Chapter 17
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Julia, having heard of Walter’s location, hurried to the pub with her friends in tow. She was Walter’s ex- girlfriend, and their recent reunion had rekindled old flames.
She could not let another opportunity slip through her fingers, not after the one she missed with the Gordons. She had taken extra care with her appearance, donning a white, flower–dotted dress that flared like a pristine lotus, a stark contrast to the pub’s vibe.
“Check out the lady in red over there. Isn’t that Roslyn, the pop queen?” a friend whispered to Julia, nodding toward the glamorous figure in the distance.
It was difficult not to notice Roslyn, surrounded by a dazzling entourage of gorgeous men and women.
“Why is she everywhere, haunting us like a bad penny?” Julia muttered, spotting Evangeline sipping drinks with Roslyn.
“Isn’t that your sister Evangeline with Roslyn?” someone asked, recognizing her. “How on earth is she rubbing elbows with a star like Roslyn? She’s just a country girl, isn’t she?”
Julia just shook her head, tooking lost. “She’s probably after an autograph,” she guessed. 1
“Oh, the things people do for a signature, even cozying up at the bar,” scoffed one of Julia’s friends.
After Walter’s grand New Year’s Eve gesture with the fireworks and the cruise ship, everyone was convinced Julia was on the fast track to becoming Mrs. Walter Gordon.
Thus, Julia had her own fan club, with people treating her like she was the center of the universe. When the group spotted her, they buzzed over to her, eager to amuse Julia, like flies drawn to honey.
Julia played the part of the innocent bystander, watching the scene with feigned demureness.
“Well, if it isn’t the woman Walter Gordon dumped. What’s wrong? Couldn’t snag a man, so you’re here hunting for some fresh meat?” taunted one of Julia’s entourage with a sneer.
Their jeering broke the cheerful atmosphere around Evangeline and her friends, casting a shadow over their spirits.
“Who invited this party crasher? Seriously, are we just letting anyone in these days?” Roslyn’s mood soured as she took a delicate sip of her red wine, her laugh tinged with scorn.
Evangeline remained unfazed by the insult. She was not about to stoop to their level. However, Roslyn, fiercely protective of her friend, was ready to throw punches until Evangeline grabbed her arm to stop her.
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