Chapter 650

Rosalind shook her head slowly.

"Three years back, Everett called me out of the blue, asking to meet. But he never showed." Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. "He married Genevieve that same year. Both of them vanished from Metropolia afterward. Probably building their perfect life somewhere far away."

Harrison studied Rosalind's face with concern. "Are you holding up okay?"

Rosalind tugged at her sleeve. "It's ancient history. Everett and I were over long before that. No more tears for him."

Harrison nodded. "Good. Let's eat."

Just then, the restaurant doors swung open—revealing Arabella and Isabella.

Both women had suffered public humiliation at the Global Elite Gala and had arranged this lunch to commiserate.

Arabella's manicured nails dug into her clutch. "This is all Harrison's fault! The entire social circuit is mocking us. Three of my sugar daddies ghosted me overnight. Blocked on everything."

She'd been juggling multiple wealthy benefactors, keeping her options wide open. Now her carefully curated roster had evaporated.

Isabella's expression darkened. "Relax. We'll make Harrison pay."

Suddenly, Arabella froze. "Look! It's Harrison and Rosalind!" Isabella turned—spotting them immediately, along with Harrison's daughter, Charlotte.

Isabella's breath hitched. "That's Harrison's child? She's gotten so big."

Harrison had been absent for three years. This marked her first public appearance with Charlotte, leaving both women stunned.

"Definitely hers," Arabella sneered. "Same pretty face, same conniving blood."

Isabella's stomach churned. "Harrison brought Nathaniel's daughter to Metropolia? What if he finds out?"

Nathaniel remained unaware of Charlotte's true parentage—a fact both Arabella and Isabella knew intimately.

Arabella waved a dismissive hand. "No rumors have surfaced. Clearly, he's still clueless."

"The truth always comes out," Isabella hissed, her gaze locked on Charlotte. "That child can't stay here."

Arabella's smile turned predatory. "Then we'll remove her. Permanently."

Her attention shifted to Rosalind. Jealousy flared in her chest. Over three years, Rosalind had only grown more radiant—commanding attention effortlessly.

After her breakup with Julian three years prior, Arabella had failed to secure anyone of comparable status. She knew Julian's heart still belonged to Rosalind—his relentless pursuit over the years proving it.

Once, Rosalind had been beneath her. Now? An untouchable rival. The injustice burned.

Arabella's fists clenched. She needed someone to scar that perfect face.

She'd reduce Rosalind to the pitiful, broken creature she once was. Then Julian would never glance her way again.

Harrison, Rosalind, and Charlotte continued their meal. Rosalind suddenly stood. "Be right back. Restroom break."

Harrison nodded. "Sure."

Rosalind grabbed her phone and headed down the corridor.

As she turned the corner, two masked figures materialized from the shadows. They seized her arms with bruising force.