“What’s so funny?”
“You are,” Sierra met his gaze: “Tex. I bought a watch. No, it’s not for you. And 1
done anything wrong, so why
shy would I apologize?”
“Not for me? Who’s a for then?” Julian’s fists clenched unconsciously.||
“None of your busness” Sierra replied coolly.]]
“None of my–I’m your boyfriend! Since when can you buy gifs for other guys?“|||
ΓΗΠ
Стратей по Juban’s anger, Sierra remained remarkably
rah 1 thought you were Aria’s boyfriend
Tu not like that with Aria,” Jalján said quickly, his voice dropping with guilt)
Their relationship was more too lovers than partners, though he wasn’t ready to admit that. Technically, Sierra was still his girlfriend.
He loved Aria’s passion and fiction, but he also appreciated Serra’s beauty and accommodating nature:[]
He wasn’t ready to tell Sierra about Arla yet.||
“Ahnut today at Chaumet–that was my mom’s idea. She needed help picking out jewelry to match her new dress. She thinks Aria has good taste, that’s all. We were looking at rings for her. I was just letting you think that to make you jealous.
“Jealous?” Sierra’s eyes turned cold. You actually thought about my feeliger||
“Sierra. Im sorry…“[]
“Apology noted, but not accepted and no, the gin an’i fe you. 1
Then who? Julian’s voke rose sharply ||
“Really? Playing the marriage card?” Julian’s bone dripped with decision. “What I have to propose to get the watch and your forgiveness? Is
Sierra frowned. How could someone be so self–absorbed?]
Where did he get the confidence to think she couldn’t live without hine?]]]
Julian dhook his head, disappointment e evident. “I thought you understood the gap between us. I thought you knew your place but you keep paling for marriage. It’s pathetic
Sierra just stared at him ||
med not, slamming the door (
Julian shemed not
sierra shook her head wearty
She’d planned to tell him everything today–about the breakups, shout being an heiress to the Jameson fortune, about her engagement to Asher. But he hadn’t given her the chaner.
Bechaps she’d given him this confidence by playing the perfect gulfriend–never questiming, never jealous, never prying, giving him everything except physical intimary []
Maybe that had created the ilusion she couldn’t leave.
1 didn’t know she’d been so understanding because she’d known he never saw a future with them
A year ago, she’d overheard his conversation with Caroline:||
[dating. Marriage? That would need n
“Mom, relax. I know you’d never accept her as an Wewood. We’re just dat
| ymur approval first.”
-My son isnt stupid enough to let romance cloud his judgment. 1ke you understand the difference between dating and marriage.“]]
Such clarity inderd
Since then, she’d known pulan never planned a hitare with her
Truth was, Julian dativt even like her that much
But she wossa’i the type to die for love
She could take it or leave. If Julian j
just wanted to date, fine. She’d needed companionship in a strange city, needed someone’s arms around her. That was all
She’d protected herself well–never even kissed him. ||
Why hadn’t she left earlier?]]
Because she’d still had feelings for him then, had grown used to his company.
Emotions are complex, rarely black and white.]
After that constration shed stopped mentioning her family’s wealth.|
nut dacovering she was just Aria’s replacement had killed any remaiving interest |
She could accept that julian didn’t love her enough to marry her, but she couldn’t accept being
Aria’s stand–in
She was Serra Jameson. She was t
The last person Sierra expected to see was Caroline Westwood.
Caroline swept in wearing a Chanel suit worth more than most people’s monthly salary, dripping in va Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Everych the Upper East Side matriarch who would indeed coordinate an entire jewelry set for one outfit
So you’re Sierra?” She examine Sierra e a disappointing purchase, her eyes full of disdain.]
“Hello, Mrs. Westwood, Sierra replied politely.
Hmm” Caroline surveyed the penthouse before firing her gaze on stern. “Tve heard all about your little…performance today.”
She perched on the edge of the sofa, legi creand at the ankle, perfectly poised. But her words carried none of that elegance:
“Someone Löve you could never be an Westwood.“||
Chapter 15
armchair oppimate Caroline, meeting her part with quiet composure. “I never wanted to marry into the
Vestwood family ”
Carole didn’t believe it for a seco
She shaded Sierra Garefully.|||
So this was the gather son had been dating for three years ||
Pretty enough, she had to admit, and carried herself well. Despite her middle–class background.
used to seeint.
didn’t have that obvious social climbing degeration Carone was
Caroline had deliberately thrown that baths earlier, hoping to see her squres, but the girl badur dischied, maintaining her prise and speaking with surprising contente.
Not that it mattered
another gold–ligger with delusions of grandeur, no matter how well the played it off
“No need to pretend with me, Caroline’s voice dripped with condescension. “I’m a woman ton–I know exactly what you’re thinking, pada’s quite the catch the A trust band baby who’s been bankrolling your destyle. Must be nice
| don’t want his money.” Sierra replied.
