Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 179

“She might just be an assistant, but Lottie is seriously amazing. She’s got real skills,” Sonja said, giving Will’s shoulder a friendly pat. “Don’t you dare underestimate her.”

Will grinned and looked straight at Lottie. “No way could I do that. You can tell right away Lottie’s got brains.”

Lottie blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear. “You’re flattering me.”

But inside, she loved hearing it. Sonja was always so supportive, always making her feel seen. She’d introduce her to clients and brag about her like nothing Lottie did could ever be wrong. It was the total opposite of Rebecca.

Rebecca never had a nice word for her. Any time Lottie messed up, Rebecca would call her out in front of everyone, making her wish she could disappear.

In the middle of dinner, Sonja’s phone rang. She checked the screen and answered, “Hello, Bruce? What’s up? Something at work? Is it urgent?”

After she hung up, she looked at Lottie and Will, biting her lip. “Sorry, I have to run back to the office. It’s urgent. Lottie, can you hang out with Will for me?”

She stood and shot Will a look. “And Will, don’t you dare mess with my girl. Lottie’s my bestie.”

Will flashed a sly smile. “Come on, give me some credit. I’ll take good care of her.”

As soon as the door closed behind Sonja, Will scooted right up next to Lottie, glass in hand. “You don’t have to be nervous, Lottie. Can you drink?”

Lottie remembered her last disaster with alcohol and shook her head. “I’m not really a drinker.”

“No big deal. Girls shouldn’t drink too much anyway. Here, have a soda.” Will spun the drinks around until the soda landed right in front of her.

Lottie picked it up and took a big sip without thinking.

Will watched her, half-smiling. “So you like sweet drinks, huh?”

Rebecca looked up and, sure enough, it was Lottie. But something was off. Lottie’s face was way too red. She must have had too much to drink.

Cindy pinched her nose. “How much did she have?”

Rebecca pressed her lips together. Back when she treated Lottie like a little sister, she was always looking out for her. No drinking, no smoking, definitely no hanging out with sketchy guys. But ever since Lottie started spending time with Sonja, it was like she’d changed.

Rebecca didn’t plan to get involved. She turned to Cindy. “Let’s go.”

But right as she opened her car door, a soft moan floated over from where Will and Lottie were.

Cindy’s face changed in an instant. “Wait, that’s not just being drunk. I think she’s been drugged.” She leaned in close to Rebecca, her voice low. “Are you going to help her or not?”

Rebecca frowned. If this was Lottie’s choice, fine, she’d stay out of it. But if it wasn’t, there was no way she could just walk away. Even if it were a complete stranger, she’d step in if she could.