Briony was deep in conversation with Ferdinand when she suddenly caught Rosita's gaze. She hesitated, turning her head.
Their eyes met. Rosita curled her lips in a faint, almost dismissive smile, then turned back to respond gently to the guest beside her, as if nothing had happened.
Briony watched her, her eyes cool and unreadable.
Ferdinand leaned in, lowering his voice. "What's wrong?"
Briony pulled her gaze away. "It's nothing," she replied softly.
Ferdinand glanced briefly at Rosita, then looked back to Briony.
Briony slouched against the back of her camping chair, expression blank as Rosita chatted easily with the other guests.
But behind Rosita's serene eyes, Briony saw something darker—a simmering resentment.
Ferdinand's attention drifted to Mary, who caught his eye. She raised an elegant brow, a silent question passing between them before he looked away.
The other guests were clustered around Rosita, eager for her attention.
Lately, Rosita had been basking in the limelight. Although she claimed she'd been feeling under the weather, her radiant features didn't show it.
Before returning home, she'd taken a special overseas trip, spending tens of thousands on some high-end laser treatment; now, her skin was in the best shape it had ever been. Even without makeup, she truly deserved her reputation as the nation's sweetheart.
The women looked on, quietly envious; the men, visibly impressed.
On top of her recent comeback, Rosita's renewed popularity made everyone even more eager to chat with her.
She was soaking up every second, her earlier worries about being exposed now a distant memory.
The production team had set out cocktails for everyone—not too strong, and surprisingly tasty.
Ferdinand leaned over to Briony. "Do you drink?"
She glanced at the peach cocktail in his hand. "I can," she said quietly.
Rosita's smile faltered for just a moment.
She turned to look at Mary.
Mary was still smiling, bright and sweet—but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I've studied a bit, but I'm really not that skilled," Rosita replied, her voice vague.
"Oh, come on, Ms. Lockwood!" Mary laughed, waving her hand. "If you can write such beautiful music, there's no way you're not skilled!"
Rosita pressed her lips together, suddenly lost for words.
The other guests seemed confused.
Driscoll asked, "Miss Mary, what are you talking about? I'm lost."
Mary feigned surprise, glancing around at everyone. "Wait, you all don't know? Have you heard of Ottilie, that breakout singer everyone's been talking about online lately?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Regretting the Wife He Threw Away
Where's the updates. Almost a week now...
Not bad author...