Cartney laugh was edd. “Mease. You social climbers are all the same. Playing hard to get while taking everything you can. Why she would you be with palian?”
Serra had to smile at that.
|
“Mrs, Westwood, are you suggesting your son has nothing to offer except his trust fund?”
“How dare you!” Caroline’s perfectly controlled breath hitched. “Such insolence patian said you were sweet and accommodating. Clearly, he was mistaken.”
Sierra calmly sipped her tea
And no manners Car
Caroline istered. “Not even offering tea to your elder.”
Sierra’s smile was pure Michanan frost. “My apologies, Mrs. Westwood. 1 assumed y you wouldn’t want to drink from anything in my modest apartment. Wouldn’t ward to lower your standards“]
Caroline was seething (
Where had Julian found this insufferable girl?
Taking a calming breath, the continued, “Let me be dear. The Westwood family bit ophu to just anyone. Marrying Julian? Not happening.
“Mm,” sich umured.
“Aria my choice for a daughter–in–law. Her family has known ours for generations. She was Julian’s fit love. Save yourself the embarrassment and step aside.“||
Sima’s Lips curved sightly. She remembered overbearing jullin’s phone call about Westwood Capital’s liquidity crists, how their projects were
ere staltung, hemorrhaging
shed cunsafered helping then. Though Julian clearly had no intention of marriage, three years of dating meant something. She could have arranged investment through her channels
by the’d gone to the har that night–to discuss possibly investing in Westwood Capital
That was why
Her father wouldn’t help, given their estrangement, but her strmin Alexander, now CEO of Sterling jodustries and one of Bettalin’s fastest growing companies, would have helped if she’d aded
But then shard heard Julian call her Artice replacement ||
Coming back to the present, Serra told Carline, “Don’t worry. Em returning to London in a few days. I won’t be coming back ||
dnt experter 1 be this easy. She was suspicious ||
Ne demands for compensation? No drama?
Something felt off, but she couldnt plate what||
erra checked her watch. “If you ll excuse me, I have an appointment. Good day “||
ther bag and left ||
Without waiting for a response, she
be grabbed h
Carolne sú dirre, stunned. Did she just brave?)
“The absolute nerve” Caroline humed to hersell Lewing before I died her Zern respect for her elders!
ed worn her most pupresure jewelry today, intending to intimidate this middle–class girl with the vast difference between their worlds!
She d imagined Sierra serving her tea with trembling hands, perhaps calling Julian in tears later
This was not how shed expected things in go
Adler Sierra Jeßt. Caroline had no reason to stay. She stormed cut, already composing her emimplaints about Sierra in þulian |
She had a thresand grievances about this mannered t
Her driver was wing outside
Shortly after getting in the car, she received Ana’s cal
smoothing her voice mes something warmer, she answered.
“Arin, darling, you won’t believe how that trend of Julian’s past behaved. Absolutely no clasa–though what else can you expect from new money?“”
Aria’s heart leaps. Perfect–if Sierra had offended Carollise, Julian would have to end things, no matter how rectand he might be. []
Don’t let her upset you.” Aria cooed. “You can’t expect manners from someone so… provincial.”
To Aria, being muddle–class was practically the same as being a country bumpkin.
Careline connued. Youre such a dear. At least that girl had enough sense to say she’s going back home and won’t return. Good riddance!”
“She said that?” Arta asked. “So she’s breaking up with Julian
“She’d better! Even if she doesn’t, I’ll make sure they end things. After her behavior today? Impossibler
Thars wonderful news,” Aria said. “Are you heading home? I could come by…]
Back at her firm. Sierra submitted her resignation.||
She’d been here over three years, growing bi con summer associate to junior associate. This small firm had seen her development in a hwjer._-
rger than s
Her assistant Katie had just graduated college that year, early twenties and three years younger
she beard the news, Kate’s eyes immediately welled up. “But why? Everything was fine–what happened?”]
“Tamdy matters,” Sierra sail. What had seemed like a simple resignation suddenly felt more emotional seeing Katie’s reaction.
Their relationship had grown beyond mere colleagues[]
Chapter 20
A year ago. Katie had gone through a messy breakup. Her ex boyfriend had presented her with an itemized bill, demanding repayment of $48,000 he’d transferred to her over their two–year ship
When Katie refused, he sued her. She’d come to the firm desperate for help, and Sierra was the only write available
“It wasnt like that at all. Katte had sobbed. “We lived together for two years. We agreed to sple everything–rent, utilities, gros. He said he’d transfer $2,800 each month for his had of rent and expenses, and Td contribute the same.“||
i didn’t thank much of it then. But after we broke up, he demanded everything back, claiming it was all given with marriage in mind and should be returned since me spin-
“But that money was for Eving expenses in New York Our apartment was $4,200 a month, plus utilities and groceries. He barely spend $2,000 on actual gifts our notre relationship. How dare he se me? God, I cant
I still in law school–where am I supposed to get $45.0007 I can tell my parents. If they fed out I was living with a guy in college, my dad would kill me, Please, I don’t know what to do.“1
The irony wasn’t lost on Sierra–a law student getting caught in such a legal trap. |
Love could make even the smartes
riest girlsbänd
sierra sighed, her heart going out to the young woman.)
