Chapter 2

I was in the middle of eating when a black card suddenly appeared in front of me.

I turned to see Victor holding out a black card. "For old times' sake, take my card and treat yourself. I know you had that miscarriage back then just to get back at me, and my agreeing to the divorce hit you hard. But that's all in the past now."

He was completely lost in his own delusions, looking dead serious. "You don't have to say it, but I know you're still hung up on me. Why else would you come to this reunion?

"Now that you've seen me, you can move on. Forget the past and start over."

There was a flicker of concern in Victor's eyes. For a split second, it almost made me think he was still the same guy I used to love and know.

But fate gave me a second chance for a reason, so I wouldn't make the same mistakes. Victor got what he wanted, and I've got a new life now. There was no point in dwelling on ancient history.

I shook my head, emotionless, and pushed the card back. "Aren't you worried Madeline will be unhappy about this?"

Victor was used to me being the quiet, gentle ex. When I shut him down, he scowled, clearly annoyed. "Come on, we were married. Do you have to be so cold?"

I took a step back, putting more space between us. "So you, of all people, should know to keep your distance. I don't need the drama."

Victor's grip on the black card tightened instantly.

He pressed his lips together, silent. Just then, Madeline slid in beside him.

She saw Victor still holding the card out to me, his eyes locked on mine, and her face instantly went cold.

Jealousy flashed in her eyes, but she kept up her dignified act. "I'm the one who told Victor that if people saw his ex-wife looking so pathetic, he'd be a laughingstock. He's just trying to help you out, so don't flatter yourself."

She held her chin high, determined to put me in my place. "Look at you, stuffing your face at the buffet like it's your last meal. Anyone can see you're hard up.

"If you're really that desperate, you could always work as a maid for us. Victor and I just bought a massive villa. It's so big that we need three maids just to keep it clean.

"All you'd have to do is scrub the floors and do our laundry."

I took a big bite of my flaky egg tart, shrugged, and gave her a lazy smile. "Not really my thing. Maybe find someone who actually needs the job."

That just pissed off the crowd even more. "You're so broke that you're mooching at a reunion, and you still act all high and mighty?"

Madeline was clearly loving that everyone was ganging up on me, but she pretended to be generous, pulling a wad of cash from her wallet. "Fine, I'll just give you the money straight up. Happy now?"

Fed up, I shot my hand out and pushed the cash away.

But Madeline, with a fake gasp, purposely let go. The bills fluttered like confetti, raining down all over the floor.

She immediately started playing the victim, pouting. "I was just trying to be nice. Why do you have to be so aggressive?"

Victor's face went completely dark.

He shot me a look full of disappointment and pure disgust. "Charlotte, just look at yourself. So malicious and spiteful. Serves you right! Everything you're suffering now? You totally had it coming."

Then everyone started chiming in to help Madeline put me down.

One of my old classmates even yanked out some cash and flung it at my face. "What a beggar. You just showed up to freeload, didn't you? Take the money and get lost. You're dirtying up Mr. Jennings' place."

Another guy reached over and brushed his hand against my cheek. "You look a little rough, but with a face like that, you could be a knockout."

He leered, sidling closer, his arm snaking toward my waist. "Want me to hook you up? If you're willing to do whatever it takes, you'll be loaded in no time—"

Before I could even react, the guy suddenly howled in pain and collapsed to the floor.

I looked up, stunned. Victor had taken him down.

"You think you can pull this crap in public?" Victor snapped, his voice tight with anger. "Lay a finger on her again, and I'm calling the cops."

He moved to shield me, standing firm between me and the hostile crowd.

But when he glanced back at me, his eyes were still full of disdain, like he couldn't stand the sight of me.

I was thrown off.

Just as I was about to ask why he bothered sticking up for me, a commotion from the hall entrance made everyone turn and look.