless laugh.“Haven’t I been generous all these years? That Bulgari necklace I gave you alone could buy a penthouse!”
I remained silent.
He fished out his alligator–skin wallet. Platinum cards rained onto my skirt.“Like buying apartments?” The snap of embossed metal punctuated each word.“Buy ten. A hundred. Put your name on every deed.”
I laughed. “You’re so generous.” Perhaps I should put up with his betrayal for the money, becoming a numb, money–making machine. It wouldn’t be so bad. But I couldn’t accept a life of that.
Picking up the wallet, I returned the cards.“I’ll ask you for money when I need it.” As I reached for my hand, he held it down, turning to me.“Don’t you trust me anymore?”
You’re only realizing that now? F
< Chapter 17
Venu
inding him both despicable and endearing, I smiled. It doesn’t matter. You just need to do what makes you happy.” I pulled my hand away.
My phone rang. I froze. Could it be Gary?
Julian noticed my tension, his eyes narrowing. “You ignored my calls; you don’t answer others either?”
I had to take it out. Fortunately, it was Seraphine…
Seeing this, Julian relaxed.“Answer it.” I figured it was the final countdown; his mother was probably worried I’d change my mind.
I answered.“I’m with your son. Should I let him speak to you?”
Seraphine swallowed her words. “No need. I’m calling to ask if you still want that bag you saw earlier.”
“Yes, I’ve sent all my bags for maintenance; I need a new one.”
“Well, come and get it.”
“Thank you.” The conversation ended abruptly.
Julian looked suspicious.“When did you two become so close?”
“Isn’t that good? You want me to fight with your mother?”
Julian thought, this woman was so good at arguing. His anger subsided somewhat. When he showed Olivia the resident list, he was also observing herreaction. She wasn’t focused on Evan’s name; her subsequent reactions centered on his discovery of her house purchase. Therefore, it should be a coincidence. His wife was just having a little tantrum and secretly doing things outside his control. She thought buying an apartment with her own money was a symbol and independence. He could put up with this kind of minor rebellion.
“I’ll drive you home.” He started the car.
“But
my car…”
“I’ll have someone get it.” Julian didn’t allow me to refuse, locking the car doors and driving away.
I had been cautious for the next days and never left the house. Meanwhile, I anticipated Julian’s reaction to my divorce. Initially, he would be furious. So, I planned to leave for a trip, giving him time to cool off. If nothing unexpected happened, he would readily agree; after all, his beloved Rita would be demanding a commitment; my quiet departure would be ideal.
“One more thing,” Sherry reminded me.“Be careful with your mother–in–law. She’s been up to something lately; I’m worried she’ll cause trouble.”
“Don’t worry. Before we get the divorce certificate, she won’t do anything. She’s afraid I’ll change my mind.” I said confidently. Seraphine was probably spreading rumors about Julian and me breaking up, that he was marrying into the Crowe family.
Friday afternoon, I booked my flight to Iceland. Seraphine called again. I knew she had something to say, but I didn’t initiate contact.
I answered.“Hello, Mrs. Shaw.”
“Let’s meet to finalize the agreement.”
“Just have your lawyer meet with mine.”
“Olivia Frost, you upped the demand from 100 million to 150 million, yet balk at finalizing the amended agreement? You will come in person today. I’m waiting at the Hilton–less foot traffic there, reduces visibility risks.”
The Hilton? I recalled Gary’s message. Evan was also there today. What a coincidence.
< Chapter 18