Mest lawyers wouldn’t take a case where the client couldn’t afford the retainer, Nut Sierra was different. Not only did she take the case, but she also loaned Kate the money for legal fees Katie was already in such a difficult position–without help. Sierra worried she might do something desperate.[]
Legal fees went through the firm before being paid out to associates. As a pandor associate at a mid–size fem making $145,000–modest by New York HigLair standards but
comfortable–Sarra could afford to help. She immediately added Katie on Venmo to send her the retainer musey. While her peers at firms like Cravath or Sullivan & Cromwell were puling $215,000, she’d chosen this sanaller firm for its work–life balance and opportunity to handle as she cared about
After taking the case, Sterra worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence. They won, and Katie was so impressed and grateful that she joined the firm as Sierras assistant right after graduation.⠀⠀
Now, Katie asked through tears. “Once I finish my certification, could I come work with your
Sierra hadn’t expected that
She stalled warmly. “Of course. Tin London–just let me know when you’re ready to make the move.
“Really?” Kate brightened. Til follow you anywhere! You can’t get rid of your shadow that easily. I
Wouldn’t dream of t
In the managing partner’s office, the bespectacled nan booked up from her resignation letter, puzzled. “Why the sudden departure? Any sues we should address? |
“No, Family matters. I know we typically require a month’s notice, but this was unexpected. I apolo
She added. “Ive handed off most of my cases. I have one appeal hearing in ten days–Ill complete that before leave.”
He nodded slowly “Well then Best of luck in your future endeavors ||
Leaving the firm, Sierra wandered the city streets
As evening fell and lights tickered on a cool breeze rusted through the trees!
A wave of nenes hit her ||
the was about to leave the city she called hour for three years
She remembered her first days in New York, when her father had frogen her accounts. Shir’d had just a few thorsand in her Venmo balance and spent three days in a
Taqing those days, she’d found the job and rented a cheap apartment near the firm ||
After paying first, fast, and security depost, she was nearly broke. Only help from her London fiendi kept her fed
The budding was sketchy, with terrible security ||
Shortly after moving in, she’d had drunk men hanging on her door ||
She spent nights huddled in bed, terrified to answer Late night knorking ||
The landhand aned nothing could be done
he moved not, and the stamford tried to keep her deporn.
creparts for her deposit failed, the landlord turned above, hurling vulgar maith,
she reported him to the Department of Buildings for code vastations, then to the Department of Finance for tas menim. Not satisfied, she fled
Hummer. Before the case even went to rmatt, the landlord returned her deport
The dripped the contract claim tout poured the harassment sun. The landlord lost and had to pay damage
Kierra unded at the memory. That had been her lowest point))
Later, she firandi from a former
ighbor that the drunk pot beaten up shortly after the moved – apparently picker wrong person hi haram. The dumbed upprated
Kanne, the thought.
she’d met Julian during her summer at
wide working on a legal services contract for one of Westend Capitals rubutaries
Julian happened to be there that day. He claimed it was love at first sight ||
He pursseil her relentlessly after that, geil
They day have me twerk moments early on
he Teile details right and showing up whenever she needed someone.
Therything changed in their one year anniversary |||
They’d hath been drinking, and Julian tried in take things further. When he embraced her and leaned in to kiss her, she panicked and pushed him away hard
Julian Inked wounded. “Why?” he added hoarsely
“Hay not trady,” she stammered Tneed time
After that night, things were different.||
She never tell ready to be intimate with Julian, not even kissing
She couldn’t quite explain why–maybe I was being new to relationships, or maybe subconsciously she was replied by his history with other women||
Whatever the
the reason, the now fell only relief]
Back at the penthouse, judian was out.
Sierra showered and fell into a deep sleep!
Tea more days until she could leave.
Thank goodness|||
Chapter 21
Suntra woke naturally at ten, stretching Jasuriously. “Mmm…not working feels amazing
Aber her marring
I morning routine, she headed down for breakfas
Rosa had prepared enough for two||
Sierra glanced at the empty seat across from her, Mying nothing.
“Miss Jameson, will Mr. Westwood be joining for breakfast?” Rosa asked hesitantly: ||
De didn’t come home last night, Sierra replied between sips of coffee. So no
“Oh kasa retreated to the kitchen. I
she’d overstepped
After breakfast. Sirra got a message from Asher.
