Chapter 20
The next day at lunch, Tamia insisted on meeting Charlotte at Le Bernardin, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive fine dining establishments. She was worried about Charlotte’s mental state after the whole Jasper shitstorm.]
Le Bernardin occupied prime real estate on West
impeccable French cuisine.]
51st Street, its Michelin–starred reputation drawing the city’s elite to its understated elegance and
Halfway through their meal, Charlotte excused herself like she was preparing for a fucking photo shoot.[]
to
the ladies‘ room–only to find Valeria standing at the marble vanity, touching up her makeup
Valeria wore a designer Valentino dress that probably cost more than “I’m–innocent–but–secretly–a–snake” look.
people’s rent, her makeup flawlessly applied to achieve that perfect
Through the mirror, Valeria spotted Charlotte entering. She applied lip gloss with de Precision, her mouth curving into a
cat–that–ate–the–canary smile. “Ana! What are the odds!”
Charlotte felt her blood pressure spike. Running into Valeria was like finding a cockroach in
This bitch was like herpes–just when you thought she was gone, she popped up again.
When Charlotte remained silent, Valeria’s smile turned absolutely venomous.
n your salad–completely ruined your day.
14
poison wrapped in silk.]
“I’m actually here with Jasper–he’s in the private dining room. Wanna come say hi?” The invitation was pure p
Charlotte’s response was arctic. “I’d rather eat glass. Thanks though.“[]
“Ana, you’re not still upset about our little misunderstanding, are you? I feel terrible about everything. Jasper and I really didn’t mean for things to happen this way…” Valeria’s voice took on that saccharine victim tone that made Charlotte want to puke.]
Watching Valeria’s Academy Award performance made Charlotte want to applaud. “Upset? Honey, I should send you a fucking thank–you card. You saved me from wasting any more time on damaged goods. Seriously, you two are perfect for each other–please, super–glue yourselves together and save the rest of womankind.“[]
“Come on, Ana. We both know you’re still obsessed with Jasper. But hey, all’s fair in love and war, right? Didn’t your dead mommy teach you that survival of the fittest is just nature?” Valeria’s words were surgical strikes dèsigned to inflict maximum damage.[]
The mention of her mother sent molten rage flooding through Charlotte’s entire system.]
Before her brain could engage, her hand was already moving, delivering a sharp crack across Valeria’s perfectly contoured cheek.
“You steal my fiancé and then have the balls to throw it in my face? What the fuck did you think was gonna happen?“]
“Or is this just you following the family business plan? What is it with you Stones and stealing other women’s men? Is it genetic or just practice?“] “Charlotte, what the hell…” Valeria stood frozen, hand pressed to her cheek, eyes wide with genuine shock.]
Her calculated sweet expression shattered instantly, her face now sporting angry red fingerprints that completely destroyed her Instagram–ready makeup.
Charlotte turned toward the door, done wasting oxygen on this waste of space.
Suddenly, Valeria lunged forward like a desperate actress and grabbed Charlotte’s wrist, crocodile tears instantly flooding her eyes. “Ana, please! I’m so sorry! You’ve got everything wrong–Jasper and I are just friends! Please don’t hate me!“]
Charlotte blinked at the Oscar–worthy transformation. Had this girl studied method acting at Juilliard?
Ten seconds ago she’d been a mean girl, now she was channeling wounded gazelle.]
Valeria’s manicured nails dug into Charlotte’s arm like little daggers. Charlotte jerked her hand away with enough force to break free.]
Chapter 20
Valeria immediately threw herself backward like she’d been shot, crashing to the marble floor with theatrical flair and letting out a pathetic whimper.
Charlotte stared down at the performance in amazement. Was this girl made of fucking paper?[]
But when she heard expensive Italian leather shoes rushing toward the restroom, everything clicked into place.[]
Of course. The whole thing had been an elaborate setup.
Valeria had definitely missed her calling as a soap opera star–this performance was primetime worthy.]
“What the fuck did you do to her, Charlotte?” Jasper’s voice cut through the air like a rusty knife.[]
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