Chapter 171

Olivia

I pulled into O’Malley’s parking lot, scanning for a spot amid the usual Friday night crowd. The neon sign buzzed overhead, casting a red glow across the cars.

My phone buzzed with a text from Emilia: “Got us seats at the bar. Hurry before someone steals them!”

I smiled, already feeling lighter at the prospect of drinks with my best friend. After the drama with Penelope and that horrible gossip article, I needed this night out.

I found a spot near the back and pulled in, grabbing my purse from the passenger seat.

The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped out. I locked the Porsche with a beep, still not quite used to driving such a luxury vehicle, and headed toward the entrance.

“Liv?”

I froze at the familiar voice behind me. Ryan. Perfect timing, as always.

Turning, I found him standing a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets. He looked exactly like he had the last time I’d seen him, slightly disheveled in that calculated way he thought made him look artistic.

“What do you want, Ryan?” I asked, not bothering to hide my impatience.

He moved closer, that half–smile playing on his lips. “Just saying hi. Fancy running into you here.”

“Yeah, what a coincidence.” I crossed my arms. “At the bar I’ve been coming to for years.”

look good,” he said, eyes traveling over my body in

need to go inside. Emilia’s waiting.” I turned toward the

my path. “Come on, Liv. Five

remember?” I moved to step around

nodded toward my Porsche. “Carter must be pretty generous

voice made my blood

Can’t a guy talk to his ex without

guy cheated on me

was months

someone inside.” I tried to step past

now. “I don’t get

for boundaries? I’m

it just the money?” Ryan pressed, his tone sharpening. “Because that’s what everyone’s saying. Gold–digger Olivia, sleeping her way to the

anger flaring hot in my chest. “What did you

His face contorted with bitterness. “What,

harsh even to my own ears. “You’re the one who stuck your dick in my friend, but somehow I’m the bad guy

one thing. Marrying the richest guy three months

tied the knot. I don’t care what you believe.” I tried to

the rush? Afraid your rich husband might see

arm away. “Don’t touch

to be real. Now you’re just another plastic trophy wife

just another bitter ex who can’t handle that I upgraded.”

darkened. “So you admit it? Is it about the

back,

closer, invading my space again. “I respected you.

had a funny way of showing

face flushed red. “I made

you making,” I interrupted. “Who knows

“We were together for years, Liv. Does

me. Until you ruined it.” I glanced toward the bar entrance, wishing Emilia would

just

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