Thoughtsa
engagement gala attire? Custom or designer ready to wear?
Was there even one for custom?
dame
come to think of h
– didn’t know the engagement date.
[When’s the gal
Asher: Not set yet. Wanting to see when you’re back in London?
Sierra: [Nine more days here.1
Asher: Perfect 1
Worried about custom timing, she replied: Let’s go with designer. I’ll look at collections.]
Asher: Let me know what you choose.
As she was about to close Whatsapp, julian’s chat notification appeared.]
I was a video
private room at some club, a drunk Julian was leaning into Arias embrace, ambling, “Aria, you’re finally back… I knew you’d come back… I waited flye
The Lackground was nonsy with their friends: voices–julian’s usual crowd and Celine anbeg them
All people she knew. [
in the video, Aria heit Julian, sending down at han “Julian, you’re drunk-[]
julian nurzied closer. Tim not… Em perfectly clear… Youre Aria, the love of my life… See? I know exactly what I’m saying…”
Someone odd-e
– “Jutan, if Aria’s the love of your life, what about Sierra?” ||
Who’s Serra only…only love Aria…
“Looks like you’re the only one for him.” dine’s voice carried clearly. “Look how he clings to you when he’s drunk. You’re all he sees.
Sierras lips.c
curved in derision
Three years with Jalan, and shed atver heard them all her anything but ¬the girlfriend.~[]
No surprine there. They’d never considered her juba real partner
“Why cant Sierra take a h? Arias back and she’s still hanging around. Zeru self awarene.” That was Celine’s friend, the same one who’d called her necklace fake. She always looked down on serra
Celine chuned in “Girls like her don’t let go of trust fund la
babies easily †
Sira’s eyes lowered, a culd smile playing on her lips, Celave would never say this to her face ||
How she knew for sure–that look of dialan at the birthday party
ty hadn’t been her imagination||
Celine’s friendly act was just that: an act. Like the others, she saw Sierra av lieneath them. –
were all on your vide
“God, yes. Wir never liked her. She needs to understand her place, trying to force her way into mir circle.“)
x probably read too many romance novels about the bulionaire falling for the commoner. She’s a joke and doesn’t even know t
Tally She’s not our class julian was just slumming it. Now that Aris’s back. Sirend
Sierra felt nothing
She knew Aria had sent this video both to mark her territory and to humilate Sierra into leaving Julian
That was exactly Aria’s plan
She’d imagined Sierra watching it and breaking down, running home in tears her breaking up with Julian
She couldn’t have known their words held no power ever Sierra ||
As jullion continued sweet–saking Aris in the vaden, Sierra del nauseated and closed it
She typed out a message: [
[You’re right were not the same class
Using Juhan’s WhatsApp, Aria quickly replied
ind you ally understand.[]
Sierra scoffed. Westwood Capital’s business was pocket change–any angle subsidiary of her family’s comp
company was worth more
The Westwoods annual profits wouldn’t cover one of her father’s casual investments[]
The Jameson had been British aristocracy for four generations, now among Brzain’s wealthiest familes. She and Julian’s nouveau riche crowd truly weren’t in the sasse league
None of them had any idea her “Jason was the same “Jameson” as Randolph Jameson, her father.
The incident couldn’t spall her mood.]
On her rare day off the lunged at home, browsing luxury fashion sites for engagement gala dresars
She narrowed down to three, but couldn’t decide
The find was a modern take on traditional design–champagne silk with p
pale pink embroidery and pearl details cascading from shoulder to back, perfect for a young
socialite.
The second was a moonlight while mermaid gown with cose detailing at the bodice, sophisticated and elegant.)|
The third was an off–shoulder ivory hudgown with scattered crimson rose petals on tulle overlay, romantic and grace[]
she posted the three on Instagram with the caption. Help your girl choose? Which one’s giving main character energy for the perfect night? #fashiondilemima Enredadvice fountdrade ?|||
Within states, aes and comments Gooded in
Asher: “All three are absolutely stunning ? Get them all if you love them x
Her chuldhood friend Victoria chimed in
Victoria. “Besdir your face is GOD TIEK ? Let Asher spod you get the whole collections archboyfriend #treatyourself 🙂 “||
Truther friend Ch rout princess is about to serve LOOKS 7 Staying in any of these tbh #queensthings||
OMGGGG BOSS! Is this what I think it is Drop the deets are we hearing wedding bells?1 7,–~||
Aroung the warm walies from
and fandy, o feis comments stood out ||
have you.!!
Masque (Sierra, de
Chase: (Serivaly? Dream on Jel|||
Coworker A. Mayber check the prices brise leg? You cant even rent these…
Coworker II: [Must he ne haing money to turn 1
