“Victoria, go online and post a statement. Say our marriage has been over for a while, that we’d already agreed to divorce, and Averil isn’t the one to blame.”
That had to be the most ridiculous thing I’d heard all year.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 15
“Julian, do you think the public is full of fools? If we’d already agreed to divorce, why would I post our marriage certificate?”
Julian frowned, as he always did. “You could say it was a moment of weakness–an act of desperation because you weren’t ready to let go.
The disdain on my face must have
Do obvious, as he awkwardly turned away.
“Don’t worry. This time, I won’t say anything careless to the media. You’ve always wanted to go to Elyria, haven’t you? Once this is all settled, I’ll take you.”
“No,” I rejected him coldly. “I can’t afford
⚫ your grand gestures for Averil.”
to accept such a favor from you, Mr. Ford. Save
Julian let out a low sigh. “You’re still jealous, Victoria. Do you realize how exhausting and unattractive this petty behavior is?
“Whether you want to go to Elyria is your choice. But after we leave the mountain, make sure
hold a press conference and clear everything up. Most importantly, go to Mr. Carter and explain the situation.”
you
Julian’s shamelessness shattered whatever remained of my perception of him.
I took a deep breath. “Julian, why should I destroy my own reputation to protect a cheating husband and a disgraceful mistress?”
His expression darkened. “Is there a need to be so harsh with your words, Victoria?”
“I’m simply stating facts,” I replied, pulling out the divorce papers I had prepared. “If you want to avoid things getting uglier, then sign this.”
Julian stared at the papers, his initial shock giving way to a smug,
a smug, derisive sneer.
“Victoria, do you think threatening me with divorce will leave me helpless? Let me remind you
-without me, you’re just Violet Rivers, the outcast everyone despises.”
As those words left his mouth, I felt my heart shatter again, even though I thought it had already gone cold.
Julian gave me a sidelong glance, his tone dripping with mockery. “You don’t seriously think Mr. Carter is helping you because he has feelings for you, do you?”
Then he laughed a cruel, malicious sound.
“Victoria, you’re not young anymore. A man like Mr. Carter would never look twice at someone I’ve already used up and discarded.”
