Chapter 13 A Drink to Let Go
Chandler wasn’t actually going to hit Gillian.
He didn’t hit women.
But Gillian had crossed his line one too many times, and he had to teach her a lesson.
“Mrs. Stephenson!” Chandler’s voice was ice–cold.
Just because you brought your daughter back doesn’t mean spoiling her solves everything.
“If you don’t teach her some discipline, someone else will.
“And when others step in, the lesson might not be so kind.”
The blatant threat drained all the color from Gillian’s face.
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The Oxbreach skyline was famous across all of Sinover, but sitting in the car, Clarissa had no interest in
it at all.
Images flashed through her mind–Gillian clinging to Chandler outside the Stephenson residence like they were inseparable, and the two of them passionately kissing at Splendid Garden the other day.
Her eyes flickered with a mix of sarcasm and something harder to define–sadness.
Emily was driving, glancing at her now and then, but the heavy, gloomy atmosphere around Clarissa kept her from saying anything.
Still, she couldn’t help but worry.
As they slowed to a stop at another red light, Emily’s gaze shifted toward her again.
The next second, Clarissa, who had been leaning her head against the window, suddenly turned to face her.
Their eyes met.
Emily gave an awkward smile.
“Clarissa… are you okay?”
She’d seen what happened in front of the Stephenson residence.
She hadn’t expected it–Chandler and Gillian couldn’t even wait until the divorce was final before openly hugging like that right in front of the house.
Clarissa’s expression was calm.
“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well, good then, Emily said, not daring to push it further.
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Chapter 13 A Drink to Let Go
As the light turned green, she started the car again..
“By the way, the group heard about your divorce. They’re throwing a little get–together at Retro 83 Lounge. They said they want to celebrate with you. Are you going?
“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?” Clarissa nodded.
A drink sounded pre good right about now.
“Great!” Emily grinned and immediately took a turn.
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Clarissa and Emily had a circle of friends, most of whom she’d met back when she was still the beloved Stephensons daughter.
Some had drifted away after the whole fake–heiress scandal, others stayed on the sidelines, and only a few. like Emily, had stuck by her.
But honestly, Clarissa didn’t keep in touch with them much anymore.
After all… her status wasn’t the same as it used to be.
But right now, Clarissa didn’t care about the usual worries.
She just wanted to let loose for once.
The car pulled up in front of Retro 83 Lounge. A valet in uniform jogged over, and when he saw Emily, he grinned wide.
“Ms. Wood.”
His eyes flicked past Emily and landed on Clarissa. He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “Ms. Stephenson.
Clarissa smirked bitterly.
See, that’s reality.
Retro 83 Lounge was one of the most exclusive member–only bars in Oxbreach.
The people who came here were, at the very least, rich kids,
Membership was hard to come by–it wasn’t the type you could get just by spending enough money. Being able to frequent this place was a subtle status symbol.
Back when she was still the Stephensons’s precious daughter, Clarissa had been a member, too.
But now.
Shaking off those thoughts, Clarissa followed Emily inside.
They always booked the big private rooms for group gatherings, so the two of them headed straight back.
Opening the door, they were greeted by a rowdy crowd, having way too much fun.
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froze for about two seconds when they caw Clarices
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Chapter 13 A Drink to Let Go
Then a figure rushed over and pulled her into a hug
“Clarissa!”
It was Lara Morton, probably the only one besides Emily who’d stayed close to Clarissa
When Clarissa’s fake–heiress scandal came out, the distanced herself from everyone except Emily
It had been a long time since she’d seen Lara
Now, hugging Clarissa tightly, Lara’s eyes reddened with emotion.
“Clarissa, are you doing okay?” She’d been worried sick after hearing about Clarissa’s kidnapping
Clarissa, not quite used to the sudden affection, gently pried Lara’s arms off her. Im fine”
“I heard from Emily that you’re divorcing Chandler. Is that true? Lars asked cautiously, afraid Clarissa might think she was hitting a sore spot.
Luckily, Clarissa didn’t seem to mind. She nodded, straightforward. “Yeah, it’s true”
“Thank God! I always thought Chandler wasn’t good enough for you!”
Everyone in their circle knew about Chandler and Gillian
They’d been madly in love once.
Then, because of Gillian’s background, Melanie had broken them up, and Clarissa had been the lucky one to marry Chandler.
The irony, though, was that later it turned out Gillian was the real daughter of the Stephensons, and Clarissa had been the one switched at birth.
Chandler and Gillian’s drama became the talk of the entire social scene.
When Gillian came back, basking in fame and fortune as a rising star, everyone assumed she and Chandler would rekindle their romance and get back together.
As Clarissa’s friends, they’d always felt Chandler was the worst–just the absolute epitome of a scumbag
