Katelyn casually picked up a throw pillow and placed it beneath her as she spoke slowly, her voice calm yet authoritative.

“If you don’t want all your dirty laundry aired publicly, I’d suggest you shut up now.”

This was no idle threat.

Katelyn had actual proof of Lise’s questionable activities abroad.

Jaxen had unearthed the information and shared it with her.

Lise’s so-called return to find her “true love,” Neil, was merely a facade.

Returning would be dangerous; her ex-husband would never let her go.

Katelyn’s words struck Lise hard.

Lise tried to convince herself that Katelyn was bluffing.

She was sure she had covered her tracks well—how could Katelyn possibly know?

Attempting to remain composed, Lise retorted sharply.

“Katelyn, you can’t intimidate me. I’ve done nothing wrong abroad. Any accusations you have are nothing but slander.”

Katelyn laughed nonchalantly, her voice dripping with disinterest.

“This is your final warning. Cross me again, and I’ll make sure your downfall is swift.”

With that, Katelyn ended the call and promptly blocked Lise’s number.

She wasn’t one to forgive.

If Lise continued to provoke her, Katelyn would be more than happy to accelerate her ruin.

g?lnσν?s﹒, the heart of fiction

She then took a long, relaxing shower and went to bed, enjoying a night of undisturbed sleep.

The next morning, Katelyn arrived at work as usual.

The aftermath of the birthday banquet still lingered, and whispers followed her through the office.

Katelyn kept a stoic expression, focusing on her work and ignoring the gossip around her.

With Vincent away for the day, she was left to manage things on her own.

As the workday neared its end, her phone rang.

It was Aimee on the other end, her voice tinged with gloom.

“Katelyn, are you buried in work? How about a drink tonight?”

Katelyn quickly detected the sadness in Aimee’s voice and asked, “Aimee, is something bothering you?”

“Bothering? I’m drowning in sorrow. I was seeing this cute guy, and then he just left me for some sugar mama.”

Though it was Aimee’s heartache, Katelyn couldn’t help but chuckle.

Aimee, a staunch opponent of marriage, never lacked attention, particularly from attractive younger men.

Katelyn teased her with a smile.

“Hey, has the hunter finally been caught by the prey?”

Aimee groaned. “Well, I’m okay with ‘love ’em and leave ’em,’ but it’s always hard to resist a dose of youth and energy.”

Her tone then grew earnest. “I’ve always told you to keep men out of your heart, but I never said to keep them out of your life.”

Katelyn laughed, giving in to Aimee’s bold logic.

“Fine, fine. I’m wrapping up work. Let’s meet at the bar. We’ll drink the night away.”

Aimee’s mood lifted instantly. “That’s my girl! You’re the only one who can lift my spirits in times like these. See you soon!”

“See you.”

Katelyn ended the call, shaking her head with a smile.

Aimee’s romantic escapades were always a wild ride. But then again, weren’t all heartbreakers once starry-eyed romantics?

After enough heartache, many just stop caring about the end. If it’s always the same, why not enjoy the journey?

As the workday drew to a close, Katelyn grabbed her bag and left the Adams Group. Aimee was already waiting by the curb.

“Over here!”

Katelyn quickened her pace but paused, taken aback by Aimee’s transformation.

Aimee, once known for her sleek bob, now boasted long, flowing locks.

Intrigued, Katelyn eyed her friend.

“You’ve always said long hair was too much trouble. What made you change your mind?”

Aimee sighed heavily, her frustration apparent.

“My young fling liked long hair. I thought a change would be fun after all these years, but I didn’t expect it to end like this.”

She casually flicked a strand of hair behind her ear. “But honestly, I think short hair suits me better.”

Katelyn laughed, placing a reassuring hand on Aimee’s shoulder.

“Looks like this guy was really something if you even changed your style for him.”

Aimee shook her head, her expression playfully stern as she wagged a finger at Katelyn.

“No, no. I never change for a man. I actually did this for myself.”

Katelyn rolled her eyes but grinned, linking arms with Aimee.

“Let’s see if we can find some new adventures at the bar tonight.”

“Sounds good.”

Aimee, a regular at the city’s finest bars, led them to a private booth on the second floor of a trendy venue. They were just beginning to unwind when a young man, dressed like a student, approached their table.

“Ladies…” Read full story at find?novel.net

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