Chapter 171
Olivia
A
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.”
“You look good,” he said, eyes traveling over my body in a way that made my skin crawl. “Marriage agrees with you.”
“I need to go inside. Emilia’s waiting.” I turned toward the entrance.
Ryan stepped into my path. “Come on, Liv. Five minutes? For old times‘ sake?”
“Old times weren’t that great, remember?” I moved to step around him.
“I see you upgraded your ride.” He nodded toward my Porsche. “Carter must be pretty generous with his toys.”
The insinuation in his voice made my blood boil. “Move, Ryan.”
“Just making conversation. Can’t a guy talk to his ex without it being a big deal?”
“Not when that guy cheated on me with my friend.”
“That was months ago. I’ve changed.”
“Congratulations. Now I’m meeting someone inside.” I tried to step past him again.
14:37 Tue, Sep 30
Chapter 171
Ryan blocked my path, less casual now. “I don’t get it. What’s he got that I don’t?”
57
250 vouchers.
“Besides basic decency and respect for boundaries? I’m not having this conversation in a parking lot.”
“Is it just the money?” Ryan pressed, his tone sharpening. “Because that’s what everyone’s saying. Gold–digger Olivia, sleeping her way to the top.”
My head snapped up, anger flaring hot in my chest. “What did you just say to me?”
“You heard me. One minute you’re dating regular guys like me, the next you’re Mrs. Billionaire Carter.” His face contorted with bitterness. “What, did you have your sights set on him the whole time we were together?”
“You have got to be kidding me.” I laughed, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “You’re the one who stuck your dick in my friend, but somehow I’m the bad guy for moving on?”
Ryan flinched at my words but recovered quickly. “Moving on is one thing. Marrying the richest guy three months later? Come on, Liv. Nobody believes this is real.”
“We are deeply in love and we tied the knot. I don’t care what you believe.” I tried to push past him.
Ryan caught my arm, his fingers digging in slightly. “What’s the rush? Afraid your rich husband might see you talking to the ex?”
I jerked my arm away. “Don’t touch me. Ever.”
“What happened to you?” Ryan asked, his voice rising. “You used to be real. Now you’re just another plastic trophy wife with a fancy car and designer clothes.”
“And you’re just another bitter ex who can’t handle that I upgraded.” The words flew out before I could stop them.
Ryan’s face darkened. “So you admit it? Is it about the money?”
“It’s about finding someone who respects me.” I stepped back, putting distance between us. “Something you clearly never did.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Ryan moved closer, invading my space again. “I respected you. I loved you.”
“You had a funny way of showing it. With Sophia.”
His face flushed red. “I made a mistake-”
“That I caught you making,” I interrupted. “Who knows how many others there were?”
“None! I swear.” His eyes pleaded with me. “We were together for years, Liv. Does that mean nothing to you?”
“It meant everything to me. Until you ruined it.” I glanced toward the bar entrance, wishing Emilia would come looking for me. “Now please move. I’m meeting my friend.”
“So that’s it? You’re just going to walk away?”
14.07 Tue, Sup SU
Chapter 171
“I already did, months ago. You’re the one who can’t seem to accept it.”
หร
57
Ryan’s expression hardened. “He’s using you, you know. Guys like Carter don’t marry girls like you without an agenda.”
The comment stung more than I wanted to admit. “What’s that supposed to mean, ‘girls like me“?”
“Come on. You’re not exactly from his world, are you? Junior marketing exec marries billionaire CEO? It’s a cliché.”
“You don’t know anything about my relationship.”
“I know you.” Ryan’s voice dropped lower. “And I know this isn’t you. The car, the clothes, playing wifey to some rich asshole who probably has three side pieces already.”
My palm itched with the desire to slap him. “You need to stop. Now.”
“Did you sign a prenup? Or are you already counting the divorce settlement in your head?”
“Ryan, I swear to God—”
“How much did it take?” he pressed, his voice rising again. “What’s the going rate for selling out these days? Because you sure got there fast after we broke up.”
“We’re in a public parking lot,” I hissed, noticing a couple walking by giving us curious looks. “You’re making a scene.”
“I’m not the one who turned into someone else overnight.” He gestured wildly at my outfit. “Look at you! Designer everything. The Liv I knew shopped at Target and was happy about it.”
“The Liv you knew grew up.” I took a steadying breath. “And learned her worth.”
“Is that what you call it?” Ryan sneered. “You figured out what you’re worth to the highest bidder.”
Something in me snapped. “Don’t you dare judge me for moving on when you’re the one who betrayed me. You lost any right to an opinion about my life when you slept with Sophia.”
“At least I didn’t turn into someone’s purchased plaything!”
His words hit like a physical blow. I stepped back, stunned by the venom in his voice.
“You need to leave,” I said, my voice shaking with anger. “Now.”
“Or what? You’ll call your rich husband to deal with me?” Ryan took another step toward me, too close now. “Is that how it works? You spread your legs for him and he fights your battles?”
“Get away from me,” I warned, backing up against a car.
“What did it take for him to buy you? What was your price tag?” Ryan’s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist. “Was it the first time he fucked you? Or did you at least make him work for it?”
14:37 Tue, Sep 30
Chapter 171
I wrenched my arm away. “Don’t touch me!”
200
“I bet you love it, don’t you? Playing the pampered princess?” His eyes were wild now, his voice loud enough that people nearby had stopped to stare. “Does he know you’re just using him? Or is he just using you too?”