Chapter 129
In the chat group, the camaraderie was generally good on any given day. The members
loved to flaunt their latest luxury car purchases or their sprawling mansions and chew the
fat over the trivial gossip that bubbled up within their social circle.
Brielle was the hot topic that never ceased to intrigue everyone.
These folks were far removed from the elite inner circle–after all, those high–fliers didn’t
have the time to indulge in idle chitchat. Most of the group members were well–off,
leading lives of comfort, yet they suffered from a severe drought of meaningful
engagement. Talking smack about Brielle was simply a way for them to feel a tad better
about themselves.
Just as one felt the body being lifted when treading water, similarly, in any social
hierarchy, those lacking self–confidence tended to highlight their status by denigrating
those they perceived as inferior. And in their eyes, Brielle was the underdog.
After Lillian sent her message, ten long minutes dragged by before anyone bothered to
reply.
[Let’s drop it. I’ve got stuff to do tomorrow.]
[Yeah, looks like none of us can make it.]
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt[What’s the deal with you and Spencer? Isn’t he Brielle’s fiancé? Thought you said he was
like a brother to you?]
The question everyone had been skirting around was finally out in the open. After all, the
video was crystal clear. Denial wasn’t an option.
Lillian’s hand, which had been dangling by her side, clenched. Never before had her
relationship with Spencer been questioned. What in the world was happening tonight?
[Yes, I always saw him as a brother,] she replied.
Seeing her response while recalling the video and vivid photos, an uncomfortable wave
washed over everyone. The chat fell silent once more, and this time, no one engaged with
her.
Sweat pooled in Lillian’s palms, the evening’s events still a puzzle to her. She reached out
to one of the more friendly faces in the group, suggesting they meet for coffee the next
day. The reply came back swift and cold-[Find someone else. I’m busy.]
Staring at her phone, Lillian wondered if her eyes were playing tricks on her. In the past, to
get cozy with these wealthy second–generation kids, she’d simply gift them some
priceless jewelry.
These kids lacked for nothing, but they always appreciated the gesture, seeing the giver
as generous and kind–hearted.
Especially those whose families kept a tight rein on them. They loved hanging with Lillian,
who was known for her largesse. For example, the one who had just turned her down–
never before had she rejected Lillian.
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Chapter 129
Undeterred, Lillian messaged others in the group. After reaching out to four more, she
found one of them blocked her outright, and the rest didn’t even bother replying.
Lillian sensed trouble brewing, but first things first: she needed to smooth things over with
Spencer, then try to rekindle the bonds with her fair–weather friends.
She looked up, her eyes brimming with feigned vulnerability. “I’m sorry, Spencer, I never
should’ve got involved with you. It’s made things awkward for everyone. Maybe it’s best if
we take a break.*
This tactic of retreat to advance was one of her favorites.
Spencer gritted his teeth in frustration. “Sorry, Lillian, that you’ve been put through this.
Tell me, which property do you want? I’ll give you another one.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThat was what Lillian was banking on. What did it matter how well a man treated her if she
couldn’t hold on to something tangible? That was the real security. She grew up poor and
only realized the importance of money when she saw how the wealthy lived. So, later on,
whether it was with Cameron or with Spencer, she would subtly convey a message to
them. She had suffered a lot in the past and did not want to put herself through hardships
anymore in the future.
When male pride kicked in, they’d fulfill her every demand. Her wardrobe, shoes, bags,
and bracelets were nearly all courtesy of Cameron, while her posh residence and the
flashy cars she drove were gifts from Spencer.
As for Brielle, well, she was just a hapless fool. After years with the Haywood family, she
didn’t even own a decent villa.
Lillian had always prided herself on her cunning, but tonight was her first defeat. She
traced the root of her downfall to one person–Max, the pinnacle of their social pyramid. As
long as Max harbored even a sliver of pity for Brielle, Spencer was putty in his hands.
A flicker of envy crossed Lillian’s eyes. If only Max would take her side.
Word on the street was that he occasionally showed up at Tequila Sunset. It looked like it
was time for her to try her luck there.
Chapter 130
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