“No. 1 past thought you didn’t like these kinds of events, so I didn’t mention (L” Julian said.
ra laughed inwardly. Was that really the reason? Or dat he deliberately keep quiet so he could bring someone else
Julian’s eyes swept the room coldly, as if demanding to know who had invited her ||
Celine moided his gaze, pretending she had nothing to do with a
“HL you must be Satram Aria, Julian must have mentioned me? The woman who arrived with julian stepped forward.
So tha wins Aria–julian’s first love, his perfect memory.
The pas in Serra’s chest was sharp and date. Three years of love couldn’t be erased in an instant, no matter how mich the wished it could
But her mask was perfect. “Ah. Aria re heard so much about you.” Sierra replied with ap
aria studied her with a knowing look. “Has anyone ever told you we look alike?”
Joan’s expression darkened instantly.
a practiced smile
Sierra caught his reaction with bitter amusement, she turned back to meet Aria’s slightly challenging paze.||
“Key Serra hlinked innocently. “I don’t see it. I’m pretter.
The onlookers froze. This wasn’t th
it the sweet, accommodating Sierra they knew. Where did this fire cose from?
Sensing the tension. Celine quickly intervened. “Come on, everyone, let’s sit down.”
Arsa forced a smile and handed Celine her gift. “Happy birthday, C.-
Celnen epes widened as she opened h–the box was identical to Sierra’s gi|||
“Oh wow. I’ve wanted this necklace forever! Thank you, Ariar
Sierra’s stomach dropped. The same necidace she’d chosen?
Celine opened Sierra’s gun nest. “Oh my god. Sierra got me the same one!“]
“Must be a replica.” someone mattered from the back. That necklace costs over five grand. Even at a mid–tier firm, it’s a bit much for a junior associate.”]
The room teli silent. Judging eyes turned to Sierra
The irony was lost on her. Despite making a respectabile $165,000 at her firm–a salary that would be enviable in most circles–in julian’s world of private equity and old. money, she might as well have been counting pennies. To them, she was just another junior lawyer at a commercial firm, not one of the cline MAA attorneys pulling is half.
White & Case or Skadden
julian’s face darkened. “Sierra, if you needed money for a gin, you could have asked me. You didn’t have to—1
buy a fake. The unspoken accusation hung in the au
“You thank thought a counterfeit too, airera’s voice was ter
WAS BUDWET enough.
“Come guys” Cele attempted in small things mer, “erra wouldn’t do that” But even her eyes held a hunt of doubt
Sierra’s heart jank She’d spent over the thousand dollars on that necklace out of genuine gratitude for Celine’s past kindness.||
Three years ago, when Sierra had did to New York to mirape her family a muttlage arrangements shed been cut off financially Without using any family compections. dar i worked her way up from her frit jest associate salary at a respected inüdsize firm. While it was a condoptabile living by any reasonable standard, to Julian’s social carle of fedge fund managers Venture capitalists, it might as well have been minimum wage ||
Whar atent of julian’s warlil had looked down on her, Celine had been different–er su Sierra had thought She’d defended serra, included her in conversations. Apparently, that
had been deep hris ||
bhrā agreed to the arranged marriage, ber father had restured her access to the family accounts. Five thousand dollars was pocket change now
take the necklace back.” Jahan sair ely. Til get you something, Celine i apologer for this mundtanding
Celine hestated, caught between preserving Julian’s pride and avooling offense.
“ve to him if you want.” Sierrasail coldly, arms crossed
As Celine reluctantly handed over the box, Archimed in with false sympathy: “Julian, don’t be angry. She meant well. ||
Julian remained tilest, his face dark
Some suggested playing drinking games to break the tension. Aria joied them with a bright smile ⠀
Sierra retreated to a corner soda, not interested in their games, pilian followed, sitting beside her.
