192 A Rival’s Return and a Shocking Proposition
192 A Rival’s Return and a Shocking Proposition
“Divorced after three months, I confirmed as Charlotte and I settled into a corner booth at Cora’s favorite upscale restaurant. “The marriage was a mistake from the
start.”
“It was just cold at the airport, I said dismissively.
“That’s so generous of you, Fiona. We’ll take you up on that offer.”
Cora and Charlotte exchanged knowing glances.
“Get a donor, have a baby, secure your legacy,” Cora said matter–of–factly. “You don’t need a husband for that.”
“The divorce, yes. The Sebastian situation, not yet.”
Cora started to rise, but I placed a hand on her arm.
Cora beamed with pride. “The Stellaris has been my life’s work. Though now I’m enjoying this fashion venture with our talented designer here.”
Cora raised an eyebrow. “Sebastian gave you his coat? That’s progress.”
“There are no coincidences with Sebastian Sinclair,” Cora said. “That man has been planning his moves around you for months.”
had
My former university rival looked dramatically different–plastic surgery sharpened her features, and her previously mousy brown hair was now platinum blonde.
“That’s… not something I’ve considered,” I said carefully.
“She’s thinking about Sebastian, Cora declared triumphantly.
It took me a moment to recognize her. “Fiona Xu.”
“I’m not,” I lied.
“So,” Cora said, turning to me after the waiter left, “have you told her everything?” hello to an old classmate. I heard about your divorce and She smirked. “Just a your family’s… financial adjustments.”
192 A Rival’s Return and a Shocking Proposition.
Charlotte leaned forward eagerly. “Sebastian situation? Is that whose coat you were
wearing?”
“Are you?” Fiona’s eyes raked over me, assessing. “Word is you’ve gone from heiress to struggling designer pretty quickly. Must be humbling”
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, sliding into the booth beside me. She extended her hand to Charlotte. “Cora Cadwell, Hazel’s new business partner and old friend.”
My cheeks burned. “That’s ridiculous. He’s not interested in me that way?
“A child,” Cora repeated calmly, spearing a piece of her salad. “You’re thirty–one,
would inherit everything if something successful, and single. Your toxic family would inherit everything if something happened to you.”
Charlotte studied me with shrewd eyes. “You’re thinking about someone specific as a potential father, aren’t you?”
“I haven’t had time to update my will,” I admitted. The thought of Harold and Tanya getting their hands on anything of mine made me feel physically ill.
“It’s impossible anyway,” I said firmly. “Someone like Sebastian wouldn’t want-”
The restaurant had grown quieter, neighboring tables subtly listening to our exchange. This was a calculated public humiliation.
## Hazel’s POV
The sneering voice cut through our conversation like a knife. I looked up to see a woman standing beside our table, her face perfectly made up, her body draped in designer clothing that screamed new money.
felt heat rise to my cheeks. “Yes.”
I stiffened. News of my father’s company collapse had made business headlines last month.
“Jesus,” Charlotte whispered. “That’s beyond soap opera drama.”
An image of Sebastian flashed unbidden through my mind–his gentle smile, his protective nature. What would our child look like? The thought stunned me with its clarity and immediacy. I shook my head, trying to dislodge the absurd notion.
192 A Rival’s Return and a Shocking Proposition
“Leave me for my dying stepsister and then try to win me back when he realized he’d been played?” I supplied dryly, taking a sip of water.
After our appetizers arrived, Cora abruptly changed the subject. “Have you considered having a child, Hazel?”
Our drinks arrived, providing a welcome distraction from my embarrassment. We ordered our meals, and I steered the conversation toward Charlotte’s life in Paris.
Charlotte looked ready to throw her drink, and Cora was visibly seething. They waited for my response, expecting me to put Fiona in her place with a cutting remark.
“We ran into each other there. Complete coincidence.”
Both women stared at me in disbelief.
The waiter appeared, taking our drink orders–sparkling water for me, wine for Cora and Charlotte.
“What do you want, Fiona?” I asked wearily.
A familiar voice called my name, and I looked up to see Cora Cadwell approaching our table. Her sleek black pantsuit and confident stride turned several heads in the restaurant.
“Are you blind?” Charlotte asked. “The man gave you his coat. Men don’t just give away expensive overcoats to women they’re not interested in.”
“Charlotte Davis,” my former roommate replied, shaking Cora’s hand. “I’ve heard wonderful things about your boutique hotel.”
Fiona laughed. “Always so dignified. That’s why it was so delicious watching you fall.” She gestured to our table. “Let me pick up your check tonight. Consider it my treat to an old… friend in need.”
Charlotte’s eyes were still wide with disbelief. “But you and Alistair were together for six years! How does someone just…” She waved her hands, searching for words.
Instead, I smiled serenely and looked directly into her eyes.
“Well, well, well. Hazel Shaw eating in a restaurant she can actually afford. Times have changed.”
192 A Rival’s Return and a Shocking Proposition
“I’ve always been a designer first, Fiona,” I replied evenly. “My circumstances have changed, but I haven’t.
“I’m doing fine, thank you,” I said coldly.
“Airport?” Cora asked.
“Trust me, living through it was worse than any soap opera,” I said.
I choked on my water. “Excuse me?”
“Surprised I clean up so well?” she asked, noting my stare. “Not all of us were born with your natural beauty, but money fixes everything.”
I’d given her the condensed version during our drive from the airport, but clearly the reality hadn’t fully sunk in yet.
Charlotte nodded slowly. “She’s not wrong. Your father and stepmother are still legally your next of kin, right?”
